By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of The Corry Alliance Church.

When the doors of The Corry Alliance Church opened on a crisp Saturday morning, the scent of fresh coffee mingled with the hum of anticipation for a special announcement. Congregants gathered not just for worship, but to hear how a humble local effort was linking their town to a worldwide movement that places Bibles in the hands of thousands of young people.

Gideons International: A Global Mission with a Local Face

Mark Summers, representing Gideons International, took the podium to describe the organization’s expansive reach. He reminded listeners that the Gideons operate in 190 countries, sharing the Gospel wherever they can. “Our key slogan, if you will have it, is the gospel is our mission,” Summers said, emphasizing the partnership between local churches and the ministry.

He cited a Barna Group study indicating that 70% of people who come to know the Lord are under the age of 17, which drives the Gideons’ focus on schools. While the organization once distributed Bibles directly inside classrooms, today they often set up tables on sidewalks outside schools due to access restrictions. In Jamestown, the ministry hands out testaments at three middle schools—Washington, Jefferson, and Purcell—reaching thousands of students each week.

Grassroots Distribution in Chautauqua County

Summers shared vivid details of the local effort: volunteers load boxes into SUVs, drive to the county fair, and set up under the grandstand where “thousands of people walking by” see the giveaway. In a recent week, 2,181 testaments were handed out at the Chautauqua County Fair alone. He also highlighted a Thanksgiving dinner giveaway organized by nearby churches, where a full frozen turkey and pie are provided alongside the Bibles.

One memorable anecdote involved a young man who repeatedly asked a Gideon for another book, insisting that his “pages were full.” The persistence illustrated the hunger for Scripture among the youth, a sentiment that fuels the volunteers’ dedication.

Church Fellowship and Upcoming Events

Beyond the Gideons’ presentation, the service included announcements for community gatherings. A potluck dinner was scheduled for the following Saturday, inviting members to “get together and eat.” Additionally, a membership meeting is set for Sunday, November 22, at 6 p.m., during which two members will be selected for the nominating committee.

Pastor Clyde delivered the sermon, while Pastor Ryan led the worship. The congregation sang a series of heartfelt hymns, culminating in a prayer for Pastor Jim Moffitt, who recently lost his brother. The prayer asked for comfort and peace for the grieving family, reflecting the church’s supportive atmosphere.

Impact of Faith-Based Outreach

The Gideons’ work in Chautauqua County exemplifies how faith-driven initiatives can have a tangible impact on a community. By distributing Bibles and testaments, volunteers provide a “living word” that can spark personal transformation, as illustrated by a video testimony from Craig Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.TV, who credited the Gideons with influencing his own ministry.

Summers concluded with a prayer for the continued success of the Gideons worldwide, asking God to open “blocked” avenues for distribution and to bless those who labor in the ministry. The service ended with a love offering placed at the Gideon card rack in the foyer, allowing congregants to support the cause directly.

Through these combined efforts—worship, fellowship, and outreach—the Corry Alliance Church demonstrates how a local congregation can connect its members to a global mission while nurturing community bonds.

The full episode of The Corry Alliance Church is available on OBBM Network TV.