Our Roots
God has blessed the work of Bible League Canada for more than 60 years. He has already worked through us to bring ministry to over 40 countries, and we are excited about where God is leading us next.
To find out how the Holy Spirit has moved across the hearts and minds of individuals and communities, visit our Stories page.
1938
Canada was rich in prosperity but poor in spirit
Canada’s economy was booming in the middle of the century. People filled their lives with material belongings, and while it looked good on the outside, something was missing. The country began to lose sight of what matters most: God and His Word. As far back as in 1938, Canadians heard about the American Home Bible League started by William and Betty Chapman in Walkerton, Indiana. This grassroots organization called on 256 homes to give out Bibles in their communities. Their work spread north of the borders and Canadians wanted to get involved. The American Home Bible League worked with Canadian churches and ministries to take Bibles door-to-door throughout the 1950s. Discouraged by a lack of success, the organization scaled back Canadian operations in 1959.
1960
New life to the mission
John and Jo Vanderboom started the Canadian Home Bible League in their bedroom with little more than a typewriter and a small file box. John became the first Canadian director in 1960 and opened the flagship office two years later.
1970
Expanding beyond Canada’s borders
With an increasingly diverse population at home, Canadians became more aware of needs beyond its own borders. Cuba was the first country the Canadian Home Bible League reached out to with a special appeal and this was the beginning of the international ministry.
1971
First property purchased
In 1971, the organization was incorporated under a Dominion Charter. The same year, the first property was purchased in Weston, Ontario to house our offices.
1980
Building unity across denominations
Vanderboom worked with a group of prominent evangelical leaders to gather endorsement for the ministry. This was the first step toward gaining the interdenominational support we enjoy today.
1984
Change of name
On December 11, 1984, the name of the organization was changed to The World Home Bible League of Canada to reflect an increasing commitment to international ministry. Doors that were closed to the gospel were opening, one by one in Eastern Europe and in the former Soviet Republic.
1985
John G. Klomps
John G. Klomps served as Executive Director from 1985 to 1997.
1992
Changing name and location
In 1992 we became The Bible League of Canada and in 1994 the offices moved to Burlington, Ontario.
1997
David Tigchlaar
David Tigchlaar served as Executive Director from 1997 to 2006.
2006
Dick Kranendonk
Dick Kranendonk served as Executive Director from 2006 to 2010.
2010
Paul Richardson
Under the leadership of our current President, Paul Richardson, the name was shortened to Bible League Canada.
2014
Bible League Canada today
399 Main Street West, Grimsby, Ontario. The current home of Bible League Canada backs on to the Niagara Escarpment.