Gideons International
Our aim throughout the world is to witness for Jesus Christ, ensuring the word of
God is known to as many people as possible. As part of this strategy we place Bibles
in hotels, on board ships, universities, elderly people’s homes, prisons and in doctors’
and dentists’ waiting rooms - in other words, where they may be found and by the
Holy Spirit¹s leading, read. We also present New Testaments to school pupils in
their first secondary year, to members of the emergency services and to doctors,
nurses and other hospital staff.
‘Go and make disciples of all nations’ Matt 28.19
We started in America in 1899 but have grown to such an extent that we now have Gideons
in 176 countries of the world placing scriptures in 70 different languages at an
astonishing rate of nearly 110 every minute world wide. In Britain alone we place
approximately 940,000 scriptures per year.
And what did Disraeli say about statistics? In a Christian magazine I hardly dare
say, but let¹s look beyond mere statistics and consider the many people who have
had their lives changed as a result of picking up a Bible in a hotel room or receiving
a New Testament. The following are just a few snippets of testimonies from many hundreds
that flood into our headquarters:-
‘I read your Gideon testament and found it hard to put down. Through the Bible I
committed my life to Christ.’
‘It was there when I needed it. This book was my salvation’
And from a hospital patient:-
‘Thank you for the spiritual uplift and calming influence I have received through
your gift.’
For many readers a Gideon Bible has saved them from committing suicide.
Many of the countries in which we are to be found are very poor compared to the British
Isles, and it is our policy to send overseas one scripture for each one placed in
the British Isles. In some countries, a Gideon Bible may be the only book a person
will ever own.
If money is given towards the work by friends or churches, every penny is used for
the purchasing of scriptures. All administrative charges are paid for by Gideons
themselves.
‘For the Lord and for Gideon’. These were the words used by the soldiers of Gideons
army of only 300 men who, with the Lord¹s help, routed the Midianite thousands using
torches, ewers and very primitive trumpets. In the Gideon emblem can be seen the
flame of the torch, the ewer and a bell of a trumpet represented by the outer circle.
We are sometimes referred to as an arm of the church. Prayer support from Christian
friends is vital if we are not to become just an amputated limb. ‘Friends of the
Gideons’ are people who have promised to pray for us and support us financially if
and when possible. Each person receives a quarterly magazine called Gideon News.
We believe it is well worth the effort, for God promises in Isaiah 55.11 that ‘His
word will not return to Him empty but will achieve that purpose for which He sent
it’.
Here is one item of further information. Crack the code first.
Fhcdnmr gzud addm hm aqhszhm rhmbd 1949.
Please pray for us as we continue our endeavour to carry out this important work
to which the Lord has called us.
