Long After the First Encounter, God's Word Is Still at Work

In Japan, sharing the Gospel is often the patient work of faithfulness. Deep traditions and long-established beliefs can make spiritual conversations difficult. Relationships must be built carefully. Trust may develop slowly… and those sharing Christ may serve for years before seeing how God has used their witness.

But the impact of God's Word can reach far beyond the moment it is first received.

Last year, a Gideon camp in Japan hosted a Pastors Appreciation Luncheon. Nine pastors attended—and as they shared their stories, something remarkable became clear.

Three of the nine pastors who gathered that day had been personally influenced by the ministry of The Gideons.

Two had come to faith in Jesus Christ after receiving Scripture through the ministry of The Gideons. The third spoke about the faithful influence of his father, a Gideon whose life and service had made a lasting impression on him.

Whether it's through a Scripture received, a faithful father's example, or a personal word of witness offered at just the right time ... each encounter became part of a much larger story. An encounter that eventually led these men to serve Christ and shepherd others.

We may not always see what happens after God's Word is placed in someone's hand, but this gathering in Japan offers a glimpse of the long-term impact that can follow.

This is just one example of why your prayers and generosity are so critical-equipping Gideons to share the Good News of Jesus around the world.