Helping Children Miles Away

80% of it's people follow Hinduism. About 13% follow Islam. Among the other religions followed, only 2% know and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. The place...India. But Gleaning For The World (GFTW) has a small part in changing that.

Scott Ray, Convocation Director at Liberty University (LU), is heading up a team of college students heading for India. Just yesterday, Scott and a LU student came to GFTW to sort and pack supplies needed for the trip. Medical and school supplies were provided. Simple toothbrushes and toothpaste will be given to many who have never brushed their teeth their entire lives. Also, 200 pairs of new shoes will be handed out! A simple pair of shoes can help prevent ringworms and other parasites from entering the feet, which would ultimately end up killing a person, if not treated.

These supplies were donated by GFTW and will be distributed to people in need by LU students. This is "earning the right to be heard," as Pastor Jonathan Falwell often states from the sanctuary in Thomas Road Baptist Church. We are providing for the needs and then providing the Gospel. God takes care of the rest. Just another day in the ministry.

Gleaning For The World and Thomas Road Baptist Church Announce Merger

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2009 (Concord, Virginia) – All over the globe, there are desperate cries for help. Right now, there are millions of people suffering in poverty, hunger, sickness and natural disasters. That’s why Gleaning For The World (GFTW) was founded more than one decade ago… to care for the sick, clothe the naked and feed the hungry. GFTW wants to continue this effort with full-force for years to come. And GFTW needs help to make that possible.

That’s why Gleaning For The World is proud to announce a merger with Thomas Road Baptist Church (TRBC) and Pastor Jonathan Falwell in Lynchburg, Virginia. For 53 years, TRBC has had a tremendous impact around the globe. TRBC can provide a tremendous resource to GFTW… people. Through this transition, GFTW can locate more life-saving supplies in the U.S. and overseas that can support more humanitarian organizations working in the field in an efficient manner. In addition, the merger will bring more financial stability during this economic downturn. And this means more lives will be changed and saved.

Pastor Falwell said he was impressed with how Rev. Ron Davidson, GFTW president and chief operating officer, stepped down as pastor of a 1,200-member church in order to start the organization from scratch. Pastor Falwell added, “Ron has led GFTW to be recognized for the second consecutive year by Forbes.com as the nation’s top charity in terms of both fundraising efficiency and charitable commitment. I am excited about the opportunity for our church to get involved in providing assistance to many hurting people as well as having new opportunities for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them.”
Rev. Ron Davidson, GFTW President and COO, is honored to be a part of the new direction for the ministry he founded.

Rev. Davidson stated, “I approached Jonathan Falwell last November about the potential of joining the two ministries together. It just made sense to me that two organizations who share a common goal could be more effective in meeting the humanitarian crises, if we worked together. TRBC has the same integrity and Christian witness we have tried to build at Gleaning. They also have the desire to reach the poor and care for people who are hurting and need help just to survive. Together, we can expand our outreach and touch the lives of more people.”
Pastor Falwell says he envisions “big growth” at GFTW for years to come.