September 24, 2024
For 22 years, the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has organized an annual Bible Reading Marathon, encouraging all Nigerians to read their Bible and demonstrating the Bible’s relevance to the world today.
The 22nd edition of the event took place between August 26 and 30, spanning 300 centres in 22 states across Nigeria. Between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, participants gathered to read the Bible uninterrupted in their local languages, immersing themselves in God’s Word with a focus on personal and communal transformation.
The Bible Reading Marathon (BRM) officially began on Sunday, August 25, at Christ Anglican Church in Lagos by the Assistant General Secretary, Corporate Development, Mr. Yemi Olayiwola – representing BSN General Secretary, Pastor Samuel Sanusi.
A National Spiritual Movement
Since its inception, the BRM has served as a powerful spiritual exercise, calling Christians to engage with the Bible as a sacred text and a source of spiritual growth, healing, and transformation. As the Bible is read continuously across hundreds of centres, the event transcends geographical boundaries – uniting believers in a shared love for Scripture. Pastor Sanusi expressed the heart behind the BRM:
“We encourage our leaders and citizens alike to turn to God for help and have the courage to lead and live with the fear of God. Let us make Bible reading an integral part of our daily lives.”
He further emphasized that if more Nigerians embraced the teachings of the Bible and lived according to God’s will, “God will be pleased with our country and heal our land.”
The Power of God’s Word in Times of Need
As Nigeria faces various challenges, the Vicar of Christ Anglican Church, Venerable Israel Owoyele, shared a timely reminder of the Bible’s timeless relevance:
“The solution to our problems as a nation is in the Scripture. Whenever Israel deviated from God, He would send a leader to chastise them, but He would always forgive and heal them when they repented. The same can happen for Nigeria.”
He encouraged participants to develop a deeper love for Scripture through this experience, believing that more people will not only read the Bible more but live according to its principles.
“The Scripture is a great treasure.”
Transformative Impact of the Marathon Bible Reading
The Bible Reading Marathon offers participants a unique and joyful opportunity to engage with the Bible in their languages. It nurtures their spiritual lives and allows them to minister to others by sharing the Word aloud. In previous editions, participants have reported experiencing profound spiritual encounters, including divine healing and emotional renewal, while taking part in the continuous reading of Scripture. The BRM is a space for personal reflection, growth, and connection with God’s Word, with the potential to bring about lasting change in individuals and communities.
Faith in Nigeria
Faith plays a central role in the lives of many Nigerians, with the country being one of the most religiously active in the world. Nigeria is predominantly split between Christianity, practiced mainly in the southern and central regions, and Islam, which is prevalent in the northern areas. According to recent demographic data, around 46% of the 222-million-person population identifies as Christian, while approximately 53% practice Islam, with a small percentage adhering to indigenous beliefs.
Christianity in Nigeria is marked by a vibrant evangelical movement, with Pentecostalism growing rapidly, alongside traditional Protestant and Catholic denominations. The Nigerian Christian population is youthful, with the majority under 30, reflecting the country’s broader demographic trend of a large and youthful population. This deep religious commitment influences various aspects of daily life, politics, and culture, and it fuels the demand for Bible translations and distribution in numerous local languages, ensuring that faith is accessible to all.
