In the beginning...

I cam across an article the other day in the Grand Rapids Press that really caught my eye - Zondervan, the World Leader in Christian Communications based right here in Grand Rapids, just announced what they are doing to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the NIV and it combines handwritting and The Bible - Basically, a group of four people are touring America and in the process asking over 31,000 people to handwrite one verse from the Bible, which will then be sold next year in a special edition. How cool is this... can you imagine over 31,000 people writing one verse - what a collection of literally the written word.

I must admit that it is one of the goals in my life to actually read the Bible from cover to cover. It has actually been a challenge at our church (Cornerstone United Methodist in Caledonia) the last two sermons, and I have started, very slowly. (I have started a few times before, but I am very motivated and determined now - especially since my husband has completed it! Anyone want to join me? Or help hold me accountable? ) I love my Bible, but I cannot wait to see this finished project! To find when they will be in your city (or close to you) go to: http://www.bibleacrossamerica.com/ We missed it in GR but are going to make it to Chicago!

From "Bible across America" ~
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, the best-selling translation with more than 300 million copies in print, Zondervan has launched Bible Across America, a cross-country RV tour. Bible Across America features an RV, piloted by a four-person team, that is traveling across the continental United States, making stops at churches, universities, retail stores and special events where people are invited to contribute a verse to complete a handwritten Bible – America's NIV.

Bible Across America is a one-of-a-kind, cross-country promotional tour honoring the 30th anniversary of the New International Version (NIV) translation, the most trusted, most read Bible available today.The Bible is America's favorite book of all time. And because of its accuracy, clarity and literary quality, the NIV has become the most successful Bible translation of all time. Zondervan believes that a completely handwritten version of the NIV Bible by people from all across our country will help America rediscover the Bible in a fresh, new way.Bible Across America is a symbol of Zondervan's commitment to make the Word of God more accessible and more relevant to more people. What better way to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the NIV Bible than by inviting Americans to participate in this monumental tour and open more hearts to the Word of God.
The 15,000-mile journey will directly reach 90 cities in 44 states during the course of five months. Bible Across America is currently making stops at churches, universities, retail stores, American landmarks and special events between September 30, 2008 and February 11, 2009. More than 31,000 people are being invited to contribute a verse to complete an entirely handwritten Bible -- America's NIV.