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Believers Worldwide Gear Up for Public Bible-Reading Events

by Allie Martin and Jenni Parker
April 7, 2005

(AgapePress) - Officials with a Tennessee-based ministry say an upcoming scripture-reading marathon that will be taking place all across America and in other nations around the free world is more than just a symbolic gesture. It is also a celebration and a chance to spread the knowledge of the Word of God.

Back in 1990, Christians gathered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, for a continuous public reading from the Holy Bible, leading up to the National Day of Prayer. The approximately 80-hour Bible Reading Marathon events have been held several times over the years since.

Barbara Bivens of Bible Pathway Ministries says similar planned scripture-reading marathons will be going on early next month at public places throughout the United States and Canada. Commenting on her excitement over the project on a recent Mission Network News broadcast, she observed, "I think we can just be so grateful that we can participate in these events -- the prayer and the reading of God's Word. This nation was based on biblical fundamentals, and I think it's so important as a sign of this country's strength that we can do this."

Bivens notes that Bible Reading Marathons have been held not only in North America but in nations around the world, including England, Germany, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Sweden. And although it may seem to many believers in America that society is increasingly hostile to Christian expressions, she points out that public scripture readings are protected by the Constitution of the United States, so those involved in the event should not put up with being harassed by authorities.

"The big thing is to tell them that it's being done at our nation's Capitol," Bivens adds. "How are you going to say, in a little town, 'You can't do it' if it can be done on the nation's Capitol? That's the strong point of the one in Washington, DC -- it's a focal point for the whole country."

The Bible Pathway spokeswoman says the sponsors of the scripture-reading event have always encouraged coordinators to stand up for their rights and to remind city, county, or other municipal officials that if their government "allows any kind of public gathering, then they have to allow the Bible Reading Marathon." However, she notes, "Other than a few hecklers here and there, we've not had any serious problems."

The nationwide Bible Reading Marathons, scheduled for next month on dates leading up to the May 5 National Day of Prayer, will take place in cities across the U.S. at such venues as county courthouses, town squares, at State Capitol buildings. Also, since the 2005 Bible Reading Marathon takes place on Cinco de Mayo this year, Bible Pathway is putting a special emphasis on reaching out to the Hispanic community.

Bivens says the 2005 Marathon effort hopes to capitalize on the coinciding cultural celebration by urging Hispanic people in particular to celebrate their freedoms -- including the freedom to read God's Word and to pray in public venues. The ministry spokeswoman feels those freedoms are something to celebrate, and she herself is grateful for them.

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