Our Blog
All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Why Do Hotels Have Bibles in Them?
Have you ever noticed that simple black, blue, or red Bible in the drawer of a hotel room and wondered where it came from? These are not left there haphazardly, but rather they are distributed by an organization, The Gideons International, as a means of evangelism. The Gideons hope to spread the good news of their faith to weary travelers by distributing Bibles in hotel rooms. The experts at The Best Western Siesta Key have learned quite a bit about this group, their history, and practice, as well as the purpose behind their mission. Here are some interesting facts to share with your traveling companions the next time you find a Bible in your hotel room.
Red Bible in Hotel Drawer
History
The Gideons International left the first Bible in a hotel room in Superior, Montana, after a group of traveling salesmen thought it would be a great way to bring peace and comfort to lonely travelers. Named for the Biblical figure, Gideon, depicted in Judges 6, who did exactly what God asked him to do without judging the plans or results, The Gideons International started with a few traveling salesmen and their desire to unite other traveling businessmen in the goal of evangelism. Since beginning their ministry in 1899, the Gideons have placed over 2 billion Bibles in hotel rooms and other venues.
Gideon choosing his soldiers – Picture from The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments books collection published in 1885, Stuttgart-Germany. Drawings by Gustave Dore.
Gideons International
This institution was originally created by and for businessmen who are also evangelical Christians. Even today, members must be current or retired businessmen, at least 21 years of age, who are members in good standing of an evangelical or protestant church. The Bibles they distribute are free and meant for anyone who finds worth in them, so feel free to take one home if you feel so led. The Gideons also distribute Bibles and New Testaments to other locations and institutions like hospitals, convalescent homes, medical offices, domestic violence shelters, prisons, and jails.
Businessman in Hotel Room
Features of a Gideon Bible
The Gideon Bibles you find in hotel rooms have special pages in them near the front that give a short preface, a suggestion of Bible verses that might be comforting or helpful in different types of trouble, and a short description of the evangelical understanding of salvation. There are legends and folklore about people leaving money in Bibles, possibly to reward the next person seeking Scripture for answers. Though this has never been proven to be a routine practice, more likely money found in hotel Bibles was left accidentally by a former guest trying to hide their money in a sparse hotel room.
If you’re ever in need of help, encouragement, or peace during your hotel stay, check out the Bible in the nightstand drawer. You may just find what you’re looking for within those pages. Likewise, if you travel often and would like to become a part of The Gideons International ministry, contact them about membership. You could become one of the angels leaving hope and peace everywhere you go. To learn more about the Gideons that visit our hotel, talk to our professionals on staff at The Best Western Siesta Key next time you’re here. We’ll be happy to share our experience with this group.