Statewide Bible Reading Comes to County Courthouses on July 14
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Citizens will gather at the Toombs, Montgomery, and Wheeler County Courthouses at 7 a.m. on Sunday, July 14, as the counties take part in the annual Statewide Bible Reading.
Each year, county leaders across the state gather with members of the public at their respective courthouses to read a passage of scripture promptly at 7:14 a.m. on July 14. Not only does this precise time ensure that the entire bible is read across the state within an hour, but is also honors the verse which inspired the event – 2 Chronicles 7:14, which reads, 'If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.'
The counties are assigned different passages within the Bible, as all verses within the Holy Book will be read aloud within the state during this period. These passages change from year to year to allow each county to focus on a new text each year.
Toombs County will be reading John 11-16, according to County Coordinator Vicki Tillery. Tillery has led the event within her home county for several years now, but said that each year brings new excitement — especially since this will be the first Statewide Bible Reading Day held at the new Toombs County Courthouse. “We welcome anyone to come to the new courthouse and join us,” she remarked.
Montgomery County Bible Reading Coordinator Makaylee Randolph shared that her county’s participants will be reading from the Old Testament, as they have been assigned Jeremiah 23-29. “Our passage really emphasizes the might and ability of God to guide us to accomplish His plan. Sometimes, we resist this guidance, but He always works with our best interest in mind – this passage is a good reminder of that and encouragement to follow His lead,” Randolph commented. Wheeler County participants will read from three New Testament books, as County Coordinator Laura Brownley shared the group will read 1 Thessalonians 4-1 Timothy 1. “I am so glad to be back doing this again,” the returning leader commented. “I am working on making sure to get this information out, especially to churches, so all may participate. I also am reading the passage every day to prepare!”
The events are free to the public, and all are welcomed to join. The Toombs County Courthouse is located at 100 Courthouse Square in Lyons; anyone with questions within this county is asked to call (912) 2932381. The Montgomery County Courthouse is located at 400 S Railroad Avenue in Mt. Vernon; those with questions regarding the event in this county should call (912) 253-1447. The Wheeler County Courthouse is located at 16 Pearl Avenue in Alamo; those with questions regarding the event in this county should call (912) 433-8654.
