Gideons International

Gideons International
source
Name	Gideons International
Formation	1899
Founder	John H. Nicholson, Samuel E. Hill
Location	Nashville, Tennessee
Region served	Worldwide
Focus	Christianity, Bible distribution

Gideons International is an evangelical Christian organization dedicated to distributing Bibles and promoting Christianity worldwide, founded by John H. Nicholson and Samuel E. Hill in 1899. The organization is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and its members, known as Gideons, are Protestant Christians from various denominations, including Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, and Presbyterian. Gideons International has partnerships with various Christian organizations, such as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Cru, and the International Bible Society. The organization's work is also supported by notable Christian leaders, including Franklin Graham, Rick Warren, and Joel Osteen.

● History

Gideons International was founded on July 1, 1899, at the Yosemite Hotel in Boscobel, Wisconsin, by John H. Nicholson and Samuel E. Hill, two Christian businessmen who met while traveling for work. The organization's early history is closely tied to the YMCA, with which it shared a similar goal of promoting Christianity among travelers and businessmen. The first Gideon Bibles were distributed in 1908 at the Superior Hotel in Superior, Montana, and the organization quickly expanded to other hotels and motels across the United States. Gideons International has also been influenced by other Christian movements, including the Awakening movement and the Jesus Movement. Notable Christian figures, such as Dwight L. Moody, Billy Sunday, and Charles Spurgeon, have also played a significant role in shaping the organization's history.

● Organization

Gideons International is a non-profit organization with a board of directors composed of Christian leaders from various denominations. The organization is divided into local camps, each of which is responsible for distributing Bibles in its area. Gideons International also has partnerships with other Christian organizations, such as the Samaritan's Purse, World Vision, and the Salvation Army. The organization's members, known as Gideons, are Protestant Christians who are committed to promoting Christianity and distributing Bibles. Gideons International is also affiliated with other Christian networks, including the National Association of Evangelicals and the World Evangelical Alliance. Notable Christian institutions, such as Wheaton College, Biola University, and Dallas Theological Seminary, have also supported the organization's work.

● Activities

Gideons International is best known for distributing Bibles in hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments, as well as in prisons, hospitals, and other institutions. The organization also distributes Bibles to students in schools and universities, and to military personnel serving in the United States Armed Forces. Gideons International has also been involved in various disaster relief efforts, including providing Bibles and other aid to victims of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The organization's work is supported by notable Christian philanthropists, including Betsy DeVos, Rupert Murdoch, and T. D. Jakes. Gideons International has also partnered with other humanitarian organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the United Nations Children's Fund.

● Finances

Gideons International is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from its members and other supporters to fund its activities. The organization's annual budget is around USD 100 million, which is used to purchase and distribute Bibles as well as to support its various programs and partnerships. Gideons International is also supported by various Christian foundations, including the Lilly Endowment and the Templeton Foundation. The organization's financial transparency is ensured through its membership in the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, which is a Christian organization that promotes financial accountability and transparency among its members. Gideons International has also received funding from notable Christian donors, including Howard Ahmanson Jr. and Richard DeVos.

● Controversies

Gideons International has been the subject of some controversy over the years, particularly with regard to its Bible distribution practices. Some critics have accused the organization of proselytizing and attempting to convert people to Christianity without their consent. Others have criticized the organization's fundamentalist theology and its refusal to distribute Bibles that include the Apocrypha. Gideons International has also faced lawsuits from some hotel and motel owners who have objected to the distribution of Bibles in their establishments. The organization's response to these controversies has been supported by notable Christian apologists, including William Lane Craig and Lee Strobel. Gideons International has also been defended by other Christian organizations, including the Alliance Defending Freedom and the American Center for Law and Justice.

● Impact

Gideons International has had a significant impact on the world, with over 2 billion Bibles distributed since its founding in 1899. The organization's Bibles have been distributed in over 200 countries and territories around the world, and have been translated into over 100 languages. Gideons International has also played a significant role in promoting Christianity and evangelism worldwide, and has been recognized for its contributions to Christian ministry by various Christian organizations, including the National Religious Broadcasters and the Evangelical Press Association. The organization's work has been supported by notable Christian leaders, including Pope John Paul II, Billy Graham, and Rick Warren. Gideons International has also partnered with other Christian networks, including the Lausanne Movement and the World Council of Churches. Category:Christian organizations