PRAY
1. Gather prayer warriors
Before you plan, schedule a meeting of all interested and earnestly pray for the Lord to guide in all the preparations. Seek His blessings on all who participate and on the entire Bible Reading Marathon.
PLAN
1. Determine event plan
a. Location:Select your site early. Your site should be a public and visible location. Marathons have been conducted on the steps of state capitols, county courthouses, school campuses, city parks, and churches.
b. Time to begin and end, approximately 90 hours:A specific date must be chosen well in advance. Keep in mind that the site location and the cooperation of community groups, officials, churches, and individuals will take several weeks to organize
1. Set schedule: A specific length of time must be chosen. 90 hours around the clock takes 4 days; 12-hour days takes 8 days; 14-hour days takes 6 ½ days; Be sure to add in time for your Opening and Closing Ceremonies which gives the Body of Christ a time to gather for prayer, worship, speaker, and fellowship. This could be 1 to 2 hours in length. Set Excel spreadsheet schedule for each Day and Block of time. 3, 31/2, 4-hour Blocks work well.
c. Count the Cost: Set a Budget: Advertising, Banners, Printing, Postage, Sound system, Lighting system, Permit for site, Supplies, Website,
1. List possible Donors to fulfill Budget Expenses: Churches, Businesses, Organizations, Individuals,
2. On-Site Facilitator
COMPONENTS: Items to consider: · PA System -- Your system should be one that has sufficient volume and quality if you are having your Marathon outside. The entire PA system, including the micro- phones, must be carefully tested and finely tuned ahead of time.· Lighting System --Should be adequate for night reading. Having good lighting is also a safety measure. Include spare light bulbs. · Electrical Outlets -- Make sure there are enough outlets for speakers, lighting, etc. Also check that your location has ample wattage available to plug in all necessary equipment. Be sure all outlets are protected from the elements.· Platform or Stand for Readers -- Also provide an extra stool or platform for small readers, especially if you have children involved. A platform is a good place to dis- play your banner and any other type of decorations you may want.· Banner or identifying sign -- A waterproof banner is best. You may choose your own · Seating -- You will want chairs for those who are participating and for groups waiting to read, as well as sufficient chairs for spectators.· Umbrellas, water jugs, cups, etc. -- Have these items all located in one spot, off to the side and out of the way. Oversize umbrellas are a great help in rainy conditions!· Large plastic bags -- Have several on hand that are large enough to cover sound equipment if it should rain. You will also need a few trash bags during and after the Event.· Small emergency kit -- Keep a first aid kit handy, just in case of minor accidents.· Camera, video, etc. -- You may need to obtain a special permit if you plan to use photographers or video cameras. Check out well in advance. We would greatly appreciate it if you would send us photos from your Marathon so that we can make them a part of the history of the Bible Reading Ministry International. · Telephone -- It is wise to have a cellular phone available for security purposes as well as for Co-Ordinator’s and media people.· Refreshments -- Providing refreshments for readers is a nice touch of hospitality. A caterer or restaurant might be willing to contribute this free of charge.· If your Marathon is being conducted in a multinational area, you may wish to provide Bibles in various languages. Be sure to publicly acknowledge those Churches, Businesses and/or organizations who help supply equipment, refreshments, and other items for the Marathon.
3. Reader Scheduler (Block Coordinators)to schedule readers
A. Block Coordinator Duties
B. Keep readers contact information 1. Name 2. Phone 3. Address & E-mail 4. Church
U 2 Can B Used by God! Everyone! Any person can participate in the reading. Communicate ahead of time with your readers. Once enlisted and assigned a time period, call your readers. Emphasize that they are a vital part of the Marathon and that their commitment to being there at least 15 minutes in advance of their scheduled time, in order to prepare themselves spiritually and mentally. They can be praying for those who are reading ahead of them, following along, being there to encourage other readers.
1. Gather prayer warriors
Before you plan, schedule a meeting of all interested and earnestly pray for the Lord to guide in all the preparations. Seek His blessings on all who participate and on the entire Bible Reading Marathon.
- Set up prayer watches before and during event
- Have prayer walk/drive over community
- Organize Community prayer time (night/day before event) Invite all participants to join in prayer
PLAN
1. Determine event plan
a. Location:Select your site early. Your site should be a public and visible location. Marathons have been conducted on the steps of state capitols, county courthouses, school campuses, city parks, and churches.
b. Time to begin and end, approximately 90 hours:A specific date must be chosen well in advance. Keep in mind that the site location and the cooperation of community groups, officials, churches, and individuals will take several weeks to organize
1. Set schedule: A specific length of time must be chosen. 90 hours around the clock takes 4 days; 12-hour days takes 8 days; 14-hour days takes 6 ½ days; Be sure to add in time for your Opening and Closing Ceremonies which gives the Body of Christ a time to gather for prayer, worship, speaker, and fellowship. This could be 1 to 2 hours in length. Set Excel spreadsheet schedule for each Day and Block of time. 3, 31/2, 4-hour Blocks work well.
c. Count the Cost: Set a Budget: Advertising, Banners, Printing, Postage, Sound system, Lighting system, Permit for site, Supplies, Website,
1. List possible Donors to fulfill Budget Expenses: Churches, Businesses, Organizations, Individuals,
2. On-Site Facilitator
- Facilitator Team sets up and tears down site
- Needs Lighting for evening or around the clock event
- Needs sound system, and Clock
COMPONENTS: Items to consider: · PA System -- Your system should be one that has sufficient volume and quality if you are having your Marathon outside. The entire PA system, including the micro- phones, must be carefully tested and finely tuned ahead of time.· Lighting System --Should be adequate for night reading. Having good lighting is also a safety measure. Include spare light bulbs. · Electrical Outlets -- Make sure there are enough outlets for speakers, lighting, etc. Also check that your location has ample wattage available to plug in all necessary equipment. Be sure all outlets are protected from the elements.· Platform or Stand for Readers -- Also provide an extra stool or platform for small readers, especially if you have children involved. A platform is a good place to dis- play your banner and any other type of decorations you may want.· Banner or identifying sign -- A waterproof banner is best. You may choose your own · Seating -- You will want chairs for those who are participating and for groups waiting to read, as well as sufficient chairs for spectators.· Umbrellas, water jugs, cups, etc. -- Have these items all located in one spot, off to the side and out of the way. Oversize umbrellas are a great help in rainy conditions!· Large plastic bags -- Have several on hand that are large enough to cover sound equipment if it should rain. You will also need a few trash bags during and after the Event.· Small emergency kit -- Keep a first aid kit handy, just in case of minor accidents.· Camera, video, etc. -- You may need to obtain a special permit if you plan to use photographers or video cameras. Check out well in advance. We would greatly appreciate it if you would send us photos from your Marathon so that we can make them a part of the history of the Bible Reading Ministry International. · Telephone -- It is wise to have a cellular phone available for security purposes as well as for Co-Ordinator’s and media people.· Refreshments -- Providing refreshments for readers is a nice touch of hospitality. A caterer or restaurant might be willing to contribute this free of charge.· If your Marathon is being conducted in a multinational area, you may wish to provide Bibles in various languages. Be sure to publicly acknowledge those Churches, Businesses and/or organizations who help supply equipment, refreshments, and other items for the Marathon.
3. Reader Scheduler (Block Coordinators)to schedule readers
A. Block Coordinator Duties
B. Keep readers contact information 1. Name 2. Phone 3. Address & E-mail 4. Church
U 2 Can B Used by God! Everyone! Any person can participate in the reading. Communicate ahead of time with your readers. Once enlisted and assigned a time period, call your readers. Emphasize that they are a vital part of the Marathon and that their commitment to being there at least 15 minutes in advance of their scheduled time, in order to prepare themselves spiritually and mentally. They can be praying for those who are reading ahead of them, following along, being there to encourage other readers.
PARTICIPATE
We have yet to see what God can do with a people who are truly united in His Spirit and His Word. May we say: "Lord, make us one." Let us give Him a chance to do something great in and through us, a people united under His Lordship!
b. Planto Involve members as readers
c. Participateby Being a Financial contributor
1. Churches 2. Businesses 3. Individuals
2. Ceremonies
Plan a special ceremony, 1 to 2 hours, for your Marathon with civic leaders and celebrities to attract as much media coverage as possible. This may give participants a chance to tell what their Marathon experience meant to them. If you have several ethnic groups participating, you may wish to have them dressed in native costume to complete the Bible Reading. This will draw extra press coverage.
a. Openingbefore reading begins (Sample 3 Enclosed)
b. Closingafter readers have finished (Sample 4 Enclosed)
c. Refreshments during event water, coffee, snacks
3. Appreciation
a. Thank readers with Certificate(Sample 5 Enclosed)
We suggest that you have preprinted certificates on hand to give to each reader as he/she finishes reading. This is a nice gesture of appreciation as well as a reminder to the reader of his participation in lifting up God's Word.
b. Thank supporters Sponsors/Donors:
Churches/Businesses/Organizations/Individuals
Send thank you to your participants, to the media outlets who gave publicity or news coverage, and to all others who helped in the event in any way. Don't forget the leaders who served as the BRM Team.
Set committees for next year, Set Date for Annual Event
CONTACT BONNIE WITH PLAN, PROGRESS, PROBLEMS
Phone USA 870-350-0865
E-mail 2roedrunners@gmail.com, Web www.biblereadingmarathon.org
We have yet to see what God can do with a people who are truly united in His Spirit and His Word. May we say: "Lord, make us one." Let us give Him a chance to do something great in and through us, a people united under His Lordship!
- Sponsorship/Donors
b. Planto Involve members as readers
c. Participateby Being a Financial contributor
1. Churches 2. Businesses 3. Individuals
2. Ceremonies
Plan a special ceremony, 1 to 2 hours, for your Marathon with civic leaders and celebrities to attract as much media coverage as possible. This may give participants a chance to tell what their Marathon experience meant to them. If you have several ethnic groups participating, you may wish to have them dressed in native costume to complete the Bible Reading. This will draw extra press coverage.
a. Openingbefore reading begins (Sample 3 Enclosed)
b. Closingafter readers have finished (Sample 4 Enclosed)
c. Refreshments during event water, coffee, snacks
3. Appreciation
a. Thank readers with Certificate(Sample 5 Enclosed)
We suggest that you have preprinted certificates on hand to give to each reader as he/she finishes reading. This is a nice gesture of appreciation as well as a reminder to the reader of his participation in lifting up God's Word.
b. Thank supporters Sponsors/Donors:
Churches/Businesses/Organizations/Individuals
Send thank you to your participants, to the media outlets who gave publicity or news coverage, and to all others who helped in the event in any way. Don't forget the leaders who served as the BRM Team.
- Committee debriefing after event,
Set committees for next year, Set Date for Annual Event
CONTACT BONNIE WITH PLAN, PROGRESS, PROBLEMS
Phone USA 870-350-0865
E-mail 2roedrunners@gmail.com, Web www.biblereadingmarathon.org