Opening ceremonies kick off with a prayer and some music at noon Friday. The reading will begin in Genesis and last for a half day, beginning at noon and lasting until 10 p.m.

Saturday through Wednesday's readings will start at 6 a.m. and end at 10 p.m. Refreshments will be available.
According to coordinator Eda Egger, the marathon is for anyone who wants to read the Bible, proclaiming God over America.

In addition to families, there have been other churches participating in the past, and Egger's been trying to also have people of other nationalities participate in order to incorporate different languages.

Reading is usually completed in about 90 hours and is predicted to come to a close around 10 a.m. May 6, with the reading of Revelations.

The annual Bible-reading event is a worldwide celebration. In its third decade, it is still right before the National Day of Prayer, which will be observed at Prospect United Methodist Church once the marathon is complete around 11 a.m.

"America needs a lot of prayer. We need the Lord to help in this time of crisis," said Egger, referring to the job cuts and school financial problems in Newton County and other Georgia school districts.

After years of positive feedback, Egger promises attendees they can expect to have the word fill their hearts with the goodness of God while feeling his presence.

"It's a great joy to know that the words were said by the almighty God," she said. "Some people just read parts of the Bible, but it's better to read all words as a whole from beginning to end."

Egger believes it's important the community gets involved with this event because members should look out for one another, and "especially if a church is involved, they realize unity and the blessing for everyone if they work together."

Salem UMC is located at 3962 Salem Road, Covington. The phone number is (770) 786-6027. Prospect UMC is located at 6752 Ga. Highway 212 and can be reached at (770) 786-6303.