Since 1611, the King James Version of the Bible has been inspiring people all over the world. Thursday, believers in Perry gathered to begin a 3 day reading of the entire book.

Their numbers may be small, but that's no indication of the size of their faith. on this 400th anniversary of the king james version of the Bible, the devout in Perry want to strengthen their faith, in an event that transcends religious beliefs.

"This King James authorized version is what's known as the Protestant Bible," says Father Nicholas Mansell, pastor at St. Patrick's Catholic in Kathleen, "and yet as a gesture of our oneness in Christ we wanted to be a part of celebrating this 400th anniversary."

Starting from the creation--all the way to Revelation--members of churches all around Perry have signed up to read the whole book in 30 minute shifts by Sunday.

"It's not just a book to gather dust on a shelf," says Pastor John Lehenbauer of Christ Lutheran Church in Perry. "This is something i think is great to have as a family devotion book and just to start reiterating it in our families lives."

"Many people gave their lives just to translate the Bible," says Lehenbauer. "There have been attacks...trying to discredit it, but it has withstood all of those and is still a central part of our community here in Perry."

Even though reading the whole book will take about 76 hours, leaders say coming to appreciate the word of God is vital in the turbulent times we live in.

"It is so important that in a world in which there is so much violence and so much insecurity, that children learn what it means to understand that there is a God who loves them and wants them to be near Him and He near them," says Father Nicholas.

Readers plan on finishing the entire Bible by Sunday at 6 pm. If you would like to participate in the reading, there are still 30 minute slots available. Just go to pmaperry.com.