Inspiration

In the fall of 1988 Mr. Ben DeRegt and Mr. Morris Thalen, both of Chilliwack, B.C., joined The Bible League of Canada’s sponsored ministry tour to the country of India.

During this 12-day tour, they learned about the history, culture, religion and economic situation of the people in India. Through actual field trips, they also visited and witnessed the new emerging Christian churches, established as a result of the working relationship between The Bible League of Canada and India Bible Literature (in India).

Before this ministry group left India, they took part in a discussion amoung themselves in which they faced the question: “How can I be an instrument in God’s hand to help the people in India?”

That question remained with them and did not leave them alone after they had returned home to Canada. Early in 1989 Mr. Ben DeRegt and Mr. Morris Thalen invited Rev. John Klomps, the then Director of The Bible League of Canada, to meet with them in Chilliwack to discuss concrete ways and means to implement a Christian answer to the question: “How can I….?”

Simple Beginnings

Following hours of discussion and examining various options and possibilities, it was agreed to look into the area of building homes, with the profit of such activity dedicated to Bible distribution work in India. A second area of real interest was the establishment of thrift stores, because it could involve many Christians in prayer and in actual service.

Out of this discussion came the following direction. With the assistance of a local lawyer and a local accountant, an application was registered with the British Columbia Government for the establishment of the BIBLES FOR MISSIONS HOLDING SOCIETY. This was granted. Bibles for Missions Holding Society received standing with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency as a registered charity in Canada.

A Board was formed and a set of guidelines was developed which spelled out the working relationship between Bibles for Missions Holdings Society and The Bible League of Canada.

In May of 1989, the first Thrift Store was opened in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. Since then 21 such Thrift Stores have been established throughout Canada.

Reorganization

In 1999, after growing to 21 stores, it was decided at the Annual General Meeting that Bibles For Missions Holding Society required some reorganization, including its registration with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and how the individual stores relate to the Bibles for Missions Holding Society as a National Body. They solicited the help of Casey Langbroek, C.G.A. of Langbroek, Louwerse & Thiessen, Certified General Accountants. It was Mr. Langbroek’s job to review the direction of the Society and prepare recommendations. Through questionnaires, round table discussions and Directors’ Meetings, it was recommended that reorganization would take place with the development of Constitutions, By-laws and Handbook, together with the registering of individual stores and Bibles For Missions Holdings Society with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. The reorganization was discussed and received support at the October 2000 Annual General Meetings which was held in Maple Ridge, B.C.  The reorganization was finalized at the Annual General Meeting held in Hamilton, Ontario in May 2001.

Today the focus has not changed. We have adopted a new strategic plan to grow our organization from the 32 stores we have today to 60 stores by the year 2012. Many things have changed since Bibles For Missions’ beginning, the primary goal remains the same, namely to have a group of Christians in a certain area operate a Thrift Store with proceeds dedicated to The Bible League of Canada’s ministry bringing the lost to Christ and into His Church through the careful placement of His Word.