Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Gideons Share God’s Word

“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink -- even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk -- it’s all free!” -- Isaiah 55:1

Did you receive a Gideon Bible when you were in elementary school? I did. It’s one of those little Bibles that fit in the palm of your hand. Mine is red. I still have it. The men who gave them to us were nice and smiling. I have no idea who they were but I remember that day. How about you?

Years later I came to notice that most every hotel room had a Gideon Bible, usually placed in the nightstand drawer. I’ve spent time reading the various ones I encountered in my travels. The Gideons placed the first Bible in a hotel room in 1908 in Montana. I am grateful that these Bibles are there, open to anyone who dares to open and hear God’s Word.

Last year the Gideons distributed more than a million Bibles to American servicemen. They provide Bibles in 93 different languages in 190 countries. Their mission is to reach the lost. And they do a remarkably good job.

Pastor Rob mentioned that one of the men who went with their group on a recent mission trip to Ecuador is a Gideon. The man took Bibles with him to distribute wherever they went.

Oh, the stories the Gideons can tell. The way one Bible can reach so very many people. How one life touched can then multiply outward into the world. Because you never know when someone is going to reach out to God and end up accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

They tell about visiting the country jail last week and distributing Bibles. They tell of the hospital room where one woman shared a Gideon Bible with another. They tell of the signatures at the back of the Bibles, each one a heart given over to Jesus.

The Gideons have distributed more than 1.6 billion Bibles since the organization was founded in 1899. It’s the oldest association of Christian businessmen and professional men in the United States. And, by God’s grace, it’s still going strong.

Last Sunday was Gideon Sunday at our church. It’s the one day of the year where we invite a Gideon to come and tell us about their organization. We are reminded yet again of the dedicated group of men who devote their time and efforts to provide free Bibles to the lost. God’s Word for everyone. What a blessed ministry this is!