Touching Lives in Louisiana: The 2015 Lafayette Scripture Blitz

The Lord opened doors in the South as Gideons spent time out and about in Lafayette, Louisiana and the surrounding communities. During a recent blitz, there were 397 places of distribution visited in four days, including 92 hotels, 12 hospitals, five drug treatment centers, one university, six community colleges, and many other places.

The talk of the blitz was “Laissez Le Bon Livre Aller,” which means “Let the good Book go forth.” The theme verse for those days was James 5:20, “…let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” As Gideons prayed this verse over their activities, God was faithful to answer their prayers.

While distributing Scriptures at a Ramada Inn, the manager thanked Gideons for their work. “We are so excited to have new Bibles in our rooms. We are also pleased our staff has received their own New Testaments.” A hotel employee, Helen, was cleaning the lobby area where Gideons were unloading boxes of Bibles. A Gideon noticed her watching and offered her a New Testament of her own. Helen gladly accepted the Scripture. That started a casual conversation and soon after, she accepted Jesus into her heart.

Gideons also visited many local schools and colleges. Over 7,000 Scriptures were given to students including many at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. Students were very receptive. Over 80% of the Scriptures that The Gideons International places worldwide go to youth and students.

Richard Marque, a Gideon from New Iberia, Louisiana, had prayed all week for God to place someone in his path with whom he could share the Gospel. After a distribution at a police station, Marque looked across the road and noticed a young lady walking out of the library. He knew this was the opportunity he had prayed for. He approached the woman to offer her a New Testament. From that simple conversation, Richard was then able to share the Helps section in the front of each Scripture. He remarked, “I simply asked if she was interested in hearing God’s plan for her life. She eagerly nodded yes. I shared the Gospel with her right there at the library.” After hearing the plan of salvation, the young lady named Tanika made no hesitation in accepting Jesus Christ as her Savior.

Gideons also spoke in over a dozen local churches about the effectiveness of these community blitzes and shared recent testimonies from around the world. By the end of the Scripture blitz, over 65,000 Scriptures were distributed throughout the community. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness to spread His Word to all people.