Last week, we received a letter here at The Gideons International headquarters from a U.S. military chaplain. We were very touched by the letter and would like to share it here with you.
Once again this year I would like to tell The Gideons International what their work is doing for the members of the military.
People are hurting in our country and I see that with every new group of soldiers that comes through the reception station for training. Here I get to see an entire cross section of America and really from around the world. They come from all walks of life–rich, poor, black, white, yellow, red, and brown. They come with the same problems we all face–finance, marriages in trouble, children in trouble, abusive parents, rape victims, and people that have just given up on everything and everyone.
All of these people that come here each year, ages 17 – 41, also have another thing in common. All are looking for something. They are looking for that something to fill the great void that has been in their life. In our church services on Sunday and in my office during the week, they find that it is not a something that they are looking for. They are instead looking for someone.
Last year, over three quarters of a million Service Testaments were distributed in the U.S. through The Gideons International.
Some shed tears of joy, some great signs of relief but all feel their burdens lifted as they invite the Lord Jesus Christ into their lives.
It is at this moment that they reach out and we place a very familiar book in their hands. We give them the familiar Gideon Testament so many have read over the years. For some this is a renewing of their reading of God’s Word and for others it is their very first copy of God’s Word. Some do not even know how to look up passages. However, they always have brothers and sisters in Christ ready to help them.
Many people whom the Gideons speak with each year may wonder, “Can I really make a difference in someone’s life?” I will be glad to answer that question with an earth shattering yes!
Because you give to The Gideons International, we place the most precious gift of all into the hands of men and women every day. That gift is the Word of God. Think of it, you don’t even need to move from your church pew. You just need to move your hand from your pocket to the offering plate. Even the smallest child giving the only nickel he or she has can share in our Lord’s Great Commission. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20).
I now get down on my spiritual knees and beg you with all of my heart in the name of our Lord Jesus, please give now that others may live with our Lord and Savior. May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Kelly
120th AG BN (REC) Chaplain
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What an amazing testimony and impactful plea. Thank you, Chaplain Kelly for your partnership in reaching the lost for Christ.
This is a powerful letter that demonstrates our need to support our troops with the Word of God and prayer. Thanks Chaplain Kelly.
Love those camo covered bibles.
It was a letter we received.
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