Local Counties Unite in Faith
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On Tuesday, July 14, Montgomery, Toombs, and Wheeler Counties will unite with the remaining 156 counties across the state in the 8th Annual Statewide Bible Reading Day event at each county courthouse.
According to Georgia State Bible Reading Coordinator Jerri Tuck, the basis of this event – which is held each year at 7:14 a.m. or 7:14 p.m. on July 14 – comes from the biblical reference 2 Chronicles 7:14, which reads, “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.”
Tuck said that these statewide events first began in 2018, as Dianne Bentley led Iowa to participate. Since then, the event has spread to 24 states and 29 nations, and continues to grow as the event nears. This year, all 159 Georgia Counties are participating, which means the entire Bible will be read in the state throughout the day.
Montgomery County participants will be reading from Proverbs 26 through Ecclesiastes 2, according to County Coordinator Makaylee Randolph, who said she has had several citizens volunteer to help with the reading. “I’m always excited for this event and the chance to unite with my community through the reading of the Word of God,” she emphasized. “I’ve grown up in Montgomery County – it holds a place near and dear to my heart. So, to be able to help bring this unifying act of faith here is a wonderful blessing.”
Toombs County Coordinator Vicki Tillery said that her group will unite to read 2 Chronicles 3136 during the event. “I am honored to coordinate the event in Toombs County,” she emphasized. “All are welcome to participate.”
Treutlen County Sheriff Tommy Corbin will lead his county’s citizens in the event, as the group reads from Judges 11-18. “I am always excited when the word of God is read, especially throughout the state. Praise be to God!” he shared.
Citizens of Wheeler County will be gathering around the county courthouse to read Numbers 32-36, according to County Coordinator Laura Brownley. “This is not the most exciting of readings, but it is necessary so that by the end of the day, the entire Bible will be read in the state of Georgia,” she explained. “We have grown every year in participation, and I am excited to see how many we have this year! It is an honor to be a part of something as great as this.”
Every county will host their Bible Reading Day event outside of their respective county courthouses. On Tuesday, July 14, Toombs, Treutlen, and Wheeler County citizens will complete their readings at 7:14 a.m., while Montgomery County citizens will meet at 7:14 p.m. to complete their reading.
