By ANGELO ARMBRISTER

Freeport News Reporter

angelo@nasguard.com

Thousands of Christians across Grand Bahama are expected to participate in the annual 'March for Jesus' celebration later this month, which is geared toward uniting all denominations for one common cause.

March organizers held a special press conference yesterday at the Faith Family Worship Centre announcing activities planned for the event.

Originally a prayer walk that began in England in the 1980s, the March for Jesus has since been adopted by more than 190 countries, becoming one of the largest public celebrations of the worldwide Christian church with numbers in the tens of millions. The march came to The Bahamas in 1991 and then to Freeport in 1992 where it has become the single largest religious march of its kind.

To promote island-wide participation, separate marches will be held in the different settlements of Grand Bahama, from Sweeting's Cay all the way to West End on Saturday, May 26, beginning at 8:00 a.m..

This year, organizers along with the Grand Bahama Christian Council, have chosen "Jesus Christ was Given.... so we can be Forgiven" as the theme.

According to March for Jesus committee members, events leading up to the march include a March for Jesus Food Drive. Collection points will be set up outside all major food stores this Saturday, May 19 2007.

The general public is asked to purchase extra grocery items while shopping to donate. Cash Contributions will also be accepted.

"Everything collected will go exclusively to the Salvation Army and the Red Cross to assist in their continuing efforts to feed and clothe the needy in our community, and respond to disasters," explained Pastor Percy Kemp, committee member. "So we are asking everyone to give generously. Keep in mind that hurricane season is right around the corner."

March for Jesus T-shirts will also be available and on sale from committee members and participating churches. They can also be secured outside the major food stores this Saturday at the Food Drive.

This year, March for Jesus T-shirts will be on sale at the food stores as well.

Pastor Kemp said the food drive is showing "our love for the community and those people in need."

"We support the Red Cross and the Salvation Army by having a food drive at the various food stores collecting food items and money where possible," he said.

Merlyn Cooper, who has always been the voice of the annual event, yesterday encouraged Bahamians to support their Lord and Saviour just as they did their political leaders.

"I would like to challenge the entire island of Grand Bahama after seeing that show of support during the rally time, all the children that were dressed down in all their colours and balloons and noise makers to come out and put on a show that supersedes that for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords," she said. "Grand Bahama your show of support for your politicians were great, but our politicians cannot do what we expect them to do unless God is directing and is in the midst."

For persons in the Freeport area looking to participate, the march will begin at the Pineridge Urban Renewal Centre on Weddell Avenue, from where it will head west on Weddell to East Atlantic Drive, then north on East Atlantic to Pioneers Way.

From there the march will be directed west on Pioneers Way to York Street (Town Centre Road) and north on York Street to the Pantry Pride Building Corner and east to Bank Lane. The parade then will head south on Bank Lane which curves east to East Mall Drive and north on East Mall to Explorers Way. East on Explorers to Shackleton Lane. North on Shackleton to Nansen Avenue. East on Nansen to Frobisher Drive. South on Frobisher (crossing Pioneers Way ) to Wedell Ave. and back to the Pineirdge Urban Renewal Centre.

Persons in other communities can get their route from participating churches in their area.

MARCHING ON – Religious leaders and project organizers of the annual March for Jesus announced activities planned for this year's celebration at a press conference yesterday at the Faith Family Worship Centre. Seated from left are: Red Cross Administrator Karen Dean; March for Jesus committee members Bishop Sobig Kemp, Pastor Percy Kemp and Salvation Army Representative Captain Rhonda Matthias.

(Staff photo by ANGELO ARMBRISTER)