It all depends on your first encounter with a Gideons Testament – what you think the Gideons do, that is! For some folks it’s a visit to hospital and the need to read something while laid up that provides the first contact, for others it can be a stay in a hotel, or possibly even in prison. But for most people in the UK their first encounter with the Gideons will be when they move up to secondary school.

The Gideons endeavour to provide a New Testmaent and Psalms to every Year 7 boy and girl as their own personal copy of God’s Word. As Gideons we believe that God’s Word is of eternal importance, and as such we want to ensure that everybody has access to it.

In the Southport branch we have a significant number of schools to reach each year. From Formby in the south to Tarelton in the north we have had the privilege of presenting Testaments year after year. The task of organising dates with busy schools and then arranging to speak with the children and present the Scriptures is a demanding one, but one that is well worth the effort. Knowing that every year we have been able to pass on God’s Word to all the school children on our patch is a real encouragement. Please pray that God will bless each copy of His Word and that each Testament will be treasured and used.

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:1 ESV)

There are two stories that we talk about at Christmas: one involves Father Christmas, snow and presents – it is a complete fabrication (apart from any perceived link between an overweight red suited gift bringer and an ancient Saint called Niclaus); the other is Real, Remarkable & Relevant.

Real

The story in Luke’s Gospel is rooted in cold hard fact.The story begins with the background surrounding the birth – it specifies times and places and people. These are the hallmarks of a genuine history, not a fairy story. The birth and life of Jesus is a fact.

Remarkable

The birth of one child in the middle of such a time of upheaval is entirely unremarkable – what is remarkable are the events that accompanied this particular birth. We are told that an angel came to the shepherds and announced the birth as one bringing Good News. This child was, and is special. His birth fulfilled many promises that God had made to His people and would bring about the means for salvation and reconciliation to God for all people! This news was so remarkable that at the conclusion of the announcement the entire heavenly host burst forth into spontaneous praise and worship! Now that is remarkable!

Relevant

How is this relevant to us so many years later? The announcement was made to ordinary people – shepherds – because the message is for “all the people”, that’s you and I! The need for people to be forgiven and reconciled to God is just as urgent today as it was 2000 years ago. The great news is that Jesus has promised to return, to claim those who have responded to the loving gift of His life for our sins, to take us to be with Him. That will also be real, and remarkable – I trust it will also be relevant to you…

It was a privilege and a pleasure to meet up with The Mayor Of The Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Councillor Kevin E Cluskey, on Wednesday 21 November 2012, and present him with a Gideon Bible, which he graciously accepted.  It is Councillor Cluskey’s second term of  office as Mayor having had a varied career and also working as an Advocate for MIND.  He has lived in the borough for 74 years.  He is married to Councillor Linda Cluskey, who was unable to attend as she was engaged with other council duties, however, The Mayor accepted a Bible on her behalf.  We were able to spend some time with The Mayor in his parlour at the Town Hall in Southport, and spend some time discussing some of his duties as Mayor and also informing him of some of our duties as Gideons, of which he was very supportive.  This picture shows Bryan Scholes, from the Southport Branch of The Gideons, presenting the Bible to The Mayor.

Gideons International, Southport branch celebrates 60 years of placing and presenting the Word of God in Southport and the surrounding towns and villages.

The branch was formed in 1952 and over the past 60 years its members have placed or presented more than one hundred thousand copies of the Bible or New Testament & Psalms.  All Gideon scriptures and literature are free to the recipient, the aim of the organisation is to make available copies of the scriptures in the mainstreams of public life where multiple readers can have the opportunity to read of God’s love for mankind and his personal gift of Salvation.   Personal copies are presented to year 7 school pupils, university students, members of the medical profession, police, fire and ambulance personnel, and members of the armed forces.

All Gideon scriptures include Bible helps, an explanation of what the Bible is, what the Bible says about various topics, guidance in life and “its power and effect.”

During the British Coronation ceremony, a Bible has traditionally been presented to the monarch with the words: “We present you with this book, the most valuable thing this world affords.  Here is wisdom.  This is the Royal Law.  These are the lively oracles of God”  These words are true and deeply significant.

 This book has the power not only to inform, but also to reform and to transform lives.  Through its influence countless people have been given a new strength, an unerring purpose and a sure hope in life.  It has brought blessing to millions in every land and age.

 It is supernatural in origin, eternal in duration, divine in authorship, infallible in authority, inexhaustible in meaning, universal in readership, unique in revelation, personal in application and powerful in effect.

 It is given to you here in this life, it will be open at the Judgement, it is established forever.  Come to it with awe, read it with reverence, frequently, slowly, prayerfully.

On September the 29^th, 25 members and 55 ‘Friends of the Gideons’ celebrated the 60^th Anniversary at their annual friends appreciation luncheon.  The guest speaker was Pastor David Hamilton (ex UVF paramilitary).  David shared his life story and gave testimony of the transformation in his life following the reading of Gods Word in his prison cell.  He gave his life to God and asked the Lord to change him.  David has found real purpose for his life and a love for the living word of God.  Following his prison sentence, David went to Bible college and now works full time for the Lord leading a church in Manchester.

It’s a privilege at this time of year to be allowed to take assemblies in our schools and to present the Year 7 pupils with a New Testament and Psalms. Every year we are greeted by teachers who tell us: “I’ve still got mine, you know!” It’s our responsibility to present the Bible as relevant to today’s young people, and we only have a few minutes of their time to do this. The following is how we approached it this year, on the day when JK Rowling’s ‘adult’ book is published. Please pray that God will use His word, as He has promised to accomplish His purposes and bring Him glory.

Do you read books? Do you read paperbacks? When I was young, all we had was paper books. Now, you can read on your smartphone, Kindle, tablet, laptop, or just on the internet. There are so many ways to read these days, but it’s still all just words, no matter what they are written on.

The Bible was written over a period of roughly a couple of thousand years, by around 40 different individuals in 66 parts (or books). It was written on clay tablets, papyrus, animal skin scrolls, vellum & paper – and now it’s available anywhere in the world via the internet!

I said that books are just words, but words are never just anything. A wise man once said to me that a person who says something nasty and then takes it back (sticks & stones never works) – is like someone who throws a stone through a window and then says: “I’m sorry I’ll take the stone back!” Words are effective!

The Bible claims that its words are the words of God Himself – if so, they’re the most powerful words ever! The Bible says that every word of it was literally ‘the breath of God’. Jesus made many claims about Himself – and these are recorded in the Bible, as God’s Word – you can look for yourself, I’m not going to tell you today.

But, CS Lewis (who wrote the Narnia series) said that based on what Jesus said He was either mad, bad, or God. Lewis believed that He was and is God. You have to make up your own mind, but until you read the words, you’ll never know!

We are going to give you a New Testament & Psalms, so you can read it and see for yourself. You can keep it and read it, you can put it on your phone or your Kindle or your computer or just Google it! But, if words are important and God’s words are the most important, then you can’t dare to miss it!

So, please accept these old fashioned books with timeless words that will bring light and life to you from the Living God who inspired it.

Last year, in a tragic accident Ben Gautrey, a promising young motorbike racer died during the first lap of a Superbike Championship race in Lincolnshire. He fell off his bike on the first lap and was hit by two other riders. God used this tragedy to bring Ben’s mum back to faith at St. Cuthbert’s Church in Southport.

Ben’s mother, Lorraine found a Gideons New Testament among his belongings by his bedside. It had been given to Ben as a 12 year old when he started at Stanley High School, and it appears that he was using it regularly.

Since last summer Lorraine has been attending chuch and helping out practically at St. Cuthbert’s. She has also asked to be confirmed into the Church. Please pray for Lorraine that she would find comfort and peace in God and thank God for drawing both Ben and Lorraine to Himself through His word.

Last Saturday the Southport Branch of the Gideons International held their annual Friends Luncheon for all those locally who support us in prayer and through giving to the work. The afternoon at the Southport Family Life Centre was well attended, with approximately 90 Gideons and Friends. The food was fantastic and the fellowship was great! It was wonderful to speak with so many who believe in the value of distributing God’s Word to a world that needs it.

We had several reports on the ongoing work that we do in the town, and surrounding area, inlcuding a report by Paul Edkins on the weekly prison ministry. We also had a report on the International Convention, and the Auxilliarys.

We were privileged to have Pauline English come and speak to us. It was encouraging to hear of her own conversion through the use of a Gideon Testament, and the sharing of the Gospel from her co-workers. It is exciting to see that the giving of one Bible has multiplied in Pauline’s subsequent ministy, and it is a timely reminder that the work of the Gideons is that of reaching men and women with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We would like to express our thanks to all who support us in this vital work throughout the year – we do value your prayers and your standing with us in the work of God.

On Sunday 3rd of July representatives of the Central Liverpool and Southport branches of Gideons International arrived bright and early at Altcar Army Training Camp, in Hightown Merseyside. Their mission was to present over 300 camouflage testments to the Lothian & Borders Regiment Army Cadets on the occasion of their passing out.

The testaments were printed with the Army Cadet Force insignia. Our connection to the Cadets came about through the Padre, Cameron Mackenzie who came to Christ, himself through a Gideons testament.

Stephen Waring (Central Liverpool Branch) and Cameron Mackenzie spoke to the cadets. We then presented the platoon leaders with their testaments – they then distributed these to the cadets, who were on parade.

We were greatly encouraged by the response, and the godly passion of the Padre. We were also encouraged when, just as we were packing up we were asked for another testment for a colleague who was shortly returning to duty after a bereavement.

Please do pray for all the cadets, that they will read and benefit from the Scriptures that they received. Pray also for the Padres who work with these young men and women.

Click on the images below to view large.

In recognition of 2011 being the 400th anniversary of the production of the King James Bible, from 30th June until 6th July 201,1 10am to 5pm daily there will be a Bible Exhibition held in Wayfarers Arcade, Lord Street, Southport.

The exhibition is organised by The Museum of the Book and the Methodist Church in Southport, with the Southport Branch of the Gideons International being in attendance.

The history of the English Bible will be brought to life by the ‘Museum of the Book’ with audiovisuals, first edition 1611 KJV and Bibles once owned by famous people from Florence, Nightingale to Spurgeon, from the Queen’s Coronation Bible to Elvis.