Jones County is participating in the Georgia Statewide Bible Reading for the seventh year as the event continues to grow across the nation and world.
The leader for the Jones County session is Debra Hall, who is dedicated to helping spread the word of God and leads several events throughout the year.
Hall said the foundational scripture for the statewide effort is 2 Chronicles 7:14, which is why the Bible reading will take place July 14 at 7:14 a.m. The reading will take place on the lawn in front of the Jones County courthouse.
“If my people, who are called by my name,will humblethemselves and pray and seek my faceand turnfrom their wicked ways, then I will hearfrom heaven, and I will forgivetheir sin and will healtheir land.” 2 Chronicle 7:14.
The leader said the Bible reading will take less than an hour.
“We know this is on Monday morning, but we will be done before 8 a.m.,” she said.
Hall explained that all of Georgia’s 159 counties are participating. The scriptures from Genesis to Revelations are divided in chapters among the counties and the entire Bible will be read that morning in Georgia during that hour.
She said this year Jones County’s portion is from 2 Samuel. Hall said no particular church or religious organization is behind the Bible reading.
The leader said more than 60 people in Jones County attended last year’s Bible reading.
Hall suggests attendees bring their lawn chairs to be comfortable during the reading. She said some families bring a blanket and sit on the lawn, and some others stay in their cars with the windows down.
“The point is everyone participates by reading along in their Bibles or just listening,” Hall said. “God said his word is alive, and when it is spoken, it works.”
She said Jones County is a good community, but it can always get better.
Hall said she became the leader for Jones County through her relationship with Jerri Turk, who is the statewide leader. She said they met during the Bible Reading Marathon and became friends after attending many of the same events.
When the Statewide Bible Reading started in Georgia, Turk called Hall. She said the effort started in Iowa and keeps growing.
“I like the Statewide Bible Reading because it’s in the summer and children can attend with their families,” she said.
Hall said God has promised his care, but each person has to their part to read the scripture and turn to Him.
“It’s up to us. We turn to Him and then we turn back. It’s going to take consistency,” she said. “We believe the word of God is for everyone. This is truly a Body of Christ event.”
Hall said the scripture talks about blessings and warnings.
“I hope everyone will come and get their blessings while blessing others. There are no sign ups; just show up.”
