News: USA

Gideons Are Warmly Received At Schools
The blitz occurred within days of a news story that had broke about a Gideon distribution at a local school. The story centered around those who oppose Gideons exercising their First Amendment right to give out copies of God’s Word to students on public sidewalks near schools. Ironically, whether in spite of the story or because of it, record numbers of students accepted copies of God’s Word.

At one middle school, two girls asked why the Gideons were giving away New Testaments. A Gideon replied, “We want young people to have God’s Word so they can read and make a choice for faith if they wish.”

Then a teacher spoke up and told the girls, “You should be thankful the Gideons are here... a lot of kids around the world have no access to the Bible.” Her bold response was also heard by a large group of young bystanders and parents.

At another school, a mother ran over to a Gideon who thought she was angry. But instead, the mom gave him a hug and thanked the Gideons for being there. “I didn’t think this would ever happen,” said the mother. “Kids need to know about Jesus,” she added.

At one college campus, a professor struck up a conversation with a Gideon who was giving out Scriptures. The Gideon shared about his experience on a Scripture Blitz in Tonga. Intrigued, the professor then invited the Gideon to share his cultural experiences with the professor’s class. So the Gideon ended up in a class of 66 students sharing how God is using The Gideons throughout 194 countries. At the conclusion of the presentation, a least four of the students picked up a New Testament from the Gideon.

When the blitz concluded, 40,778 copies of God’s Word had been distributed. Of course the number of souls saved as a result is the number that really matters. And while we’ve already received a number of testimonies from the blitz, it will not be until we reach heaven that we truly realize the impact of this blitz. We praise God for His abundant blessings on this blitz. We thank our members who participated, as well as all of our other members and donors. Your support is making a difference.

In September, 1,161,312 copies of God’s Word were placed in the U.S. through The Gideons International. Thank you members and donors for helping make this possible. All glory to God.

Give to The Gideons International and help impact lives for Christ. God's Word needs to be placed in the hands of individuals who need Christ in their lives.