What is a Gideon? An Israelite Military Leader, Judge and Prophet whose calling and victory over the Midianites, described in Judges 6:11.

Gideons International An evangelical Christian association, primary activity is distributing copies of the Bible/ Scriptures Worldwide free of charge

How did it all get started?

The Idea: The First Meeting: In the autumn of 1898, John H. Nicholson, arrived at the Central Hotel at Boscobel, Wisconsin, for the night. The hotel was crowded, but he was offered a bed in a double room with Samuel E. Hill. The two men soon discovered they shared a common belief in Christ, and they decided to have their evening devotions together. During their prayer time, both felt the call to begin developing an Association. . The First Meeting: On May 31, 1899, the two men met again at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where they decided the purpose of their Association would be to band Christian commercial travelers together for mutual recognition, personal evangelism, and united service for the Lord. They decided to call a meeting in Janesville, Wisconsin, on July 1, 1899, in the Y.M.C.A.

The Name: The Bible Project: Only three men were present at the meeting in Janesville: John H. Nicholson, Samuel E. Hill, and Will J. Knights. They organized with Hill as president, Knights as vice president, and Nicholson as secretary and treasurer. When it came time to decide the name of the Association, the men held a special prayer time to ask that God might lead them to select the proper name. After, Mr. Knights arose from his knees and said simply, "We shall be called Gideons." He then proceeded to read the story of Gideon from the sixth and seventh chapters of Judges. The Bible Project: In light of the fact that nearly all of the Gideons in the early years of the Association were traveling men, the question naturally arose as to how they might be more effective witnesses in hotels. One trustee went so far as to suggest that The Gideons supply a Bible for each bedroom of the hotels in the United States. This plan, which they called "The Bible Project" was adopted at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1908.

Where are we today It has been over 100 years since The Gideons International placed the first Bible in a hotel room in Montana. Today we still strive to place a bible in every hotel room, however we now strive to distribute a bible in every city World Wide. (1908 – 2001) – Distribution of our first Billion scriptures (2002 – 2015) – Distribution of our second Billion scriptures (2015 – Present)- More than two scriptures are distributed every second, One million every four days

Eligibility of a Gideon Must believe the bible to be the inspired, infallible Word of God Must believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God Must have received Christ as you personal Savior Must follow Christ in your daily life Must believe in the endless lake of fire for the unsaved Must accept the Biblical standards of Marriage between one man and one woman Must be a member in good standing of an evangelical church. Must have the recommendation of your pastor OCCUPATIONAL Businessman (Owner, Farmer, Supervisor, Sales, Agent or Rancher) Professional Man (Teacher, Engineer, Computer Analyst, ect) Institutional (Armed Forces, Emergency Service, Government ect..) Retired from any above

-International -State -Camp / Local The Gideon's -International -State -Camp / Local

International Today, there are more than 270,000 Gideons and Auxiliary – and an untold number of supporters – in 200 countries, territories, and possessions across the globe. These dedicated individuals have given their time and money to make it possible for others to learn about the love of God by giving them access to His Word.

State • Louisiana Gideons are members of a total of 54 groups throughout the state which we designate as “camps”. A camp is located in a geographic area made up of professional and business men who are Christians from local protestant or evangelical churches. • We currently have 2,613 Gideons and Auxiliary wife members in the state of Louisiana. • The Louisiana State Association in 2016-2017 received $1,806,036 in Scripture funds, that amount will purchase 361,207 Bibles or 1,444,828 Testaments all distributed as a free gift to those who would receive them! Over a million souls both at the local and international levels will have a chance to accept salvation

Ponchatoula Camp Meetings Ministry Special events

Meetings Board Meeting: listed on the Agenda Monthly Meeting: listed on the Agenda Mens Prayer Meeting: listed on the Agenda

Covington Ministry Jail Church Ministry Distribution

Jail St Tammany Parish Jail - Chance to develop relationships Angola Prison – A visit every year with the rest of the Camps

Church Ministry Church Speakers – An opportunity to tell the local churches about the Gideon ministry and collect funds for scriptures Locate and welcome new churches – Find new churches / or churches we have not had a past relationship, welcome them, pray with the pastors. Hand them information on the Gideons Call / Mail other Gideons that have not attended in a while (Pray for them, see if they need anything)

Distributions Medical Faculties, Police, Fire, Nursing Homes, Restoration house Hotels SLU Strawberry Festival (With Ponchatoula) Athletic Associations

Other Facts about being a Gideon • We are fully volunteer and are not paid for our services. • The Ladies (Auxiliary) are an extension of the Gideon’s and play a vital part in all aspects of the Ministry. • The Gideon's are Professional Businessmen and Leaders in the Community • 100% of funds raised will go to purchase scriptures • We have scriptures in over 200 Countries and 90 different languages • A hotel bible costs 5 dollars and has a life expectancy of 5 years, which means it could reach as many as 2300 souls.  

How Much Time does it take to be an Gideon That depends on you

                “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.”                 “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.” Why do we do what we do? Tom Love for the lost. Charles Spurgeon - “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.”

Why are you here – Because we prayed for you and we believe that The Holy Spirit They come a time when we grow in our Christian walk – Paul talked about this in 1 Corinthians “I gave you milk not Solid foods.” I believe that they are many signs that tell when you have grown in Christ 1) When you realize that it is about serving him, not ourselves. When he is the creator and we are the servants. IT IS ABOUT PLEASING HIM 2) When we realize that it is not a duty to serve him, but a pliviliage. Thankful for the opportunity All of this is about loving others more than our selves Cabin fire story They really have a fire – its called hell – the bible states that it is a broad road leading to damnation John 21:17 Jesus told Peter to “Feed My Sheep” (Hold up the Bible) This is my prize procession, This is how I know what My Lord requires us to BE KNOW AND DO – This is what the Gideons are about.