While people of faith can find plenty of evidence that evil is alive and well in our modern culture, there’s also ample proof that a remnant of believers is pushing back and ushering in a revival.
One individual who appears to be part of that mission to spread the Gospel far and wide is Matthew Olson, a Southern Baptist preacher from Mississippi.
He recently made headlines after preaching a marathon sermon that spanned four days, earning him a spot in the Guiness Book of World Records in the process.
Relevant Magazine provided this report:
The attempt grew out of a 2025 missionary training exercise in which Olson spent 96 hours in the woods without access to a physical Bible.
“He just craved his Bible,” administrative pastor Jonathan Strickler said. “It was just the first time he had not had access to his Bible.”
The experience prompted a vision Olson couldn’t shake.
“God birthed within him that moment the vision to preach the Bible for 96 hours,” discipleship pastor Rich Gray said. “He said what would it be like if the Bible was preached for 96 hours uninterrupted from Genesis to Revelation.”
His record-breaking message also fueled some social media interest:
from what I understand he got a 5 minute break every hour, and so if he preached for 5 hours straight, he could 'bank' his breaks and take 25 minutes to eat for five and then nap for 20
— Protestia (@Protestia) June 17, 2026
No, other preachers don’t need to do this, and yes, some may see it as a stunt. But if it’s a stunt that got the attention of others, won a soul to Jesus, or convinced a backslider to return, it was worth it.
I see it as a form of fasting.
— Skeletor 🧼🧽🫧 (@TheMuppetPastor) June 17, 2026
because he's been talking for 4 days straight lol. his voice is wrecked 🙂
— Protestia (@Protestia) June 17, 2026
WDAM also reported on Olson’s effort:
After the first 12 hours, Olson experienced some issues with his voice, but a mission partner anointed him with oil for healing.
ADVERTISEMENT“We’re now 40 hours in, and his voice is as strong as ever and probably better than when we started,” medical team member Brittany Carter said.
If the church accomplishes the 96-hour mark, then it will hold a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon speech.
If you want to check out the sermon, it is being livestreamed on the First Baptist Sharon app and Facebook.
Here’s some additional coverage:
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