GRAND RAPIDS - State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) joined leaders and citizens from around the state today to launch the historic "Bible Across America" project - the production of a handwritten version of the New International Version (NIV) Bible that will involve 31,173 Americans each contributing a verse during a 90-city, five-month cross-country tour.
"It was an honor to participate in such an innovative way to renew appreciation for the world's most meaningful and historic book," said Brown, who has been an ordained minister for more than 20 years and is associate pastor of Bay Port Community of Christ. "We don't all have to hold the same beliefs to recognize that now more than ever, in our tough economy and painful time of war, the Bible can provide comfort and guidance."
Zondervan, the world's largest Bible publisher, is sponsoring "Bible Across America" to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the New International Bible, which has more than 300 million copies in print and is the most successful Bible translation ever. "Bible Across America" launched today at the publisher's Grand Rapids headquarters. Bruce Ryskamp, former longtime president of Zondervan, was the first to particpate, hand-writing the Bible's first verse.
Brown followed him, becoming the second person to write a verse (Genesis 1:2) in this historic version of the Bible. All participants will write their verse two times; one copy of "America's NIV" will be given to the Smithsonian Insitution in Washington; the other will be auctioned off to benefit the International Bible Society.
"I feel extremely fortunate to be part of this project, and proud to help send this Bible from Michigan off on its journey across the country, " Brown said. "More than 30,000 Americans from all walks of life - construction workers, teachers, stay-at-home moms, preachers, politicians and celebrities - will each put their own mark, literally, on this special document. What a wonderful way to bring our nation together."