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"How God Has Been Building CBM Since 1935" — What began with a small group of missionaries teaching Bible lessons to children has grown into a network of camps, missionaries, Released Time programs, training initiatives, church partnerships, and international ministry. The mission has never changed: teaching God's Word to children and youth.
In 1935, a burden for children and a commitment to God's Word gave birth to a ministry that would eventually reach across the United States and around the world. Yet the mission has never changed: Teaching God's Word to children and youth. For nearly a century, God has used ordinary people who simply said "yes" to His calling.
Walter and Marie Jensen helped establish what would become Children's Bible Ministries through Bible lessons, Scripture memory work, and outreach to public school children. Early camps were established in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, laying the foundation for future growth.
Under George Curtice's leadership, CBM expanded rapidly across multiple states. During this period, the ministry grew from 8 missionaries to approximately 80 missionaries and was reaching an estimated 350,000 boys and girls each month through public school ministry.
This era saw the development of many of the ministry tools and locations that would shape CBM for decades to come, including:
Like many long-standing ministries, CBM experienced seasons of both growth and difficulty. These years included major organizational restructuring, legal challenges involving public school ministry, headquarters relocation, new partnerships and ministry opportunities, and the development of stronger governance structures. Through each challenge, God continued to preserve and strengthen the ministry.
The purchase of Tuckaleechee Retreat Center in 2000 marked a major turning point. What began as two buildings and 50 acres would eventually become the ministry's Global Headquarters and training center. During this period, new cabins and facilities were built, Camp Grace opened, Camp Red Arrow joined the ministry, and additional ministry properties were acquired.
What began as a ministry focused primarily on the United States now serves internationally while continuing to invest heavily in training future Gospel workers.
CBM founded
Camp Gilead established
National Office established
New Life Camp purchased
Camp Victory opened
First Released Time Bible program
Bible Mailbox Club introduced
50th Anniversary
Tuckaleechee Retreat Center purchased — CBM Global Headquarters established
Camp Grace opened
Internship Program launched
Camp Ozone acquired
First overseas missionary sent
CBM of the United Kingdom established • CBM of Honduras joins CBM
Additional 50 acres acquired adjacent to headquarters
Missionary Training Center opens
The history of Children's Bible Ministries is ultimately not a story about buildings, programs, or organizational growth. It is a story of God's faithfulness.
For nearly a century, God has used ordinary people who said "yes." The mission remains the same: teaching God's Word to children and youth and equipping others to do the same.