First Church Year #15: The Gideons
Yesterday the Gideons showed up at my church. Actually, not all of them were there. Only one of them was there.
This reminded me of when I was in the 5th grade at Alpha Elementary in Morristown, TN. The Gideons were allowed to come into schools then. Each of us were presented with a New Testament. I’m not sure where that Testament is today, but I still remember it to this day.
Most of us are most familiar with the Gideons through the Bibles they place in hotel and motel rooms throughout the country. I wonder how many people have read those Bibles through the years and how many lives have changed because of it.
One of the funnier stories that this particular Gideon told was how one man did not want the Bible presented to him. He threw it across the street onto the roof of a building. It struck a man in the head who was contemplating jumping and committing suicide. He had just asked God to stop him if he didn’t want him to die that day. That man’s life was dramatically changed and today he works in a ministry.
The thing I like most about the Gideons is their commitment to God’s word and their ministry. We could all stand to be as dedicated as the Gideons.
Were you ever presented with a New Testament from the Gideons? Do you know any other stories of what the Gideons have done to further the kingdom of God?
They have a good ministry. Have heard several of their speakers. Some good. Some not so. But I do admire their commitment to their ministry. Now all they need to do is change from KJV to something a bit more easier to read.
I’m not anti-KJV, but I am definitely pro others. So I would definitely echo your thoughts.
I haven’t heard of any other stories, But, ironically, just a couple days ago I read about Gideon in the Book of Judges on my trip through the Bible this year!
The ne thing they don’t do is put out a fleece to determine God’s will.