WHMI was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1977 after several years of active ministry by founders, Dr. Harold Davis and his wife, Frances. From the beginning, the singular focus has been engaging in the work of the Great Commission, a focus that has never changed. During those early years, the ministry trained and mobilized individuals from the United States to evangelize around the world. By the mid-1990s, WHMI began to develop long-term relationships with the citizens of various countries. As WHMI continued its work, they began to see the great need of pastors to have theological training--this, too, is part of the Great Commission. In 2011, WHMI launched its Bible Institute as a full-time operation.
Harold Davis grew up in Austin (Texas) and trusted Jesus as his Savior when he was a boy. In 1953, he married Frances Cardwell, his life-long partner in ministry. Harold was a graduate of Baylor University (B.A.) and Texas Tech University (M.Ed.). He was also awarded the Doctor of Political Science and the Doctor of Laws from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
He served in various churches across Texas in both education and music ministry. He returned to Austin in 1964 to start a business; his goal was to earn money to help advance missions around the world. Harold was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, serving Burnet and Travis Counties (1968-1972).
In 1975, Harold led a group to begin World Hope Foundation. This was the beginning of World Hope Ministries International. Harold mobilized numerous teams to go to Japan, Korea, and other parts of the world. Through this ministry, thousands of people around the world heard and believed the gospel of Jesus Christ. He took such joy in seeing WHMI continue to grow and develop.
We praise the Lord for the faithfulness of Harold and Frances and for their life-long dedication to expanding the work of World Hope Ministries International. His son, Dr. Dwight Davis, along with his siblings have all stayed vitally connected to this work over the years. Harold and Frances' granddaughter, Jessica Davis Mauro, now serves on the WHMI Board of Directors. Near the end of his journey on this earth, Dr. Davis saw the potential of WHMI's future: "I believe the Bible Institute will go down in the halls of Christian history as one of the greatest movements of the 21st century." May it be so.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
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