Church Street Becomes Temporary Bible Belt

Students walking home from Lake Zurich High School on Tuesday, Oct. 12, were approached by members of The Gideons International and offered a New Testament Bible.

That is the same organization that puts Bibles in every hotel and motel room across the country.

District 95 was informed ahead of time that Gideons International members would be passing out New Testament Bibles on the sidewalks near Lake Zurich High School, but not on the grounds. 

They are protected by the first amendment to hand out Bibles as long as they stay on city owned streets.

Five members of the Lake South Camp of the Gideons International arrived at 3 p.m. and stood on both sides and corners of Church Street, each with a box full of orange New Testament Bibles.

"We go to schools, hospitals, retirement communities, police departments, colleges, motels, and hotels," said José Cepeda, Lake South Camp member.

According to 22 year member, Bob Betts, Lake Zurich High School was chosen at "random" and is part of their mission to go to at least "six schools a year."

About half of the students that were offered a bible accepted it, others just walked by or some it seemed stopped and avoided the situation by walking a different way.

"I think it's OK to hand out Bibles because I'm a Christian; actually it was nice of him to do so," said Danny Canada, junior. 

The Gideons International has been around since 1899 and currently has 110 camps in Illinois with more than  2,000 members. 

"Our purpose in handing out Bibles is to bring people to the faith in Jesus Christ our savior," said Hank Schmidt, member.

When the sidewalks became empty, the Gideons left at around 3:45 p.m.  

"It was a good day today," said Cepeda.