Despite torrential rains and a cold wind that threatened to blow it over, the American Bible Society (ABS) tent at Sunbelt Agricultural Expo welcomed thousands of men, women and children who personally signed Bibles to send to troops overseas. An authentic “deuce and a half” military truck — restored from combat action during the first Gulf War — held the signed Bibles.

This was ABS's first presence at Sunbelt, North America's premier tradeshow for the farming/ agricultural industry, held annually in Moultrie, Ga. The Bible Society welcomed the opportunity to promote its Armed Services Ministry and win new friends for its worldwide ministries. Inside the tent, some 7,000 Bibles were signed with encouraging notes by Expo attendees, who left the tent wearing “I signed a Bible” sticker.

The Rev. Dr. James J. Puchy, retired Army chaplain colonel and ABS's executive director of National Ministries, spoke with, counseled and prayed with Veterans and those in uniform who visited the tent.

Singer Krista Branch, known nationally for her hit, “I am America,” proudly represented ABS during the three-day Expo, performing daily in the ABS tent and giving an evening concert to benefit ABS's Armed Services Ministry. She also performed “The Star Spangled Banner” for the Sunbelt Expo and the Expo's Farmer of the Year luncheon.