Our History

Over 50 years of faithful ministry

Our Journey

A Legacy of Faith

For the past 50 years, BMI staff have been self-supporting in proclaiming the Word of God through various avenues—literature, radio, and TV. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit religious educational organization (EIN: 23-2733992).

At our core, we equip believers to study God's Word for themselves through interactive Bible study tools, weekly teaching programs, and devotional content. We create spaces for genuine connection through community gatherings where people share honestly about life's challenges and find hope together.

This Biblical foundation now extends beyond teaching to include compassionate listening for those needing spiritual support. We're also developing partnerships to restore God's creation through environmental stewardship and facilitate upward mobility for our most vulnerable neighbors.

1974
Ernst and Lindy von Harringa began their ministry journey with Encounter With Christ, a parachurch organization focused on campus outreach. Lindy, at just 19 years old, dove into editing publications and coordinating conferences. It was here that she met Ernst, and they married in 1978.
1974-2002
For nearly three decades, the couple served with various parachurch organizations, gaining invaluable experience in ministry, publishing, and biblical education. Their work included print materials, radio broadcasts, and television programming.
2002
Ernst and Lindy felt called to establish Bible Ministries International—a nonprofit singularly focused on biblical literacy without denominational constraints. The organization was founded on the principle of "freely ye have received, freely give," ensuring all resources would remain accessible to everyone.
2002-Present
BMI has grown from print materials and radio broadcasts into a comprehensive 24/7 Internet ministry. Through BiblicalTools.org, we now provide Bible study tools, Scripture set to music broadcasting continuously, live seminars, and educational programming—all completely free. Our mission has expanded to include compassionate outreach through OpenEars, environmental stewardship initiatives, and support for vulnerable communities.
Today
Bible Ministries International continues to advance biblical literacy worldwide through our online platform, reaching people across the globe with free resources designed to deepen understanding of God's Word. We remain committed to our founding vision: helping people encounter Christ through Scripture.