The Bible League of Canada
Bible League Canada, founded in 1948, is a charitable organization whose mission is to place Bibles into the hands of men, women and young people who are hungry for the Living Word of God. They do this through four strategic ministry programs including church planter training, adult Bible-based literacy programs, children's ministries, and supporting Christians persecuted for their faith. The organization seeks to bring the Christian message of Jesus Christ to people around the world because they believe that when people come into a relationship with Jesus through the Bible, lives are transformed from the inside out. The organization’s total revenue for fiscal year 2011 was $9.88 million.[1] Of this amount, 56.59% ($5.6 million) is provided by Bibles for Missions Thrift Stores, Canada. Bible League Canada is also a part of the Forum of Bible Agencies International.
| Founded | 1948 |
|---|---|
| Type | Charitable organization |
| Focus | Placing Bibles, discipleship resources and training worldwide |
Area served | Africa, India, South East Asia, Eurasia, South America, Canada |
| Method | Church Planter training, Adult Bible-based literacy, children's ministry, Supporting Christians persecuted for their faith |
Revenue | CDN$9.88 million (2011) |
Employees | 28 (2011) |
| Website | www.bibleleague.ca |
History
In 1948, The Bible League of Canada began as the Canadian affiliate of the American Home Bible League. Throughout the 1950s, the affiliate organization distributed Bibles door-to-door through local churches and various outreach ministries. The organization changed in 1959 when Jo Vander Boom was appointed to manage the organization's activities. In 1960, Jo's husband, John Vander Boom, was appointed as the first Canadian director and officially changed the name of the organization to the Canadian Home Bible League in 1962.[2] In 1971, the organization was incorporated and became a legal entity separate from the American Home Bible League. The same year, an office in Weston, Ontario became the first purchased property, and an appeal for Cuba became the organization's first international project.
Vander Boom formed a group of prominent evangelical church leaders who lent their endorsements to the ministry of the Canadian Home Bible League. This action started the attainment of interdenominational support which continues to influence Bible League Canada today.
On December 11, 1984, the name of the organization was changed to the World Home Bible League of Canada, reflecting the organization's increasing commitment to international ministry. The present name, The Bible League of Canada, became official in 1992. In 1994, offices were moved to the present location in Burlington, Ontario. In 2007, the organization began operating its own international ministries apart from the U.S. Bible League operations.
Funding
The Bible League of Canada’s revenue comes from individual donors, churches, corporations, foundations, and Bibles for Missions Thrift Stores. In 2009, 90% of funds raised were sent to their ministry programs around the world, 4.5% of its funding was spent on administration and 4.5% was spent on fund raising.[3]
Activities
The Bible League of Canada provides Bibles and community training worldwide by partnering with churches and mission organizations in India, South East Asia, Eurasia, South America and Canada. The focus of the ministry involves four strategic ministry programs:
- Church Planter Training
- Adult Bible-based Literacy
- Children’s Ministry
- Support of the Persecuted Church
About
While other organizations come with water, food and education… Bible League Canada comes with the Living Word of God. When individuals come into a relationship with Jesus through His Words, lives are transformed from the inside out. This transformation impacts families and communities. The individual and community is inspired to become self-sustaining and then water, food and education are generated by the community itself.[4]