Whitesburg Baptist Church, Huntsville
Madison Baptist Association
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:13
Favorite Hymns: “Amazing Grace” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Hobbies: Doing church work, Gideon work and winning people to the Lord
Family Status: Wife of 58 years, Doris; daughter, Joy Stuckey; two granddaughters
Soul-winning is the focus of Gordon E. Gilbreath, 80, of Huntsville. A 39-year member of Gideons International, he has distributed Bibles in Panama, Puerto Rico, Nevada and in Alabama cities. He has been on short-term missions in at least six U.S. states and in eight countries on three continents and in the Caribbean. These experiences, along with day-to-day soul-winning, have allowed him to see many people ask Jesus to come into their heart to be their Savior. He is a deacon, greeter and usher in his church, as well as a member of the missions council. Through the years he taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and served as chairman of deacons; twice he was Alabama state chaplain for Gideons International. Gilbreath operated a home repair business for 35 years. Currently he is a courtesy driver for the Ray Pearman Lincoln dealership in Huntsville.
Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?
A: School let out for the children to go to revival services. I was saved when I was 12 years old. It was at Sylvania Baptist Church on Sand Mountain. A Mrs. Stone told a 12-year-old boy how to accept Jesus into his heart. I’ve never regretted a minute of it.
Q: When and how were you led into the ministry work?
A: It was when I was going to Heritage Baptist Church in Huntsville. Lee J. Hudson was my pastor. I worked with JCPenney at the time. He discipled me on how to win people to the Lord.
Q: What does the ministry work demand?
A: Just being faithful to the Lord, the church and to the Gideon ministry.
Q: What do you get from the ministry work?
A: Joy, contentment. It’s always a joy to get to serve the Lord and lead somebody to Christ.
Q: How do family members support you?
A: My family is wholeheartedly for me, totally. My wife is a prayer warrior. My daughter and my grandchildren pray for me. My whole church family prays when I go on a trip.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I will be serving the Lord the best I can until He calls me home. I see no place to quit. There are too many people who are lost and need Jesus.
Q: What difference will this ministry work make for you in the future?
A: If the Lord gives me health and strength, I will continue to serve Him.
Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?
A: Everything. Everything. I would probably be in trouble somewhere if it had not been for Him saving me as a 12-year-old boy.
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