The Messenger

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MennoMedia and Mennonite World Conference to launch Global Bible Read-a-Thon for 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement

Evangelical Church of Tanzania (KMKT)

HARRISONBURG, VAIn celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement, MennoMedia is partnering with Mennonite World Conference to host a unique Global Anabaptist Bible Read-a-Thon, featuring 500 (or more) voices reading the entire Bible in multiple languages.

Anabaptists around the world are invited to join this historic celebration by participating as readers in the project, with video recordings captured through a designated Zoom link. Participants can receive their passage and additional instructions by registering at www.mennomedia.org/register-now/. Participants are invited to read their assigned Bible passage in whichever language they choose.

Beginning January 18, 2025, a recording of the complete biblical text—from Genesis to Revelation—will stream for 72 consecutive hours, culminating in a live-streamed worship service at College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana, on January 21, 2025, the date commemorating 500 years since the baptisms that marked the birth of the Anabaptist movement.

“This read-a-thon focuses on the centrality of Scripture for Anabaptists across countries, languages, and traditions,” shared John D. Roth, Anabaptism at 500 project director. “By uniting 500 voices from around the world, we celebrate our shared commitment to the Bible as a living Word that speaks across cultural differences.”

How to Participate

Interested individuals or groups can register at www.mennomedia.org/register-now/, whereupon they will receive an assigned passage and recording instructions. Participants will need to submit their readings by December 15, 2024. All voices, all languages, and all backgrounds are encouraged to join this commemorative event as we prepare to celebrate half a millennium of Anabaptist heritage.

Streaming Information
The entire 72-hour Bible reading will be available for live streaming beginning January 18, 2025, on AnabaptismAt500.org, MennoMedia.org, and their social media channels. Viewers can tune in to listen, reflect, and celebrate this milestone in Anabaptist history.