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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
A historic event is taking place all across Iowa that will give all of us an opportunity to publicly “magnify” the only inspired Word of God. You are invited to participate in the Iowa 99 County Bible Reading Marathon—a continuous reading of the whole Bible, beginning with Genesis and concluding with Revelation, to take place in front of every courthouse in Iowa. The reading will begin June 30th at 8:00am and conclude July 3th at approximately 4:00 to 6:00pm leading up to our nation’s 4th of July celebration! Our Day of Independence—our birthday!
Our earnest desire is to expose our community to the powerful words of our Creator and have an effect in the spiritual realm. The Bible’s transforming power is guaranteed: “My Word…will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire…” (Isaiah 55:11). However, as we read through the Bible we need the Lord Himself to “open the eyes of our understanding that we might recognize that all Scripture is profitable” (II Timothy 3:16).
Many volunteers will be needed. We are inviting people from every city in our county, of all ages—adults, children, senior adults, high school and college students, businessmen, government and state officials, to participate in this momentous and historic event. We will need approximately (40) Team Captains to be on site for 2-hour shifts; (320) individuals to fill 80 hours of 15-minute time slots, and people who will pray for this marathon. You are welcome to fill more than one 2-hour shift. Perhaps your Small Group, Bible Study Group, Sunday School Class or Exercise Group could form an eight person team. Each person will read from a podium—no microphone—from a large print Bible provided (you may sit if needed—stool provided).
Our Marathon will be one of 99 + 1, going on simultaneously in the state of Iowa in front of every courthouse! We are anticipating an exciting time as we gather together across denominational lines and with different ethnic groups to read God’s Word. This is also a way for the Lord to show His children how they can work together on something. It doesn’t have anything to do with individual churches or different denominations. It’s just God’s children coming together to do something significant. There is great power when the Body of Christ comes together. That—combined with the power of God’s Word spoken aloud from cover to cover—wow!! We probably have no idea what this can do to shatter enemy strongholds, not only in our local community, but in our state, and even our nation. Think bigger picture. There’s a lot going on in the spiritual realm over our communities, state, and nation, and we can be a part of affecting that battle (Daniel Chapter 10). Jeremiah 23:29 says: “Is not My Word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” And Isaiah 55:11: “So shall My Word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” We are the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11), so let’s come together and help this thing happen!
Together we will lay a foundation in Iowa for 2016 and beyond; honor God’s Holy Word; celebrate our First Amendment freedoms; unify the Body of Christ around the Holy Bible, and reestablish the reading of the Word in every home, so that we may hear His Word, know His Word, and be doers of His Word! “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 2:22).
During the Iowa Bible Reading Marathon from our state Capitol rotunda, held January 4 through January 12, 2016, there were many who were overwhelmed by the awesome experience of proclaiming God’s Word aloud. His Presence is there when you read His Word.
Please join us and receive a certificate of participation as a memento of the historic occasion!
Reserve your spot by contacting – Cindy Johnston at – 641-895-0861.
Sincerely,
Cindy Johnston
hope4cindy@gmail.com
County Captain