About Bible
League International
Mission and Vision

Mission of Bible League

Serving the under-resourced Church with Bibles and training to transform lives worldwide through God’s Word.

Vision for the Future

We desire to see thriving local churches around the world offering salvation, life change, and hope through biblically-based training and resources that meet the spiritual, moral, and social needs of their communities.

Statement of Faith

Bible League International offices and staff worldwide adhere to this statement of faith, established by the National Association of Evangelicals.

  1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
  2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
  4. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
  5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
  6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
  7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Core Values

Bible League’s Leadership Philosophy

Prayer – Our relationship with Jesus Christ

Bible League began with a prayer and today, more than 80 years later, prayer and our commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior remain the firm foundation upon which our leaders act. We instill a culture that is focused on prayer and rooted in Scripture, and spiritual leadership is at the very center of leaders’ responsibilities at Bible League International.

Calling – God’s call into His work

God called Bible League’s founder, William Chapman, to start this ministry. He has also called our employees around the world to use their God-given gifts and abilities to help fulfill the Great Commission as they serve Him here at Bible League International. We recognize the importance of God’s calling. This ministry is His work, and we do it for His glory.

Service – Serving God and others

Bible League employees are called to serve. Those whose positions are higher on the organizational chart are expected to serve more. In Mark 10:43, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be your leader must be willing to serve the rest of you.” Everyone is made in the image of God and must be treated with dignity and respect. Building relationships is an essential part of a leader’s service. It includes assisting direct reports, taking appropriate action whenever necessary, and recognizing that no task is too menial.

Unity – Working together in unity

Although Bible League is a diverse global organization, we are united by the mission and vision we share—we work together as part of the body of Christ, providing Bibles and training to fulfill the Great Commission. Our leaders encourage the participation of everyone within this organization and ensure that all perspectives are heard and respected. Doing so expands our thinking, fuels innovation, and creates a stronger, more effective organization.

Integrity – In line with God’s Word in word and deed

Bible League’s leaders create a culture of integrity—they do the right thing even when it is not acknowledged or convenient. Through their character and actions, our leaders demonstrate that they are fully aligned with Bible League’s values and philosophies. They are honest and trustworthy in their day-to-day activities and in their management of Bible League resources. They also promote a culture of accountability through their own transparency and teamwork.

Vision – A Christ-centered hope and perspective

Bible League’s leaders cast the vision for the organization and clearly communicate that vision to staff around the world. This ensures that every employee understands how he or she contributes to the direction and goals of the organization. Inspired by the vision we share, those across the organization are united in their efforts, remain focused on the mission, and think strategically.

From Bible League’s bylaws

  1. We believe this ministry belongs to God.
  2. We believe the world needs a relationship with Jesus Christ, God’s Word, more than anything.
  3. We believe integrity is the foundation of all our decisions and actions.
  4. We believe we are accountable to God and people to steward wisely the resources God entrusts to us.
  5. We believe that building strong relationships with our colleagues, ministry partners, donors, and vendors is essential to the fulfillment of our ministry commitments.
  6. We believe that all our employees should be valued and respected.
  7. We believe our employees should be encouraged in their faith-walk and professional growth and development.
  8. We believe that innovation and adaptability are essential for efficient and effective ministry.
History

“In 1936 I became seriously ill and landed in a hospital in Chicago. An elder from my church came to visit me and prayed that my life might be spared and that I would be led into the service of Christ.

At the time, it seemed a strange prayer. Why should God be asked to give me health and strength for this purpose? What could I possibly do for Christ?

I came to the conclusion that this was a ridiculous prayer.

But as the night wore on toward morning, it became increasingly apparent that my elder’s prayer could not be easily forgotten. That’s when I made my commitment to God.

If God would restore my health, I would give all my strength in any avenue of service God would lead.”

These are the words of our founder, William Chapman.

In 1938, Bill and Betty Chapman purchased 100 Bibles and went door-to-door in Walkerton, Indiana. They asked, ‘Do you have a Bible?’ And if the home didn’t, ‘Will you promise to read this Bible?’

Today, Bible League International offers the hope of God’s Word, sharing Bibles, and Bible-based study and training tools with those in need of salvation. Beginning with the Chapmans’ simple act of faith, Bible League International has faithfully provided God’s Word around the world for more than 80 years.

That ridiculous prayer is being answered today.

God’s promise

Bible League International measures the success of its ministry in the lives of men, women, and children transformed through God’s Word. The effectiveness of the ministry is in equipping under-resourced local churches through training in evangelism, discipleship, and church planter training. And the strength of this ministry is seen in the blessing God promises through His Word.

We gratefully confess God has blessed Bible League International through your prayerful and generous support – your gifts provide God’s Word to the world.

Board of Directors

Bible League International’s board of directors oversees the organization’s overall ministry. The committed individuals who voluntarily serve are united in following God’s Spirit and focusing on mission effectiveness and efficiency.

Board Of Directors

Board Of Directors, left to right: Tom Van Prooyen, Daniel Chapman, Peter Lindemulder, Russell Paarlberg, Brian Dobben, Barry Huebner, Richard Brouwer, Floris Van Den Dool, Adam Reitsma, David Harvey, and Martika Gartman. Not pictured: Jan Turkenburg and Jarrod Thompson

Richard Brouwer
Saint John, IN
Russell T. Paarlberg
Secretary, Schererville, IN
Daniel A. Chapman
Chairman, Bourbonnais, IL
Adam Reitsma
Sydney, Australia
Brian Dobben
Flossmoor, IL
Jarrod Thompson
Auckland, New Zealand
Martika Gartman
Westmont, IL
Jan Turkenburg
Amersfoort, Netherlands
David Harvey
Treasurer, Crown Point, IN
Floris Van Den Dool
Almere, Netherlands
Barry Huebner
Bourbonnais, IL
Tom Van Prooyen
Vice Chairman, Saint John, IN
Peter Lindemulder
Schererville, IN
Executive Team
Jos Snoep

Jos Snoep

President and CEO

Jos Snoep currently serves as the President and CEO of Bible League International. His inspiring leadership and energetic focus on the great need to communicate God’s Word provide clear direction to Bible League International’s mission, ensures a prudent and accountable use of resources, resolute compliance with the highest ministry and government standards, and commitment to the power of God’s Word to transform lives throughout the world.

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Leanne Dekoning

Leanne deKoning

Executive Vice President of People and Culture

Leanne deKoning currently serves as Executive Vice President of People and Culture at Bible League International. Her dedication to fulfilling the needs of staff with a servant’s heart ensures employees enjoy their work environment and culture while enabling them to develop and utilize their God-given gifts, talents, and skills to their best potential. As Executive Vice President of Administration, she is responsible for the functional areas that support the employees within the ministry including: human resources, information technology, and facilities oversight and management.

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Lee Carter

Lee Carter

Executive Vice President of Scripture Engagement

Dr. Lee Carter currently serves as Executive Vice President of Scripture Engagement at Bible League International, overseeing field ministry programs, providing supervision and support, and driving long-term strategies for sustained growth for greater impact of the ministry. Carter is also responsible for effective reporting, evaluation, and improvement of ministry programs, including product and process improvements throughout Bible League International’s global reach.

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Rob Bullock

Rob Bullock

Executive Vice President of Advancement

Rob Bullock, Bible League International’s Executive Vice President of Advancement, leads efforts to engage support for global ministries. This includes strengthening relationships with the tens of thousands of people whose gifts of time, talent, and treasure make our work possible. He puts it this way, “I provide strategy and direction for an outstanding team of dedicated, creative, passionate, and professional women and men who love the Gospel and who love serving God and our partners in ministry.”

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Joe Ibatuan 1

Joe Ibatuan

Senior VP of Finance

As Senior Vice President of Finance, Joe Ibatuan combines his passions for cultures and global finance in his position supporting Bible League International’s ministry endeavors. More than a decade in global banking and five years in leadership with Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute have prepared Joe to provide strategic direction and oversight of Bible League International’s […]

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Gwendolyn Smith

Gwendolyn Smith-Brown

Executive Assistant to President and CEO

Gwendolyn Smith-Brown needs only to look to the words of Jeremiah 29:11 for inspiration. She trusts God completely as she lives in expectation of what He is going to do in her life. In December 2020, God led her to Bible League International. With more than 30 years of experience supporting those in upper management and several CEOs, Gwendolyn joined the ministry as Senior Administrative Assistant to the EVP of Advancement. Two years later, she was named Executive Assistant to the President and CEO.

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Global Leadership
Santosh Chandran

Santosh Chandran

DIRECTOR – SOUTH ASIA & PACIFIC

Santosh Chandran brings a diverse range of experience to his current role at Bible League International. While serving as a Board Member for Bible League in New Zealand and holding managerial positions in various software firms for more than a decade, Santosh always felt a calling to serve the Lord in even greater ways. His passion for sharing the Gospel led him to share his testimony and the message of salvation with top-level corporate executives.

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Lillian Mutambi

Lillian Mutambi

DIRECTOR – East Africa

From her office in Nairobi, Kenya, Director of East Africa Lillian Mutambi says how her journey to Bible League began with an all-night prayer session with fellow students in India. “A few days before I graduated from Punjab University in India, we had an all-night prayer time organized by the Christian students’ fellowship group,” she begins. “One of my prayers that night was that I would be able to use the knowledge and skills I had gained in school in a Christian environment.”

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Thobi Qinisile

Thobi Qinisile

DIRECTOR – Southern Africa

When asked what excites him about his work with Bible League International, Thobi Qinisile doesn’t hesitate. “I enjoy serving and walking alongside such a beautiful community of believers who are committed to serving in God’s mission,” he says. “I am seeing how God is igniting nations for His glory.”

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Ninoska Alegría Castillo

Ninoska Alegría Castillo

DIRECTOR – LATIN AMERICA

While serving in finance at another international ministry, Ninoska Alegría Castillo learned of Bible League starting ministry in her country. She applied and joined Bible League Nicaragua in 2004 as an Administrator-Accountant. Her work encompassed training, inventories, administration, accounting, financial, and legal tasks. Later she served as the ministry’s national director in that country for 11 years.

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Viron Karafilaj

Viron Karafilaj

DIRECTOR – Eastern Europe

It could’ve been the blue shade of the Bible League logo that inspired Viron Karafilaj to apply for a job as the global ministry’s Director of Eastern Europe. After all, his favorite color is dark blue. However, what really resonated in his heart was the ministry’s focus on God’s Word. In his own life, the Bible has the same central place, as Viron explains: “The Word of God teaches me, encourages me, advises me, reprimands me, and directs me to make the right decisions.”

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Andrew Earnshaw

Andrew Earnshaw

DIRECTOR – U.S. Ministry Engagement

Family is very important to Bible League International’s Director of U.S. Ministry, Andrew Earnshaw. When asked who his biggest inspiration is, he does not hesitate to mention his wife, Lauren, and their three young sons: Jack, Troy, and James. “I’m happily married to my best friend,” he says with a warm smile. “God’s Word truly is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. I’ve tried it my own way and it never worked; I try to follow Jesus and live the Word instead of just listening to the Word. It’s my desire for everyone around the world to experience God’s grace as I have.”

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DIRECTOR – Middle East*
DIRECTOR – East and Southeast Asia*

*Join us in thanking God that His Church in these regions of the world is growing, despite the reality of persecution in many places. Because of security concerns, we are not including the Bible League directors for these regions on our website.