A global glance Pray for Narva
Narva is the third largest city in Estonia, near the Russian border. Political changes over the last 20 years have shifted the population such that half are not even Estonian citizens. Life in Narva is very hard, and the ongoing economic struggles leave many merely surviving. Amidst this climate, you find the Narva camp (est. 2012) of 9 members. Members of the Narva camp represent different denominations, and struggle to find pastors who support the efforts of The Gideons International. Many churches are interested in only having access to Scriptures for themselves rather than partnering with members to reach the lost. Yet, National Field Representative Mark Moroz recently spoke in a church whose pastor was in a prison when he received a New Testament placed by The Gideons International. Pastor Dmitry accepted the Lord and established a church for former criminals, alcoholics and drug users upon his release. There is great support and potential involvement from that church. Moroz provides training and encouragement for the Gideons in Narva, and the camp is excited to hear how God is working through His Word around the world. Pray for the Narva camp – open doors for distributions, supportive churches and pastors, and for members to continue steadfastly in reaching Estonia for Christ.
A G l o b a l G l a n c e ///
3 Million in New Zealand
Chris Miles, president of the Wellington Camp in New Zealand, presented Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae with a commemorative Bible last month to mark the distribution of the 3 millionth copy of God’s Word in New Zealand.
The Gideons International was established in New Zealand in 1956, and the members there have consistently distributed and placed Scriptures in numerous hospitals, hotels, schools and universities throughout the country. There are just over 600 members actively serving in New Zealand, and we pray for continued growth and strength for their efforts.
Gideons Far Exceed Goals in Bolivia In April, a team of six Gideons traveled to Bolivia to distribute Scriptures along with Gideons and Auxiliary from camps in Cochabamba and Quillacollo.
Most of the Scriptures were distributed at schools. The distribution teams were encouraged to see the students being so receptive to receiving copies of God’s Word. “There was a definite hunger for the Word there,” says John Mannen, one of the blitz team members. “I didn’t have a single student refuse a copy of God’s Word,” he says.
The goal for the blitz was 80,000 Scriptures. However, by the end of the week, more than 146,000 Scriptures had actually been distributed. Based on reports by the team members, the number of people who made decisions for Christ during the blitz was estimated to be over 3,500. For the members from Bolivia and the U.S., the event was just another opportunity to help carry out the Great Commission. “God has called us to go out there and share His Word,” says Mannen. “It’s the most important thing in the world.”
THE gideon
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