70 years of Ministry in Australia
A Legacy
The 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games was the catalyst towards establishing The Gideons International in Australia. The goal was to arrange for the placement of Bibles in hotel rooms before the arrival of athletes and visitors for the Games.
That year, International Vice President Pat Zondervan met with Christian business and professional men in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. They were challenged not only to place Scriptures, but also to stand together in faith, to encourage one another, and to share their personal testimony. Camps were formed, applications submitted, and officers elected.
The first camp was established in Sydney in February 1956. Melbourne and Brisbane followed. Before the Olympic Games commenced, more than 2,000 Bibles were placed in hotels across the three cities.
“Before the Olympic Games commenced, more than 2,000 Bibles were placed in hotels across the three cities.”
A Foundation
Throughout these early years, the Association was shaped by men meeting together regularly for prayer, accountability, and encouragement and upheld by the support and prayers of Gideon wives (Auxiliary). As members strengthened one another in their walk with God, they were better prepared to speak of Christ to others in workplaces and communities.
Distributions extended beyond hotels. Schools became a major area of work, and for many years Youth Testament distribution formed the largest portion of Scriptures placed in Australia.
The foundation of The Gideons International in Australia was strengthened as partnerships were established with churches.
As time passed, milestones were reached and passed. In 1966, one million Scriptures had been distributed in Australia. In 1997, the figure reached ten million, and this year we have placed our nineteen millionth copy of the Word of God somewhere in our nation. To God be all the glory!
A Springboard
The seventieth anniversary year of The Gideons International in Australia is a time to briefly look back, to give thanks to all who have established this legacy and built such a strong foundation for us today, and to give God the praise for each person whose soul has been saved through His Word and the sharing of the gospel.
But the Australia of today differs from Australia in 1956. Access to some placement areas has become more difficult, particularly in schools, while other areas like aged care facilities are more open. The needs of men and women are the same, and God’s Word continues to speak with authority and clarity, “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).
The years ahead are committed to Him. The work remains His, and its future rests in His hands. The Word of God will not fail. Whether fruit is seen quickly or slowly, whether known now or later, His Word will accomplish His purpose.
“…this year we have placed our nineteen millionth copy of the Word of God somewhere in our nation. To God be all the glory!”