First-ever Iowa 99 County Bible Reading Marathon deemed successful locally ...

The first-ever Iowa 99 County Bible Reading Marathon took place throughout the state of Iowa this past week following a proclamation signed by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad in late April. Organized in Allamakee County by Mary Keatley and Kristi Hager, more than 200 local residents took part in the Bible Reading Marathon on the lawn of the Allamakee County Courthouse (as pictured in surrounding photos) over the course of its four days Thursday, June 30 through Sunday, July 3. Both Keatley and Hager shared that the local effort came together because Allamakee County was part of a larger network where Ginny Caligiuri, Iowa Prayer Caucus State Director, had weekly tele-conferences, emails, suggestions and a basic format. “We followed the vision which she and others shared,” they said. “People came together. It gave people an opportunity to read God's Word in public, probably for the first time, something they may have never done before, and won't forget. We finished reading the Bible in 83-1/2 hours. The Bible Marathon was peaceful. Some people showed up to hear the Word. For those who participated, whether reading or receiving, it was a holy event. The weather, the cool nights, the Spirit was present and the people showed up. Everyone had a ‘moment’ where their heart was touched.”

The local organizing pair said they heard such comments from local participants as: "This was one of those 'moments' we will never forget”; "I felt honored to read" and "I am grateful for this chance to demonstrate my faith. I hope this happens every year and more and more people take part." Waterville residents Elmo and Sheri Hagen shared the following note: "We were thankful to be able to exercise the liberty that our Founding Fathers intended us to have. There was a feeling of connection with the writers of our Constitution. How fitting that this should happen for the 4th of July. We experienced a special feeling of the power of God's Word being spoken by many voices. Other people expressed a feeling of community and being connected to something larger. We certainly want to thank and commend our local co-coordinators for the wonderful organization of this event and their commitment of time and energy to making it a meaningful experience for us." Standard photos by Joe Moses.