Happy 4th of July!

Well, we did it! Iowa finished its marathon Bible reading last night! Our Governor Terry Branstad had signed a proclamation for '80 hours of Bible reading on 99 county courthouses' in the time leading up to Independence Day. Some read 80 hours straight. Our board of supervisors gave readers the right to read, but not through the night.

No problem, organizers just extended the number of days! Dennis and Donna Bailey took up the challenge to organize Wright County readers. From sun up to sun down from Tuesday morning until Sunday night, readers could be found on the courthouse lawn. A huge task! "I felt like if the Lord asked us to do it," said Donna, "He would provide the readers!"

And provide He did! The Baileys estimated nearly 200 county residents volunteered to read at some time during the six-day marathon! While some readers dropped by, reading for fifteen minutes, many would read aloud, consecutive chapters and books for an hour or maybe more. The Baileys, however, were there all 80 plus hours, with set ups, talking with people, encouraging readers, reading themselves to fill in any caps, making new relationships.

 Two forty-hour-work weeks in six days!

So what are their final take-a-ways from God's 'assignment' to them? "It was unbelievable," said Donna. "People were just hungry to do something like this. It made us realize how many good people there are out there. Many comments were made and notes were written to thank our governor for signing this proclamation." She said the task of organizing people to read wasn't as daunting as she first might have thought. "Three phone calls to the right people," Donna said, "turned into many more people being called and asked to participate. The word was passed!"

Dennis said, "Everyone was so positive and grateful. People would come by and ask if they could read or maybe they'd ask us to pray for them. All of it was such a blessing. I have had 3 major life changing experiences:  inviting Jesus into my  life; asking my life to marry me; and agreeing to help organize this event. It is one of the most sensational things in my life."

Their conclusion as they reflect: "We have lots of new meaningful relationships that will continue to touch our lives and hearts," said Donna, "and we have the promise that His words will not come back void."

"..so my Word, I send it out and it always produces fruit.

It shall accomplish all I want it to, and prosper everywhere I send it."

~ Isaiah 55:11 (Living Bible)

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So now it is your turn. Were you a 'Bible reader in Wright County or some other county? If you'd like to share your thoughts/experiences, email me. If I receive enough of them, it will be a future Karen's Korner!