The first Via magazine was published in 1971. A number of Christians believed that there was a need for a small, attractive magazine with a clear gospel message.
Eddie Gould, from Kenora, ON, and Ernie Jeffries, from Portage la Prairie, MB, called a meeting in Winnipeg to discuss the possibilities for such a magazine. It was decided to have 10,000 copies of the first magazine printed.
Since then 250,000 to 350,000 copies of an English VIA Magazine have been printed each year. Most of these magazines have been distributed in North America, the United Kingdom and Australia. There have also been Spanish VIA Magazines printed and one in the French language.