From a Pocket New Testament to the Gideons International Convention: Dr. Jeremy Horton's Journey of Faith Beyond the Campus

At Champion Christian College, our mission has always been about more than just academic excellence; it is about cultivating a deep-seated faith that transforms lives and ripples out into the wider world. While our daily focus is on campus initiatives, classes, and student life, the spiritual heartbeat of our institution is sustained by the personal walks of faith lived out by our leadership, faculty, and staff.

Recently, our Vice President had the incredible privilege of sharing his personal testimony on a massive global stage—an experience that, while personal in nature, perfectly captures the core spiritual values we champion every day.

A Historic Gathering: The Gideons International Convention

On July 22, 2026, our Vice President spoke at the Gideons International annual Convention, which was held in Charlotte, North Carolina. This was no ordinary gathering; it was a historic event. Attendees reported that in the 127-year history of Gideons International, this convention saw its largest registration ever, with over 3,000 people representing more than 90 countries.

Our Vice President was invited to testify about how the Lord Jesus Christ saved him at 17 years old through a Gideons New Testament Bible. To stand before a global body of believers and share how a single pocket scripture changed the trajectory of his life was a profound honor.

During the trip, his wife, Jillian, was able to join him, and they had the opportunity to visit the Billy Graham Library to witness the legacy of what Christ has done through evangelistic ministry. Reflecting on the event, he shared how deeply he was moved by the Gideons' unparalleled hospitality and compassion, noting that hearing voices from every tribe, tongue, and nation lifted in worship felt like a joyful foretaste of Heaven itself.

More Doors Opening Across the Country

Since sharing his story in Charlotte, the Lord has continued to open doors for our Vice President to share this message of salvation. His upcoming personal speaking engagements include:

• Pastor's Banquet Near Tulsa (September 22): Next month, he will speak at a local pastor's banquet near Tulsa, sharing his testimony and connecting with regional ministry leaders.
• The Pacific Southwest Gideons Convention (April 9–10): Held in Whittier, California, this regional convention represents California, Utah, Nevada, and Hawaii. He has been invited to share his testimony and preach the opening Bible Message sermon.
• The Oklahoma Gideons State Convention (April 23): He will speak at this annual state convention, sharing his testimony with Gideons from across our home region.
• The Mississippi Gideons State Convention: He has received an invitation to speak at their annual state convention, with the date and time pending.

Why Personal Testimony is the Heart of Champion's Mission

At Champion, we believe that an institution is only as strong as the personal faith of the people who lead it. When our leaders step off campus to share their personal testimonies, they are living out the exact principles we teach our students:

1. Modeling a Christ-Centered Life: We teach our students to be bold witnesses for Jesus Christ. By sharing how he was saved through a simple Gideons Bible at age 17, our Vice President models the lifelong impact of personal evangelism and the power of God's Word.
2. A Shared Spirit of Evangelism: Champion Christian College exists to prepare the next generation of Christian leaders. The Gideons’ mission of spreading the Gospel is deeply aligned with our institutional heartbeat. When our Vice President ministers to Gideons across California, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, he represents the spiritual DNA of Champion.
3. Representing Our Values in the Wider Kingdom: Every time a member of our leadership team speaks at a national or regional convention, they demonstrate the caliber of spiritual leadership that guides Champion Christian College. It shows that our leadership is active, engaged, and trusted within the wider body of Christ.

We celebrate how Christ is magnifying Himself through these personal doors, and we are reminded that our ultimate goal—both on and off campus—is to see Jesus exalted.

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