Genesis to Revelation: Bible Reading Marathon planned at Oklahoma Capitol
A Coalgate couple are recruiting Oklahomans who love to read the Good Book.
David and Carol Unsell are the state hosts of the Oklahoma Bible Reading Marathon planned for March 9-13 on the south steps of the state Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd.
The pastors of Cornerstone Praise and Worship Center in Coalgate said they are seeking people to help read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Participants will be asked to read for at least 15 minutes and it will take 360 people reading in 15-minute segments to read Christianity's holy book from start to finish.
The Unsells said the event is not political and there will be no commentary or politics, just Bible reading for roughly 90 straight hours.
"It's no place for agendas," Carol Unsell said.
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David Unsell, 72, said the event is also not focused on any one Christian denomination but only "the Lord and his word."
David Unsell said the Old Testament kings had the "book of the law," the Bible, read out loud when each of them began their reign, and the power of hearing God's word read aloud is the main focus of the coming marathon.
"The Bible says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, so it's just one thing to read it but to hear it read is more powerful," he said.
And he said it will occur at the right time for such a faith-forward endeavor.
"There's just so much division and anger and lawlessness and people are so easy to be offended, this was just a perfect time for the Lord to bring his word," David Unsell said. "I'm hoping it's a bright light in the midst of the chaos and darkness."
'Faith comes by hearing'
Carol Unsell, 72, said she learned that other states have conducted Bible reading marathons through Seedline International, based in Brazil, Indiana. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon is a ministry of Seedline International and Christians in other states like Tennessee, Indiana and Pennsylvania have conducted the marathons. A Capitol Bible Reading Marathon also has been held in Washington, D.C.
Carol Unsell said she and her husband began working on the marathon project in the fall, and people were able to begin signing up to participate in October. Currently, there is a need for many more readers, so the couple is trying to get the word out about the project.
The Unsells said people can read the Bible in the translation or language of their choice. For example, Carol Unsell said a group of Choctaw singers have signed up to read segments of the holy book in the Choctaw language.
The couple said in addition to readers, they are looking for "table teams" of six individuals to commit to six-hour segments of greeting people, working at program tables and filling in reading spots where needed. They also are hoping to get at least 20 churches, organizations, groups or individuals who will invest in the marathon by giving monetary donations and agreeing to read the Bible during the marathon for two or more hours.
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The Unsells said there may be some challenges like getting people to sign up to read the Bible on a Saturday or at night.
"It's going to be the night and so it's going to be painful for people to give up their sleep, but you know anything we do for the Lord requires a sacrifice," Carol Unsell said.
The pair hope that people from all walks of life will participate in the marathon.
"The Bible is really a Living Word — it really will speak to you if you give it a chance," David Unsell said.
"We approach it that way. It will talk to us so we're hoping for those 90 hours that the word speaks to Oklahoma. This is supposed to be 'buckle of the Bible Belt,' well, let's be that — not with an arrogant attitude, not 'look at us' ― but leading the way through the sacrifice, the service, the faithfulness."
Bible Reading Marathon
When: March 9 through 13. Opening ceremony, 2 p.m. March 9; closing ceremony, 10 a.m. March 13.
Where: Oklahoma Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd.
Information: http://www.capitolbrm.org/oklahoma.html; email Unsell80@gmail.com or okbiblemarathon@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: A Bible reading marathon is planned at the Oklahoma state Capitol
