Publisher's next Bible to be handwritten

updated 2:38 p.m. ET Sept. 30, 2008

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A Christian book publisher says its next edition of the Bible will be handwritten by more than 31,000 Americans.

Zondervan kicked off a 90-city, 15,000-mile cross-country tour Tuesday to mark the 30th anniversary of its popular New International Version translation of the book.

The tour will stop at special events, churches and U.S. landmarks to allow people to write out Bible verses.

The collection of handwritten verses will be published and sold after the tour ends in San Diego on Feb. 12.

The Michigan-based publisher says most verses will be written by regular people, although the company hopes to collect a few from President Bush, the Rev. Billy Graham and others.

More from msnbc.com Reid's plan for getting a health bill passed Joblessness spurs surge in disability claims Cosmic Log: ‘Ardi’ is science’s top 2009 breakthrough Rudolph, the dog, teaches kids lesson Air ambulances leave some with sky-high bills  Gift of giving takes on a whole new meaning Al-Qaida leader’s wife calls women to join jihad Send your holiday pictures to troops

MORE FROM FAITH

Faith Section Front

Vatican defrocks African archbishop   Irish bishop resigns over sex-abuse scandal Christian parody products walk a fine line U.K. Jewish school policy ruled discriminatory Air Force Academy says religious climate improving Television evangelist Oral Roberts dies French minister to Muslims: Speak properly Faith Section Front   Add Faith headlines to your news reader: