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The Ministry Of The Gideons, And 2 Billion Bibles

On September 14, 1898, two men checked in at the Central House Hotel in Boscobel, Wisconsin, USA. Because the hotel was booked solid that night two total strangers agreed to share a room with two beds. It was soon discovered that they were both Christians and wanted to spend some time in the Bible and prayer before going to bed. As a result the two men felt led of God to a ministry of traveling professional and business people. Thus was born The Gideons. Talk about a divine encounter!

The Gideons International, which was founded in 1899, chose its name based on the story of Gideon in Judges 6-7. These two chapters deal with Gideon and only 300 men who defeated the Midianites by being obedient to God’s commands. Besides placing Bibles in hotel rooms, they are also distributed to first responders, prisoners, military personnel, students 5th grade and above, hospitals, convalescent homes, medical offices, and domestic violence shelters. The organization is based in Nashville, TN. There are over 270,000 members and auxiliary, who have given out over 2 billion Bibles and New Testaments.

Why is the Bible so important to get out to people? It is the only manuscript inspired by God backed up by 100 percent accuracy of fulfilled prophecy written thousands of years ago, much of which is being realized in our current world events. It was written by 40 different inspired authors over a span of 1500 years, but all 66 books have a cohesiveness and common themes from beginning to end. They show how God has been in control of history, and how he has intervened in the events of humanity.  Things in the Bible literally happened, supported by archeological digs that unearthed remains of history dating back to Bible times.

Most important is that the Bible tells who the real Jesus of Nazareth is, and the way of eternal salvation. It provides hope, peace, security, and stability, in this troubled world. If humanity had  followed the teachings of the Bible down through history there would not be all the problems we see in the world today. Millions, maybe billions of lives, have been transformed by accepting the truth within its pages.

If you are not a Christian, next time to see a Gideon Bible (make sure it is a Gideon, because there are other books of deception being placed in hotel rooms), or other public venues, open it up and read the following verses: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10, 10:13, Ephesians 2:8-9, and Acts 4:12. Also read the Gospel of John, paying particular attention to the claims Jesus said about himself.

If you have interest in becoming a member of The Gideons, or desire to distribute Bibles, go online to Gideons International. There are contact numbers and forms to fill out. One big requirement is that you must be a part of a religious denomination that follows the inspired teachings of only the Bible, no other source, and does not follow teachings of other so-called “inspired” religious leaders or founders.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Gideons International | Let’s spread the good news

About John Clark

John Livingston Clark is 75 years of age and lives in central Washington State (USA). He majored in vocal music at San Diego State University. He is also a graduate of Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon (USA). He went into the writing field at the age of 50 to pursue his dream of becoming a published author. He has the pleasure of using his God-given gift of writing to write articles for the bottom line ministries. His articles can also be read on www.faithwriters.com.

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2 comments

  1. remember the gideons coming to my school and giving out pocket nts.. i had mine for many years
    many were discarded… how sad.. but some seed fell on good ground

    keith

  2. I remember when my family and I would go on summer vacations, when we stayed in hotels along the way of our destination, I loved seeing Gideon’s Bible on the nightstand. My mom and dad would read it together as me and my siblings went to sleep.
    Nice story John
    God Bless~

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