[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6032]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              THE GIDEONS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2009

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, Abraham Lincoln believed that ``the 
Bible is the best gift God has ever given to a man.'' For 100 years The 
Gideon's, a non-denominational evangelical group of professional 
businessmen, have labored to extend this heavenly gift by distributing 
Bibles throughout the world. I commend the Gideon's as January 2008 
marks their centennial anniversary of serving God and sharing the 
gospel of Jesus.
  ``Of the many influences that have shaped the United States into a 
distinctive nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental 
and enduring than the Bible.'' Because of this the Gideon's are an 
undeniable part of American history. From their humble roots in Beaver 
Dam, Wisconsin, three traveling businessmen devised a plan called ``the 
Bible project''. Their mission was to simply furnish a Bible in hotel 
rooms throughout the United States. One hundred years later The 
Gideon's presence in America and across the globe has grown 
tremendously. They have now placed more than 1.3 billion Bibles in more 
than 180 countries around the world.
  The Gideon's patriotic spirit is truly realized through their quest 
to give all military personnel serving in the United States Armed 
Forces a small, pocket size New Testament. They also distribute Bibles 
to patients in United States Veterans hospitals. Their distribution of 
Scriptures, touches the lives of many people regardless of age, gender, 
income, or need and for that they are great patriots.
  For the past 100 years, Gideons International members have given so 
much time and service to their communities, state, nation and the 
world. In so doing, they have brought the Gospel message to life by 
distributing God's Word. I invite you to join me in honoring all 
Gideons for their continued faithfulness and service to God.

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