Our Story
Founded on December 3, 1942, The Lockman Foundation emerged from the vision of Dewey and Minna Lockman, who donated their citrus ranch in La Habra, California, to create a nonprofit dedicated to Christian evangelism, education, and benevolence. The Foundation began its impactful journey by establishing a summer Bible school program for children, reaching out to communities across California from 1944 to 1946.
Recognizing the importance of children's ministry, The Lockman Foundation pioneered the Christian Time Released Education program, allowing over 20,000 grade school children to receive religious instruction during school hours. This innovative approach laid the groundwork for future educational initiatives.
In the years that followed, The Lockman Foundation made significant strides in Bible translation, culminating in the publication of the New American Standard Bible (NASB) in 1971. This translation quickly became the number one selling Bible in America by 1977, reflecting the overwhelming desire for a modern, literal, and accurate translation of the Scriptures.
Continuing its mission, The Lockman Foundation has produced several translations in various languages, including the Korean Standard Bible, New Chinese Bible, and New Hindi Bible, ensuring that God's Word reaches diverse communities worldwide. The Foundation remains committed to updating the NASB to reflect modern English and the latest biblical scholarship, with the most recent update completed in 2020.
In 2021, the Legacy Standard Bible was completed, further enhancing the legacy of the NASB and its commitment to accuracy and clarity in Scripture. The Lockman Foundation's work continues to impact lives and communities through its dedication to evangelism, education, and the distribution of Bibles.