April 18, 2024

Volunteers needed for Bible Reading Marathon

By Jamee A

Jasper County Bible Reading Marathon Organizer Walt Claussen is looking for volunteers to participate in the event scheduled to start on Sept. 8 at the Jasper County Courthouse. Previous marathons have been held at the Iowa State Capitol and throughout the state. (Submitted Photo)

During four days in September, participants in Jasper County will taking part in a Bible Reading Marathon.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Sept. 8 until approximately 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 11 members of the public will be continuously reading the Bible from start to finish at the Jasper County Courthouse.

“A historical event is taking place all across Iowa that will give all of us an opportunity to publicly ‘magnify’ the only inspired word of God,” Jasper County organizer Walt Claussen said. “Our earnest desire is to expose our community to the powerful words of our creator, the Bible’s transforming power is guaranteed.”

The marathon is a part of several events in Iowa this year. In January, the Iowa Bible Reading Marathon took place at the Iowa Capitol rotunda for nine days, and during the Fourth of July weekend representatives from each county read assigned portions of the Bible.

“There were many who were overwhelmed by the awesome experience of proclaiming God’s word aloud,” Claussen said. “Our marathon will be one of the 40-plus remaining counties going on simultaneously across the state of Iowa on the grounds of every courthouse.”

Claussen is currently looking for volunteers for the event. He is inviting people of all ages from every city in the county to sign up to read.

“We will need approximately 40 team captains to be on site for two hour shifts. An estimated 320 individuals are needed to fill 80 hours of 15-minute time slots along with people who will pray for this marathon,” Claussen said. “Individuals are welcome to fill more than one two-hour shift.”

An online sign up site is available at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090F4FAEAD2EA2F94-jasper or a spot can be reserved by emailing jcbiblemarathon@gmail.com or texting 641-990-6586. If emailing or texting, Claussen asks participants to leave their name and contact information.

Those participating in the marathon will receive a certificate of participation as a memento of the event.

“We are anticipating an exciting time as we gather together across denominational lines and with different ethnic groups to read His Word,” Claussen said.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at
641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or
jpierson@newtondailynews.com