This year, CLC International celebrates 85 years of God’s faithfulness.
In 1941, during the uncertainty and hardship of the Second World War, Ken and Bessie Adams stepped out in faith to begin what would become Christian Literature Crusade (CLC). They believed deeply in the power of God’s Word to transform lives and in the importance of making Christian literature available to people everywhere. With very limited resources but great trust in the Lord, they laid foundations that would eventually grow into an international ministry serving across many nations and cultures.
What began as a small ministry in wartime Britain has grown into a global movement serving in 42 countries around the world through bookshops, publishing, mentoring national authors, wholesale distribution, websites, conferences, bookmobiles and many other ministries. Over these 85 years, millions of Bibles, Christian books, evangelistic resources and children’s materials have reached people in many languages and cultures.
Yet the story of CLC has never simply been about books. It has always been about people and about the Gospel.
Generation after generation, thousands of men and women have faithfully served in CLC—often sacrificially and quietly
—as booksellers, warehouse workers, accountants, publishers, translators, managers, National Directors, trustees and volunteers. Through their dedication, humility, perseverance and passion for the Gospel, countless lives have been touched by the message of Christ.
Having visited CLC teams in many countries around the world, one of the things that has deeply impressed me is the number of CLC workers who have served faithfully for decades. Many have literally dedicated their lives to this ministry, embracing its mission, vision and core values with remarkable commitment. Their faithfulness, often unseen by others, has become one of the great strengths of CLC and part of the spiritual foundation on which the ministry continues to grow today.
At the same time, one of the great encouragements today is seeing many young men and women joining CLC around the world. They bring fresh energy, creativity, technical skills and a renewed passion for mission. As the world changes rapidly, this new generation is helping CLC engage new audiences through publishing, digital outreach, websites, social media, children’s literature, special literature events and creative ministry opportunities.