Akron Bethel Extends Bible Challenge to Community

Story by Benia Jennings

Led by the Allegheny West and Ohio conferences, members from the Akron (Ohio) Bethel church participated in the Bible Reading Challenge earlier this year, in which they read the entire Bible in just one month.

As members shared this experience with their friends and colleagues, many opted to join the challenge. “The faith and trust in God that these members exhibited attracted the attention of many of their co-workers,” says Rosanna Dean-Scott, the church’s Personal Ministries leader. “Individuals who had never opened the Bible ... were now reading it and joining the fun. The excitement grew and permeated Akron Bethel to the point that programming, such as Friday night Bible study and Prayer Ministries, attracted community members who were hungering for more knowledge of Jesus.”

Dean-Scott continues, “The fact that God allowed busy students, physicians, hospital workers and even a 98-year-old member to peruse the entirety of Scripture in 31 days is a testament to what the Bible says: ‘God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.’ When we accept His assignments with open minds and hearts, a mighty work can be accomplished.”

Morris Carlyle, lead pastor, adds, “We’re excited to continue pressing forward in Jesus’ directive in fulfilling the Great Commission.”