BY NADINE ARMSTRONG

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth....”

Thus begins the book of Genesis, read by Gladys Gummer in the early hours of Wednesday morning, April 30. She was the first participant in Proclamation 2008, an ambitious endeavour to read the Holy Bible out loud, from cover to cover. Although it would mean reading in 45-minute increments from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. each day, hundreds signed up to take a turn.

Proclamation organizer George Christensen says it just goes to show how the scripture continues to unite the masses. “We're not interpreting the Bible, we’re just reading it,” he said. “There is a basic truth to the Word of God that everyone can understand. In doing this, our denominational differences no longer matter; we are all the same.”

The Canadian Bible Society has funded these sessions in West Hants once every four years since 1999 and Christensen said the time had come to read again.

“The Lord was telling me he wanted this done. I didn't want people to think I was crazy to suggest it, but I knew God would be there with me every step of the way.”

When he approached the West Hants Ministerial Association about hosting the event, it gave him their blessing.

Members of the public were invited to read selections from the Old Testament, the Psalms and the New Testament throughout the 10-day event. Everyone was welcome to participate and read in any language and from any authorized translation.

Having already read the bible more than a few times over, fellow organizer Phil Zamora said speaking the words out loud added depth to the message. “When you read it again this way it’s like hearing it for the first time; the meaning becomes more significant.”

To add a little variety, readings combined passages from several Books. “We will be reading it from beginning to end, but mix it up a bit too,” Christensen said. “That makes it all the more exciting.”

Open doors for anyone seeking the Word

Whether to read or to listen quietly, the Windsor Baptist Church opened its doors over the past week to anyone seeking God's word. “To me, this is very exciting,” said Rev. Jeffery White, Minister at the Baptist Church. “I see this as spiritual discipline for the whole community. I love it.”

Proclamation also gave members from many different churches the opportunity to fellowship together, said participants.

Some sessions were moved to local nursing homes as well so those physically unable to attend could still participate. A prayer room at the Baptist Church was also open during readings.

“We have had people come in to pray for the event and for the people reading,” Christensen said. “I've been praying for West Hants.”

He said that to hold such an event in any area takes an open heart. “This is our chance to share the word of God with everyone.”

The sign-up sheet in the foyer of the Baptist Church continues to overflow, with some individuals signing up for more than one session. Groups such as the Gideons, the Ladies’ Church Auxiliaries as well as members from local churches have participated.

On Sunday, May 11 at 7 p.m., the Baptist Church will host a Celebration of Praise to close the event.