Mark-
Bless you for your committment to Christ. Sometimes, I wish I had more of it in me.
But the necessities are food, water, clothing and basic medical supplies.
Although a lot of people out there carry Christ along with them in every aspect of their daily lives, these poor people need something else - something more substantial and tangible than a Bible.
I wish you well in your endeavours - but I feel they are a little misplaced at this time.
There was a link on a previous thread from someone in touch with a shelter in Baton Rouge--after food and water, what people most request is the Bible. No one is suggesting that food and water not be sent--but this is also a necessity, and normal relief workers have other things to do. God gives each of us work to do, and it's not always the same.
"I wish you well in your endeavours - but I feel they are a little misplaced at this time."
Why do you presume it is an "either/or" situation...that somehow if the Gideons offer Bibles, somehow the people will be kept from the much-needed food and water?
It is a ridiculous assumption, IMHO.
Trust me....his endeavors are not misplaced.
You couldn't be more wrong.
We are giving these out at centers where the refugees are colelcting clothes and food. If you could have seen the tears and hugs my wife just received after giving out some of the New Testaments you would know how wrong you are.