Statewide Bible Reading Comes to County Courthouses on July 14
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Citizens will gather at the Montgomery, Toombs, Treutlen, and Wheeler County Courthouses on Monday, 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. or 7:14 p.m. on July 14. Not only does this precise time ensure that the entire Bible is read across the state within the same hours, 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.
Montgomery County Bible Reading Coordinator Makaylee Randolph shared that her county’s participants will be reading from the Old Testament at 7:14 p.m. on Monday, as they have been assigned Ezra 1-8. “Our passage tells the story of the Israelites’ return to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem after spending many years in exile. It’s a beautiful reminder that the Lord works in all situations – even those that don’t seem ideal at the time,” she commented. “I am excited for our county to be able to come together to read the Word – there’s nothing more unifying than that!”
Toombs County will be reading Hebrews 7-13 at 7:14 a.m. on the county’s courthouse steps, 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. “I am privileged to be a part of the 7th Annual Statewide Bible Reading, where all 159 counties read a portion of the Bible on July 14,” she said. “In Toombs County, we will be reading a portion from Hebrews on the steps of the courthouse on Monday morning. All are invited to attend!”
Treutlen County participants will read from five different New Testament books on the courthouse steps at 7:14 a.m. on Monday, as coordinator Sheriff Tommy Corbin said the County has been assigned 2 Peter 1-Jude 1. “I am excited for our communities and the state of Georgia to be able to read God’s Word and humble ourselves before Him,” he remarked. “I appreciate people like [Statewide Bible Reading Coordinator] Jerri [Tuck] taking the time to help organize these events, and I am excited to have the opportunity to participate.”
Wheeler County participants will also read from the Old Testament at 7:14 a.m. on Monday, as County Coordinator Laura Brownley shared the group will read Exodus 14-20. “For me, it is amazing to think that we are joining in with so many others reading the Word from beginning to end. To think that on that day, the entire Bible will be read aloud in our state is inspiring,” she shared. “What a great way to praise our God! I am thrilled to be a small part of it.”
The events are free to the public, and all are welcomed to join. 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 Toombs County Courthouse is located at 100 Courthouse Square in Lyons; anyone with questions within this county is asked to call (912) 293-2381. The Treutlen County Courthouse is located at 639 GA-56 in Soperton; anyone with questions within this county is asked to call (912) 5293223. 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.
