Long before I was a Gideon and able to order Gideon New Testaments with Psalms and Proverbs, I was a member of The Pocket Testament League (PTL). Wayne, my former pastor, introduced me to the website, and I became a member in 2004. Now, with over 320 different covers to choose from, it’s easy to find the right cover for any occasion and person; plus, they still have many classic covers like: “Experience a Higher Drive” for golfers, “The Ultimate Win” for racecar fans, and “Finding Your Way” lighthouse. Whatever your interests are or whoever you want to reach with the gospel—you’re sure to find something that will help.
Let’s take a look inside this amazing long-standing ministry.
History of the League
Like the Gideons, PTL has a long-lasting history which dates back almost a decade before Gideon’s International, showcasing a rich legacy of dedication and commitment to spreading their mission. Established with the goal of reaching as many people as possible with the gospel of Jesus Christ, PTL has played a pivotal role in creating and distributing the gospels for those who need them. Over the years, their tireless efforts have not only involved the production of printed materials but have also encompassed the use of modern technology to share their message through digital platforms and social media. Their volunteers, staff, and supporters are driven by a shared passion for evangelism, working in communities and churches to foster spiritual growth and offer hope to those who may be lost or searching for guidance.
Don’t ever think that you are too young or too insignificant to be used by God. The Pocket Testament League was started in 1893 by a 12-year old girl by the name of Helen Cadbury, daughter of the president of Cadbury Chocolates, who organized this group with her friends to read the Bible, carry it with them, and share their faith as God provided opportunity. They sewed pockets into their dresses to carry the small New Testaments her father provided. This same vision still drives the ministry today.
“If only we could get people to read the Book for themselves, it will surely lead them to Christ.”
Helen Cadbury
Just imagine how many lives this group touched with the gospel in over 132 years of faithful ministry. PTL has seen a great deal of history through the years. Events like: World War I & II, The Korean War, Vietnam, and the Gulf War; the sinking of the Titanic, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the industrialization of America, the space shuttle Challenger disaster, and the Great Depression. Even though the world is ever-changing, The Pocket Testament League—is timeless.
What PTL is, and how you can become a member for free
Jesus’ plan is simple. Go into all the world, plant seeds, and share the Word. It may not be easy, but it will be easier using gospels of John from PTL.
All pocket-sized Gospels of John include the complete book of the Gospel of John, plus information about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Each gospel is 3.75″ wide x 5.25″ tall when closed. These Gospels of John are eye catching, have a clear gospel presentation inside, and direct people to the website, or your church (find out later). Click here to take a look inside a PTL gospel of John.
This simple no-pressure method to share Jesus by using these pocket-sized Gospels of John is perfect for any Christian who desires to spread the message of hope and love in a gentle manner. These compact books are not only easy to carry but also serve as an inviting tool for conversations about faith. Whether at a coffee shop, during a walk in the park, or simply among friends, having these Gospels on hand allows individuals to share the teachings of Christ effortlessly, encouraging others to explore and embrace true Christianity. This approach fosters genuine dialogue and provides a pathway for meaningful connections, making it an ideal practice for anyone wanting to introduce others to their faith without feeling overwhelming or pushy.
Are you ready to change the world?
So, are you ready to change the world for Jesus Christ? Simply click the JOIN THE MOVEMENT button located throughout the website. From there, look for the section on the right—NOT A MEMBER YET, JOIN NOW. Once you fill out a short form, you will have full access to the website and the information it contains.
Order gospels
By clicking the ORDER GOSPELS button, you will access the store where you can search covers for any particular interest or season; up to 16 languages, up to 5 Scripture versions; and other categories, ministry focus, holiday, and use of the Gospels of John you are looking for. You can also purchase kits, designed to give you more of a variety for a particular interest. How much are they you ask? These are very affordable at just $1.00 each plus shipping and handling. If you just cannot afford them, sign up for free Gospels of John through their giving program to be sponsored by someone who can carry your burden for you.
Along with Gospels of John, there are also “Ready References for Your Pocket Testament:” a pocket-sized reference guide designed to help you read, carry, and share. Each one contains information to help you, the evangelist, share these gospels with those around you.
Design your own cover
With the expansion of the ministry and funding, PTL now has the ability to create custom Gospels of John to suit your needs, and promote your church, buisiness, or ministry. With the custom covers, you are able to share information like:
- Church, buisiness, or ministry name, address, website, and contact information.
- Logo’s and eye-catching themes to direct them to you.
- Optional paragraph message inside the back cover (300 word limit) to give a short testimony, gospel message, or information about your organization.
Choose amount and prices of these custom orders. Below is an example (prices subject to change and only reflect custom orders).
- 500 ($750)
- 1,000 ($1,150)
- 5,000 ($4,100)
- 10,000 ($6,650)
Click this link to see more about designing your own cover.
* Note: when ordering, click “NONE OF THE ABOVE” in the form where it asks the question, “Are you a member of either of the following organizations?”
Evangelism resources
There are many evangelism resources at your disposal on the PTL website. You have the ability to check your lifetime impact and see how many Gospels of John has been ordered by you, stickers to place inside your pocket gospels so that if people want to know more, they can reference your number and you can see if someone has personally received Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Also, you have access to the PTL blog and read information on how to share your pocket gospels, impact the ministry has in the world, and daily encouragement to read, carry, and share.
21 Day Challenge provides an online daily devotional for 21 days and encourages you to read, carry, and share the pocket gospels daily for 21 days. It’s a great way to motivate yourself and be encouraged as others take the leap with you.
Evangelism Boot Camp is an online training course made up of 7 lessons geared to help you overcome fear and share your faith. These simple lessons not only encourage you, but lead you through short, non-confrontational approach to sharing your Gospel’s of John.
The PTL mobile app is a great way to share Jesus any time with downloadable Gospels of John. Whether young or old, male or female, and all throughout the world, mobile devices have become prolific. That’s why we created the new PTL App. So that you can share Jesus anytime (text, social, AirDrop, and more) and anyplace (even from home) with people you may not be able to reach with printed Gospels. Download today!
So, what’s holding you back? Step up and become a free member today! Challenge those around you by sharing the powerful good news of Jesus Christ with those around you, giving them the chance to discover God’s Word for themselves!
Pens & Wrenches 
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