On Friday, July 14, 159 counties in the state of Georgia held the 5th Annual Statewide Bible Reading at each county courthouse. The event began in 2018 in Iowa, through leader, Dianne Bentley. Last year, the event spread to 24 states and 29 nations. This year, the goal is to have the Bible read, not only here in the USA, but also in every time zone around the world. The nation of Nigeria, led by Bible coordinator Laura Williams-Soetan, held the event in 109 Senatorial Districts. They continued the reading of God’s Word over their country four more times that first year, and also in the succeeding years. For the state of Georgia, the Bible has been divided into 159 readings, and as each county read their portion on July 14, at 7:14 a.m., the entire Bible was read over our state within an hour or less. The basis for the reading taking place on July 14, comes from the Bible verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Introduction was by Bible Reading County Coordinator Pastor Brad McKenzie, Jesus Saves Church; opening prayer was offered by Pastor John Durden, Summertown Baptist Church; readings were done by many community participants and closing prayer was offered by Sherriff Jeffrey Brewer.
There were about 25 in attendance and the event lasted about an hour. They are thankful for the opportunity to represent Emanuel County in this huge undertaking of having the entire Bible publicly read all across the state of Georgia at this appointed time and they can’t wait until next year to do it again. This event has been, and will continue to be held annually at the county courthouse on July 14, at 7:14 a.m. Please mark your calendars and plan to join them next year.
A special thanks to David Marshall for all his help in lining up the participants and helping to coordinate the readings.
