The 2015 Pike County Bible Reading Marathon officially began at 6 p.m. Sunday with the reading of Genesis 1:1 by Donnie Dunn, evangelism director for the sponsoring Salem-Troy Baptist Association and will end at noon on Thursday, the National Day of Prayer.

The Bible Reading Marathon is held annually on the square in downtown Troy and is held in response to Jesus’ commandment to go into all the world and spread the gospel.

This year, the Bible reading event got underway at 4 p.m. with gospel music by The Sheppard Family and The Hendersons.

“What better way to precede the reading of God’s word than to worship Him in song,” Dunn said.

Prior to the beginning of the 91-hour Bible Reading, those in attendance predicated in a Prayer Walk. Blake Diamond and his family participated in the activities preceding the opening of the Bible Reading Marathon.

“We participate as a family because Stacey and I want to set an example for our children as to what they should be doing,” Diamond said. “We are members of First Baptist Church of Troy and our mission is to go out and spread God’s word to the end of the Earth. The Bible Reading Marathon is a way that we can begin in our own city.”

The Diamonds were wearing FBC shirts with the words, “Change our city; Change our world.”

Diamond said he, his wife and two oldest children will read in the Bible Reading Marathon, as they did last year.

People of all ages and all denominations are invited to participate in the Bible Reading Marathon, as readers or just to sit and listen as God’s word is being read.

“The Bible tells us that we are to watch over God’s word and to share it with the belief that it won’t return fruitless but will accomplish His divine purpose,” Dunn said. “The Bible Reading Marathon is open to all who believe in God and trust in Him.”

Reading slots are open for hours throughout the day and night and Dunn said he is confident that those slots will be filled.

“This is our ninth year participating in the Bible Reading Marathon,” Dunn said. “There have been years when we’ve had trouble getting readers but nothing has stopped us. God’s word will not return void.”

Those who would like to participate in the 2015 Bible Reading Marathon are encouraged to stop by the tent on the square in downtown Troy and select a time that is convenient or call the Salem-Troy Baptist Association at 334-566-1538.