Gideons International Church

Gazing at the Gideons International Church, have you ever considered the sheer volume of Bibles distributed worldwide? The Gideons International Church, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, isn’t just a local church. It’s part of a global association of Christian business and professional men and women. Their mission is simple yet profound: to distribute God’s Word. The Gideons International Church and its members believe in the power of the Bible. They see it as a tool for evangelism, a way to bring people to Christ. Founded in 1899 by two traveling salesmen, the organization began by placing Bibles in hotel rooms. This practice, starting in 1908, was their first step towards their ambitious goal to reach everyone with the Word. Today, the Gideons International Church network spans over 195 countries. Their members distribute Bibles and New Testaments in over ninety languages. Over two billion Scriptures have been distributed worldwide. That’s an astounding number. Think about it. Every week, over one million Bibles are given out, that’s more than two copies per second. These Bibles find their way into hotels, schools, hospitals, prisons, and even military facilities. The Gideons International Church members aren’t clergy. They are lay people who see themselves as missionaries. They represent their local churches in this global endeavor. The organization is supported entirely by donations and the efforts of its members. These donations cover the printing and distribution costs, ensuring free access to the scriptures for recipients. The Gideons International Church and its members focus on distributing Bibles and Testaments. They even include a clear explanation of the Gospel message within each copy. They strive to spread the word, reaching those who might not otherwise encounter it. Their dedication reflects a profound belief in the transformative power of the Bible.