The Gideons International

LET’S SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS

Ministry Impact

Annual Report 2016 LET’S SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS

Ministry Impact

Annual Report 2016 “…and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (ESV)

LET’S SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS

Be Part of a GOD-INSPIRED 9 MISSION

SHARE CHRIST’S LIFE-CHANGING 21 STORY

GIVE SUPPORT IN REACHING 27 THE LOST

FINANCIAL RESULTS 39 2 Dear Friend in Christ,

Together, let’s praise God for all He has accomplished this past year through The Gideons International. It has been extraordinary to see our Lord at work through this ministry.

We are indeed part of a God-inspired mission. He has provided us with more Scripture funds than ever before. As a result, over 91.8 million people have received God’s Word — a record number reached in one year. Often, that Scripture a man, woman, or child received was accompanied by a word of witness from the Gideon or Auxiliary providing it. A Life of Sharing Scriptures is an integral part of what we do; however, we strive to do much more. We must stay focused on our primary goal and objective of reaching a lost and dying world with the glorious news that Jesus — and only Jesus — saves. In addition to sharing God’s Word, we need to be associating together with Ministry one another to serve and more effectively support this unique calling. Most importantly, we each should pray for boldness to personally witness at every God-given opportunity.

As Jesus commissioned all of us who follow Him, we are to: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” Jason and Paula Hall (Matthew 28:19 ESV) joined The Gideons This past year, Gideons and Auxiliary around the world purchased and shared International in more than two and a half million Personal Workers Testaments. Praise the Lord! If each and every member will seek God’s guidance and share at least one New 2005 in western Testament every week along with our personal testimonies, we will easily meet North Carolina the Vision 2020 goal of distributing 120 million Scriptures annually by 2020. More when Paula’s father, a Gideon since importantly, we will impact millions of lives for Christ. 1989, invited them to attend a dinner As I complete my term of office as your president, I want Estimates for potential members. “I actually to finish with a word of challenge. Let me offer a little indicate that, didn’t have any intention of becoming reality. Although we have been greatly blessed over the worldwide, four a member, because I couldn’t see how past years, Joshua would remind us that, “…there remains to five billion I would have time for it,” said Jason. yet very much land to possess” (Joshua 13:1 ESV). Estimates people today are “But as I looked around, I saw men of indicate that, worldwide, four to five billion people today various professions, all of whom had one are unsaved. unsaved. common goal: witnessing to the lost. By Yes, the task ahead of us is an awesome challenge, but the end of the meeting, I knew this was remember the task ahead of us is never greater than the power behind us. Our something I wanted to be a part of.” Lord Jesus Christ will continue to bless this Association, and those who support us, if we will dedicate ourselves to serving Him.

With kind regards Yours sincerely,

Dr. William E. G. Thomas International President

4 5 Gideon events, particularly Scripture distributions, slowly began to populate the Hall family calendar. “It actually became part of our family naturally,” explained Paula. “As the kids grew older we began taking them with us. They developed really special relationships with The Gideons, and it’s been the perfect way for us to teach them ministry is the most important thing in life. We have also made countless friends, not only at local meetings, but also at North Carolina state conventions and International Conventions.”

“It’s a continuity that transcends cultures and time zones.

With this A L i f e o M inistr Association, as possible to schools, hospitals, prisons, Gideons and and more. Jason has participated in Auxiliary across the “Anyone can International Scripture Blitzes to Malaysia, globe are working find a place, and Argentina, and Kenya. “It’s nothing like as one unit, for being a tourist,” he said. “When you go on y one purpose.” together we can a blitz, you meet the locals, and you get to make a difference know the culture and the language. They invite you into their home and make you by spreading the part of their family. You live their lives with Good News.” them, and you do ministry with them.” The Halls have attended four International Conventions. “Nothing compares to it,” said Paula, “We hear countless testimonies from men Jason’s international experience has given him insight to better and women who have come to know the Lord under dire circumstances, understand The Gideons’ relationship with local churches. As an or who have experienced God move in mighty ways. It’s amazing for extended missionary arm of the church, Gideons take the Word to the me to consider how there are men and women on the other side of the world and point the world back to the church. The church, in turn, world who are doing exactly what we are. It’s supports The Gideons through donations and, more importantly, through a continuity that transcends cultures and time prayer. “A pastor in Argentina and his entire congregation fasted for us, zones. With this Association, Gideons and prayed for us, and supported us. There was so much love in that church, Auxiliary across the globe are working as one it was amazing. It made me realize that, as partners in ministry, we can unit, for one purpose.” do more and go farther working together than working alone.”

This continuity became a reality to Jason Jason and Paula joined The Gideons with a desire to impact lives with the when he began to travel for International Gospel. Along the way, they discovered ministry had a way of making just Scripture Blitzes. Blitzes partner local Gideons as big an impact on their lives, as well. “We’ve been truly blessed,” said in specific countries with visiting international Jason. “If anyone wants to be a better witness for God, there’s no better teams, and together over one to two weeks, way than to be involved with The Gideons. Anyone can find a place, and they take as many Bibles and New Testaments together we can make a difference by spreading the Good News.” 6 7 8 BE PART OF A GOD-INSPIRED MISSION “ disciples of all nations…” Go therefore andmake M a tth e S 28:19(E w V) & PERSONAL W TE GOD-INSPIRED STIMONY PERSONAL for Lord the Jesus Christ through associating together for through service, ORK and placing&distributingScriptures. personal testimony &personalwork, Winning thelost MISSION Be P T art ofa A FOR SERVICE OGETH SSOCIA TING ER

STDI RIBU PLA T SCRIP CING & TING URE S 9 10 BE PART OF A GOD-INSPIRED MISSION The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 tell theGospel story. prayGideons andAuxiliary for God-appointed to opportunities in hospitals andmedical offices.Duringthesedistributions, to inmates aswell inprisonsandjails, asScripture placements Testaments are alsooffered inotherways, includingdistributions one-on-one with students inschools andcolleges. Bibles andNew about 2%.Approximately 80%of theScriptures are shared Hotel Bibles — represent efforts of theministry justasmallportion outwhilewitnessing. year togive million New Testaments ontheirown last Gideons) purchased more andahalf thantwo (wivesGideons andAuxiliary andwidows of know theLord Jesus ChristasSavior. In fact, personal testimonieswith thosewhoneed to First andforemost, membersshare their missioniswinningthelostfor Christ. primary than distributingScriptures. TheAssociation’s Spreading theGoodNews means muchmore unreached everywhere. International with churches partners anywhere toreach the TheGideonsalongside pastorsandchurches across theglobe. arm of theprotestant orevangelical church, working The Gideons International as anextended serves missionary Testaments publicareas. instrategic personal witnessing, andby providing Bibles andNew to tellingpeople associating aboutJesus together, through business andprofessional menandtheirwives dedicated The Gideons International isanAssociation of Christian hotel Bibles. much morethan he GideonsI The nternationa l — efforts. the ministry portion of just asmall represent Hotel Bibles The People’s Republic of 200,000 copiesofGod’s In seeking toreach the China duringthe last world for Christ,God has opened countless inroads to China Word were shared in doors for us.Over Gideons make twelve months. effective approach A uniqueand to internationa • • • countries where theylive. inthe Our membersserve TH EY make traditional missionaries aren’t allowed togo. local groups of Gideons incountries where Sometimes, theAssociation isabletoestablish personally witness. and they might and New Testaments need tobeprovided… prisons, hospitals, and otherplaces where Bibles They know thelocations of hotels,schools, and respect thecustoms. Local Gideons speak thelanguage,understand l a evange po werful impa lism ct be . c ause :

11 MISSION GOD-INSPIRED A OF PART BE 12 BE PART OF A GOD-INSPIRED MISSION The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 nearly million Scriptures. two number exceeded ourgoalfor theyear by Word — anewsetting one-year record. This distributed over 91.8millioncopies of His blessings, TheGideons International During thepastfiscal year, God’s through God iscontinuall The Gideons International. Financial FriendsintheUSAdonated over $187,000 to inselectparticipating Gideon events. Thispastyear, the optiontobeFinancialFriends,sharingScriptures and Friends regularly They alsohave pray efforts. for ourministry Gideons tohelpusinspreading theGoodNews. Prayer Partner Worldwide, more than90,000 people have become Friendsof many “Friends” God isalsoproviding throu who support GideonsI The gh Gideons I The y at work nternationa nternationa year record. A newone- l . l . collapse. With God’s Word Testament from Gideons. she hasdecidedtofollow Him in her everyday lifeHim inhereveryday Vanessa wasoneofthe now inherpossession, earthquake survivors escaped pilingrubble She andherhusband from theirbuilding’s and thanksGodfor to receive aNew His protection. God’s varied grace.” oneanother,serve asgoodstewards of “As useit to each hasreceived agift, I P I with many Sharing God’sW aftermath ofaftermath theEcuadorearthquake. provided 19,000 Scriptures inthe tothosesuffering Then, inApril2016,Gideons andtheirwives many displaced following theCalifornia wildfires. Gideons shared Scriptures inSeptember2015to Distribution Policy. and Tragedy Scripture implements aDisaster GideonsInternationalThe after natura e t er S 4:10(E V) l disasters. ord

13 The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 Report Annual International Gideons The 14 BE PART OF A GOD-INSPIRED MISSION The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 Timeline 1899 1908 1934 J 1916 uly

name: TheGideons. prayerfully choosea and W.J. Knights Nicholson, Hill, and Y.W.C.A.’s. homes, hospitals, Bibles towomen’s supply Auxiliary placements begin. Hospital Bible Gideon by Gideons. Bible placement to raise fundsfor churches beresponsible A pastorproposes Auxiliary begin distributions begin Auxiliary of New Testaments to N service nurses. service military personnel. military distributed to Testaments are Thefirst New A for GideonsI The ov pril room andavision. Samuel Hill share a John Nicholsonand 1898 . 1941 1941 FISCA 1946 L YEAR

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15 MISSION GOD-INSPIRED A OF PART BE The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 Report Annual International Gideons The “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation Dear Friend in Christ, to everyone who believes… ” As we move forward in this new fiscal year, let’s commit to spreading the Good Romans 1:16 (ESV) News as never before.

In the midst of a world that desperately needs Jesus, we are comforted by the words found in Luke 21:13 – 15, “This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

For this reason, we can be encouraged. History gives testimony when God’s people are pushed into the margins by society — the Gospel flourishes. As Christians surrounded by lost souls, we must strive to share Christ’s life- changing story with all. Worldwide, let’s spread the Good News by personally witnessing and getting God’s Word into the hands of those who do not know AWAKENING Jesus Christ as Savior.

So many people are without the true hope found only in Christ that we sought God’s will for the Association in dedicated prayer. Vision 2020 was embraced by our members as the way to touch more lives for Christ than ever before. IN NYERI One key goal is to distribute 120 million Scriptures annually by the year 2020— more than a 30% increase from where we are today. What an impact it will make by giving God’s Word to 10 million people every month. Only through God’s grace will this become a reality. We ask every member, donor, pastor, and Friend of Gideons to make this an ongoing matter of prayer—and seek God’s will in how He would have you take part. Deep in The Gideons International set a record for Scripture distributions this past year — 91.8 million. However, our focus is not the number of Scriptures the Central provided…it is the lives impacted for Christ. Many Scripture distributions Highlands of include opportunities to personally witness one-on-one. Here’s an example from a recent International Scripture Blitz in Uganda: Southwestern One of the blessings Tim Thumeling experienced occurred as he and other Kenya, Gideons shared the Word of God and witnessed at a large Ugandan health two lone men sat on the side of a clinic. They saw twenty-one people receive Christ. Tim was moved by the steep mountain road. Their truck had experience, saying, “What a joy, as these people came in search of physical broken down, and it rested idly a few healing, and instead left the clinic with the pure spiritual healing that only feet away from them. The nearest Jesus Christ can provide.” mechanic had taken a job in a town Thank you for your continued prayers and dedicated support of this ministry. As an hour away, and the two men had a result, more people are receiving the Good News of Jesus Christ and coming no choice but to wait for his return. into His Kingdom. Suddenly, a motorcycle came into view. “Can I help you?” the rider Yours in Christ, asked in Swahili after he came to a stop in front of them.

Craig Warner Executive Director 16 17 The men quickly explained, they were Gideons, and they were scheduled to The schools they visited varied in size and structure, but none of the Gideons AWA K ENING IN N Y ERI visit several local schools that afternoon to deliver copies of God’s Word. could deny an earnest, palpable hunger for God’s Word at each and every one Without a word, the cyclist sped off. He returned shortly, accompanied by of them. Teams received warm welcomes from administrative staff, some of a mechanic. Soon, the truck had been revived, and the two men were ready whom found it difficult to conceal their excitement. The students gathered in to be on their way again, just in time to make courtyards and open fields, and Gideons shared the Gospel message before their next appointment. As they left, the Gideons presenting each delighted student with their own New Testament. noticed a small, hand-written sign attached to The Gideons the rear of the motorcycle. It read, “God is able.” noticed a small, This eager and sincere response to the Gideons’ efforts became a familiar hand-written scene as they moved from school to school. One administrator, Margaret, Several months earlier, Gideons in the city of traveled over two hours, on foot, in pursuit of the men who had visited her Nyeri had begun to perceive a deep spiritual sign attached need among the district’s inhabitants. As a to the rear of predominantly Christian region, churches the motorcycle. in Nyeri are plentiful. However, few people possessed their own copy of the Word of God. It read, “God is able.” A team of local Gideons devised a plan to meet that spiritual need. Together with the help of an international team, they would take Bibles and small, pocket-sized New Testaments to as many schools as possible over the course of a one-week period, beginning with schools in the outermost areas of the country and gradually working their way to the schools in the city proper.

school earlier that morning. “I needed to thank you,” she explained when she found them. “My husband is a pastor, and for many months our congregation has been praying for someone to bring the Gospel to the students in our schools. You are the ones “You are the God sent to preach about Christ. You are the ones God sent answer to all of our prayers.” to preach about The teams visited a total of 607 schools, and over Christ. You are 150,000 copies of God’s Word are now in the possession of men, women, and children across the answer to all Nyeri county. As these individuals take Scriptures of our prayers.” home to their families and friends, opportunities become available for countless souls to read the Good News. The full extent to which those Scriptures will impact lives is unknown, yet the Gideons remain joyfully and prayerfully confident in the promise that where their work ends – God is able.

18 19 “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (ESV) SHARE CHRIST’S LIFE-CHANGING STORY

God works through His Word and our witnessing to change lives and bring people into His Kingdom.

In 2015-16, our members witnessed and shared a record 91.8 million Scriptures.

God has promised us that His Word will make a difference in lives — if we will simply spread the Good News.

We also share the Gospel worldwide through the Gideon Bible App. The Gideon Bible App presents God’s Word in over 1,000 languages. Similar to the Scriptures we use in witnessing, this App features the plan of salvation so anyone can find out how to have a personal relationship with Christ.

Find out more about the Gideon Bible App at: gideons.bible.is

20 21 22 SHARE CHRIST’S LIFE-CHANGING STORY The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 AT ST UNI on page24. and more. hotels, hospitals, prisons,schools, and distributeBibles andNew Testaments in God’s Word. DuringtheseBlitzes, ourmembers place Each year, we target countries intremendous need of International ScriptureBlitzes. Scripture Blitzes: International Y cI CountRY N M Kenya Bolivia Argentina Thailand zuela Vene Chile I P May 2015– June 2016 I Malaysia Lesotho TOTAL: received God’s W Almost 2.8 m taly ndonesia Full detail hilippines icaragua exico TED E S

Queretaro C N L C S H P M Puerto R P M a uerto 38,850 enang urabaya 75,218 at 24,317 ome hinandega 182,000 ordoba 150,544 yeri anila 49,460 aseru tie P Y t scrip s a ai z

/P L Montt a 1,551,922 ampanga C City 11.4 i MILLION

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ure ord throu 7.9 MILLION 2,790,006 sD istribu 189,066 110,969 158,561 89,000 74,548 95,551 ted gh 7.9 millionlastyear. increased to Scripture distributions c Ameri Central 21.7 MILLION over 6.7 million a across Europe. we distributed

E urope Scriptures Last year,Last any continent. year—the mostshared on Testaments thispast 21 millionBibles andNew Gideons provided c Ameri Sou th a

6.7 MILLION 20.2 MILLION one-to-one. Most were handedoutpersonally, Scriptures lastyear. we sharedover 91.8million AND WINTHEWORLD FORCHRIST. SPREAD THEGOODNEWS Throu gh God’s blessings, any region. year—the largest gainin Scriptures thisfiscal Over 20millionreceived Afric a

were provided lastyear. copies of God’s Word Well over 5.5million P a 18.4 ccifi Rim MILLION “ two-edged sword…” and active, sharperthanany For theword of Godisliving Hebre wsS 4:12(E V) populous continent. Scriptures inthemost more than18million year,Last we shared Asia 5.5 MILLION

23 STORY LIFE-CHANGING CHRIST’S SHARE The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 Report Annual International Gideons The 24 SHARE CHRIST’S LIFE-CHANGING STORY The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 mission fieldintheworld. The USAisnow theTHIrdlargest USA Scripture D and NewTestaments 11.4 millionBibles to witnesswhenoffering and and & M & Hospi Many members seek edi A college t istributions areg increasin uxi cal al New Testaments ho liary shared USA s tel 12 % Gideons 17 7 % % Wi Personal tne 12 11.4 MILLION ssing . . %

34 13 % % . (I ncl F 5 Y a ou Oth % cili . Prison th er tie (M

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New Testaments at prisons,hospitals, schools,andcolleges. This pastyear, we conducted 14Metro Scripture Blitzes, sharing USA MetroScriptureBlitzes. More than m one 5 millionreceived TheLife Bookduring thepast12months alone. peer-to-peer, with fellow students whoneed theLord. More than schoolstudents whoshareof them, John toChristianhigh Working church youth groups, through we provide theGospel The LifeBook. have been i Mi ions ofllions USA plansblitzes inselect cities, too. EachGideon state association annually Scripture Blitzes: Major USA Metro Ci B A B Durham S T D Colorado L Cincinnati M C F N May 2015– June 2016 TOTAL: m os ort ulsa tlanta eattle uffalo oston etroit hicago e inneapolis t w Y w y pacted by i / A S llion reached throu Worth t ngeles , OK a ork te

, MA , MI /Chapel , W , IL , GA , NY students

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ure sD 1,035,990 istribu 243,000 146,074 20,800 58,580 87,000 67,665 22,650 24,000 54,380 60,545 52,220 74,280 82,671 42,125 ted

25 STORY LIFE-CHANGING CHRIST’S SHARE The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 Report Annual International Gideons The 26 GIVE SUPPORT IN REACHING THE LOST “ over one sinnerwhorepents.” …there isjoy before the angelsof God L uke S 15:10(E V) or even see, God’s Word without ourongoingsupport. yearly income (GDP) issolow people may never own, possessions where The Gideons International isorganized, In one-third of the200countries, territories, and of God’s Word provided can impact alife for eternity. of theHoly Spirit, witnessing experience copy every andevery thework forThe world theGoodNews, andthrough ishungry At least two-thirds donotknow Jesus asLord andSavior. W he cha The orld Population : 7.4billion to hear andreceive theGospel. deserves the opportunity theopportunity deserves REACHING GIVE SUPPORT IN THE LOSTTHE Every person on earth persononearth Every llenge facing

us today:

27 28 GIVE SUPPORT IN REACHING THE LOST The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 receiving Bibles andNew Testaments. is truly blessingwhat you doasmore people thanever before are Thank you for your ongoingprayers, anddonations. God support, how nomatter small,can impact alife for eternity.that any gift, to God’s TheGideons work International. through They recognize regularly pray for thelostaround generously theworld andgive Many Gideons, Auxiliary, churches, anddedicated Christians to print andshiptheScriptures. countries. We filltheseorders assoondonations are received requests for millionsof Bibles andNew Testaments indozens of At any point intime,TheGideons International typically has W People needthe in in weand are seeking record num ord ofGod, bers. to share it— “ way todosomethinggood afterwe’re gone.” will changeaheartfor eternity. Thisisa The GideonsInternational. God’s Word like providing God’s Word through No otherinvestmentwilllastfor eternity designations. and beneficiary theirwills,trusts, with theGospelmessage through plans. TheseTorchBearers helped touchtheselives included TheGideons International intheir estate The Gideons International andotherdonorswho from TorchBearersin gifts — members of reached with God’s Word $9.1 million through year,Last more than 7.2 millionpeople were a lastinglegacy. T m for 41-pl Gera em orchBearers leave bers of GideonsI The ld Nancy and Glick, usyears nternationa l

“ Word to bethere.” can alwayscountonHis ‘homes’ awayfrom homeand attendants whohavemany blessed countless flight inspiration tome. You have and theyhavebeensuch an God hasblessedyourefforts say, ‘thankyou’ enough. miracle andI,for one,cannot in eachroom isanamazing began. Having God’s Word all theseyears sinceaviation to inallthesehotelrooms for attendants youhaveministered about thethousandsofflight if youhaveeverthought disappointed. Idonotknow room—and have notbeen the GideonBibleinmyhotel always countedonhaving for almost40years. Ihave I havebeenaflightattendant a flight attendant. you,thank Me like received God’s W Those who have ord

ony, 29 LOST THE REACHING IN SUPPORT GIVE 30 GIVE SUPPORT IN REACHING THE LOST The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 [image] available theGideon website through at www.sendtheword.org. make Bible donations inhonorof aloved one.GideonCards are GideonCards are uniqueChristian greeting cards people send to GideonCard donations. received God’s W Last year, 12.9 m many wa Donors choose • • • • • • • • Also: of God’s W to support distribution the Funds (DAF), and IRA Distributions. Funds (DAF), andIRA Real Estate donations, Stock donations, Donor-Advised and Charitable Lead Trusts. Annuities,Gideon Charitable Remainder Charitable Gift Trusts, Gideon donations of employees andretirees. Corporate Matched Giving:Employers matching at noadditional cost. AmazonSmile: SharingGod’s Word when shoppingonline— of TheGideons International. Endowed Investing Gifts: infuture evangelism of aloved one. Memorial Tribute Donating God’s Gifts: Word “In Memory” no longerneeded. Donation of Items: Contributing possessions automatically from abankaccount orcredit card. thedistributionofEasyGiving: Supporting God’s Word i ord throu llion people ord,l inc ys gh

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31 LOST THE REACHING IN SUPPORT GIVE The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 Report Annual International Gideons The 32 GIVE SUPPORT IN REACHING THE LOST The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 “ “ A GiftinHisLanguage many refugees enteringtheircountry. distribute 70,000 dual-language Scriptures tothe pastyear,This GideonsinGermanywere ableto that hisWord doesnotreturn toHim empty.” Bible, whichhenever possessed before. We can only rely onGod difference for that onemantoexamine what inthe iswritten native languagefrom atotalstranger. Irealized that it makes a to receive abook — which isof great value inhisculture — in his I wonder what it islike for amantobeinstrange and country Icould see it inhiseyes. happy aboutthegift. very direction toshow meheknows we He read toright. from was left to theGermanlanguage,andmoved hishandintheopposite toshow mehow toleft theypointed read.right Thenhelaughed, He recognized it was inhislanguageandmoved hishandsfrom I wanted it tohim. togive could only handhimourGerman-Arabic Bible andshow himthat There andI was amanwhodidnotspeak any GermanorEnglish, “On ChristmasEve, we were standinginfront of arefugee camp. Gideon Scripture D “They are todogood,berich “They in goodworks, tobegenerous istribution Germany in and ready toshare I I Timo th y S 6:18(E V) .” Development ivision The Gideon the Lord Jesus Christ asSavior. world. You are touchingthelives of somany whoneed toknow tohelpsendGod’s Word andthose who give ministry around the We thankGodfor allof who pray thegenerous supporters for this always complimentary. donations tosendGod’s Word. are Theirpersonalservices Headquarters are available toanswer questionsrelated to The professionals of thedevelopment team at International Emai On web: the Phone: he lps peop le share God’sW l :

[email protected] www.gideons.org/plannedgiving 615-564-5277

(M – F (M , 8:00 a. m . to 4:30 p. ord. m ., C entra l T i m e)

33 LOST THE REACHING IN SUPPORT GIVE Dear Christian Friend,

Through God’s blessing, we just concluded a record year in spreading the Good News! We praise the Lord for His watch care and favor on this ministry. As the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 9:1-2 (ESV), “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” MINISTRY Faithfulness and stewardship have characterized The Gideons International since its inception in 1899. This Association remains faithful to God’s call and direction in emphasizing its singular objective of winning others for Christ — while also observing a high level of stewardship by A key factor in this properly using the resources entrusted to it. BEHIND BARS substantial growth This past year clearly exemplifies that emphasis on in distributions stewardship. Those who support us in reaching the was realized It is Monday evening at the lost provided more funds to supply more Scriptures through new cost for the world than ever before in our 100-plus year Henry County Corrections reductions… history. While the annual increase in receipts was Facility in west Tennessee. modest, Gideons and Auxiliary still shared 7 million more Scriptures than the previous year. A key factor in this substantial growth A cold, stainless steel table is cemented to the floor. On in distributions was realized through new cost reductions — getting more “bang one side of the table, four inmates sit on stools. Other for the buck.” We were able to cut costs in India, where we placed over 14 million inmates stand off in the shadows. A Gideon shares Scriptures, and in Brazil, where we placed over 9 million copies of God’s Word. God’s plan of salvation. He finally asks the inmates, With such high volumes in those two countries, we had the leverage to negotiate “Who here would like to know for certain where better pricing. We did the same in several other parts of the world. they will spend eternity?”

Here are just some of the highlights of what God has accomplished this fiscal year. First and foremost, $108 million in world Scripture receipts resulted in more than 91.8 million copies of God’s Word impacting lives around the world. This growth was realized in a number of ways. The United States contributed a record $33.9 million to the Faith Fund (donations designated for countries needing our financial support to receive Scriptures). USA church receipts reached $27 million, a 4.3% increase over the previous year. Our GideonCard Christian greeting card program rose, providing $16.1 million, and those desiring to include The Gideons International in their estate planning boosted legacy receipts to $8.8 million.

In addition to the 91.8 million people receiving God’s Word in the 200 countries, territories, and possessions where this Association is organized, over 5 million students in the USA were handed Life Books (book of John) from Christian friends, and 203,000 men, women, and children in the People’s Republic of China received Scriptures. To God be the glory!

May the Lord continue to guide this Association and inspire the ongoing prayer and financial support of our members and donors as together we spread the Good News.

In Christ,

Allen J. Huth Asish K. Pradhan International Treasurer Chief Financial Officer 34 “…I was in prison and you came to me.” Matthew 25:36 (ESV) 35 Anita and her husband, Jerry. As an Auxiliary and Gideon couple, both are regularly involved in sharing God’s Word with inmates.

173 New Testaments placed by The Gideons Gideons in Henry County, Tennessee first began visiting the local jail back in the 1970’s. “It was International very rough, much like conditions we see in jails were waiting in other countries,” says Bob Bertouille. Bob in the cells. was instrumental in organizing the first group of Gideons to visit the jail. “It was a rat’s nest. MINISTR You could not get inside, and you could only talk to inmates through the cell bars.” Then, a change in administration and a new corrections Bob’s wife, Madalyn, served in the Auxiliary and worked with female facility helped turn things around. When the new jail opened, 173 New inmates. She spoke about the jail ministry with Anita Berry, a fellow Y BEHIND BARS Testaments placed by The Gideons International were waiting in the cells. Auxiliary. Madalyn asked Anita to make sure the ministry continued if she could no longer serve. Anita gave Madalyn her word she would. Months later, Madalyn went to be with the Lord. Bob asked Anita if she would Jesus is pick up the jail ministry where his late wife had left off. Anita thought, “What am I going to do? I already inside had promised Madalyn.” and ready to use them. Despite initial apprehension, Anita kept her promise to Madalyn to keep the Auxiliary engaged in reaching female inmates. “It was really hard in the beginning,” she says. “God is still building me. These women are forgotten; it is critical to reach them with the Gospel. They will take God’s Word back to their families. In many cases, they will be the single parent raising a family. Without a life-transforming relationship with Christ, when they are released from jail, they will likely return to the same lifestyles that led to their incarceration.”

Across the world, Gideons and Auxiliary are working with local chaplains to gain access to prisons and have been truly blessed by their experiences. While they arrive thinking they are bringing Jesus to these people, they quickly discover Jesus is already inside and ready to use them.

36 37 “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV) Financial Results for Spreading the Good News

God is blessing the distribution of His Word.

Twelve young men saved in Bolivia

During an International Scripture Blitz in Bolivia, Gideons visited one school where students filled the courtyard for a break. One Gideon took IN 2015–2016: the opportunity of the gathering crowd to share 91.8 million copies of about Jesus. At the end of his message, twelve God’s Word in over 95 students went through the plan of salvation printed languages WERE SHARED in the back of their New across 200 countries, territories, Testaments. Then, each young man signed his and possessions. own name signifying his • 5 million copies of the Gospel of John were given to students acceptance of Christ. by Christian schoolmates

• 8% increase in distributions over 2014-15

• $ 108,029,913 in donations (.1% increase over 2014-15)

For more detailed information, go to: www.gideons.org/financials

38 39 The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 LET’S SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS 41

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S Geoff Mann Trevor Monson Monson Trevor Sheffield, UK Brandon, MS Brandon, Dr. Ralf Hille Dr. Timo Taival Tallahassee, FL Tallahassee, Warrensville, NC Warrensville, CA Valley, Sun CA San Jose, Dr. James C. Warner James Dr. Nowlin Joseph Kaare Nordpoll Kaare Liu River Rudi Claassen Dr. Lee Joon Woo AlbeniusJohnny McNett Mark Nicolai Richard Dr. Johnson D. Mark Russell Jamison Katsutoshi KatagiriKatsutoshi Parker, CO Parker, AL Tuscaloosa, TN Nashville, Kevin Beal Kevin Dr. Kim G. Powell Kim G. Dr. Crowe Randy Michael DeWoody G. A. Schwanger Richard Spurr Steven nternationa Japan: Japan: Finland: Norway: Norway: Sweden: Sweden: CERS OFFI TIONAL Australia: Australia: EE TRUST TIONAL Germany: Germany: British Isles: Isles: British USA Zone 1: USA Zone 7: USA Zone 7: USA Zone 11: USA Zone 2: USA Zone 4: USA Zone 5: USA Zone 3: USA Zone 8: USA Zone 6: USA Zone 9: South Korea: South Korea: USA Zone 12: South Africa: South Africa: USA Zone 10: Leadership S OFFICER AUXILIARY TIONAL President: René Lucas Lucas René President: INERNA T Treasurer: Allen J. Huth Huth Allen J. Treasurer: INTERNA Secretary: Craig Warner Warner Craig Secretary: Chaplain: James H. Duren H. Duren Chaplain: James Chaplain: Debbie Rotunno Chaplain: Debbie Rotunno Secretary: Lynne Peterson Peterson Lynne Secretary: Republic of China (Taiwan): China (Taiwan): of Republic Vice President: Cindy Davis Davis Cindy President: Vice of The I Gideons of Vice President: David W. Martin W. David President: Vice INTERNA President: Dr. William E.G. Thomas William E.G. Dr. President:

LET’S SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS GOOD THE SPREAD LET’S The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 Report Annual International Gideons The 42 44 LET’S SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS The Gideons International Annual Report 2016 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Your donationswillbeusedtohelpprint and sendGod’s Word around theworld. Share God’s Word with confidence

MAI WEBSITE Emai DEVE Phone: throu THE GOODNEWS Give L: l L LET’S SPREAD : OPM www.gideons.org/gift any : gh GideonsI The ENT Nashville, TN37214-0800 P.O. Box 140800 The Gideons International www.gideons.org/plannedgiving [email protected] 615-564-5277 time DIVISION t o share CONTACT

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