Gideon Sunday

"The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  (Hebrews 4:12)

“Gideons, International” is the result of a meeting back in 1908 between two businessmen who wished to band commercial travelers together for evangelism. What began back then as an association of Christian businessmen placing Bibles in hotel rooms has evolved today into an interdenominational ministry  providing people access to God’s Word all around the world.

To date, over 2 billion scriptures have been distributed in more than 200 countries, territories, and possessions in 95 languages. Not only do they distribute God’s Word for free in hotel rooms (for which most of us are familiar), but also in prisons, military units, schools, hospitals, “on the streets,” and in many other places.  And while they are not a church, they nevertheless partner with churches  like ours to make possible God’s ministry through them.

I remember first hearing with fondness about the amazing work that they do growing up as a young boy in my home United Methodist church in College Park, GA.  Many United Methodists are part of this ministry (including several of our own LFUMC members), and I want to encourage us as a church to re-engage in their local ministry here in LaGrange/Troup County.

As part of this re-connection, on Sunday, September 4^th we will be hosting “GIDEON SUNDAY” where we will welcome two speakers from our local Gideon chapter to speak at all of our morning worship services that day:  Mr. Don Seal will speak at our Chapel and Sanctuary services; and Mr.Jeff Miller will speak at our Morning Glory service.

I hope you will join Blake and I that Sunday not only in welcoming them, but to come prepared to have our hearts touched and challenged by the possibilities and opportunities for renewed partnership with Gideons, International through our church.  And I invite you also to come prepared to share your generosity in a special offering.  For more information about the Gideons ministry, visit www.gideons.org .  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!