The beginnings of Insight for Living Canada trace back to a small Bible-study group whose vision helped pave the way for the ministry in Canada. After hearing the Bible teaching of Charles R. Swindoll, the group were convinced that Canadians should have access to the same clear and practical teaching on the radio. Their leadership and initiative opened the door for this ministry to reach audiences across the country.
This vision first touched the hearts of newlyweds Bob and Renae Kuhn. Even in the early years of their marriage, they devoted themselves to the Word of God. About five or six years into their marriage, they started a routine of visiting Renae’s family in and around the Portland, Oregon area. During every visit, Renae’s mom would have them listen with her to her favourite programs on Portland’s Christian radio station, 93.9 KPDQ. She was especially excited to share with them a newer program, initially called New Standard for Living, Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s Bible-teaching broadcast. Through that program, God sparked inspiration into Bob and Renae’s hearts.
Renae’s mom gave them some of Pastor Chuck’s sermon series cassette tapes to take across the border to listen to at home. For months, they used these tapes in their home Bible-study group.
“It was GREAT!” writes Renae. Bob describes how “[their] small Bible-study group began studying, praying through, and applying the biblical truth that God brought to [them] when [they] needed it most.” They especially loved that “Chuck would not preach if he could not laugh, sharing his joy and wonderful sense of humour in a way that makes the Scriptures winsome.”
When the group realized Pastor Chuck’s sermons were broadcast only in the United States, the same question crossed each member’s mind: Why not Canada? They would not let that thought evaporate into nothing. So, they nominated Bob, who practiced law, to write a letter to the newly minted Insight for Living Ministries (IFLM) in Fullerton, California. Bob offered to help incorporate a Canadian “outpost” of the ministry.
Impatient for a response, he placed a call shortly after he sent his letter and was connected to one of IFLM’s vice presidents, who seemed very enthusiastic but did not know anything about Canadian law, demographics, or ministry potential. Bob and the others in the small group offered to help by enlisting the support of several individuals who would serve as founding members of IFLM Canada’s Board of Directors.
By the end of 1984, God had done a great thing. IFLM Canada was a Canadian-registered charity committed to spreading God’s Word through several US border radio stations beaming into Canada. Soon after, with the support of IFLM’s main office, Bob and the other founders witnessed IFLM Canada take root and make an impact in Canadian culture. From the first day until now, Bob has served as the chairman of the board.
Each time God begins a great work, He does not abandon it to run on its own. With the heart of a shepherd, He carefully tends to what He has started. You have likely experienced this in your own life. In His wisdom, the Great Shepherd raises up faithful leaders—people with vision, initiative, and courage—to sustain a great work. That is exactly what He did with Insight for Living Canada, raising up Canadian leaders whose bold initiative brought this ministry to the nation and laid a foundation for countless lives to be touched by God’s Word.
Canada became the first of many countries outside the United States to receive Chuck Swindoll’s daily broadcast. What began as a small, faithful step has grown into a ministry that now spans the nation and reaches thousands of people each day. Only God could have known the impact this ministry would have, yet He faithfully orchestrated every step—and continues to do so today.
This article is adapted from The Lord Has Done Great Things on Insight for Living Canada’s website.
