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 want them. 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. Of this amount, 56.59% ($5.6 million) is provided by Mission Thrift Stores. Bible League Canada is also a part of the Forum of Bible Agencies International. 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. 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, Bible League Canada, became official in 1992. In 1994, offices were moved to Burlington, Ontario. In 2007, the organization began operating its own international ministries apart from the U.S. Bible League operations. The offices are currently located in Grimsby, Ontario. Funding The Bible League of Canada’s revenue comes from individual donors, churches, corporations, foundations, and Mission 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