Thirteen years ago, the Concerned Christians of Brundidge (CCOB) organized the “March for Jesus” in an effort to take Jesus outside the four walls of the church.

“We knew that there are people who need to hear God’s Word but never go inside the church,” said the Rev. Willie Moultry, an event organizer. “We wanted to find a way to take God’s Word out on the streets, out in the community, for all to hear.”

The first March for Jesus brought people together to hear God’s word and to fellowship in a loving and Christian environment.

“The community really came together,” Moultry said.

“The churches, the city and organizations all gave to the festival following the march. It was a fun way to bring people together to hear about Jesus.”

The success of that first “March for Jesus” was the foundation for what is now an annual event.

The 13th annual “March for Jesus” is set for Saturday in Brundidge. The walk will follow a downtown route from New Jerusalem Holiness Church to Pike County High School.

The “March for Jesus” will organize at New Jerusalem beginning at 8 a.m. and the march will begin at 10 a.m.

Moultry said the marchers will follow the lead truck and those who are unable to walk the route will follow in vehicles. Many churches will march together and some will wear their church tee shirts.

“We’ll tie balloons and banners on the vehicles and we welcome floats,” Moultry said. “We want everybody to be a part of the ‘March for Jesus.’”

The march will end with a prayer service and everyone will be invited to Galloway Park where there will be free barbecue prior to the “Praise in the Park” celebration.

“Praise in the Park” will feature gospel music by soloists and local choirs and choirs from as far away as North Alabama. Churches are invited to bring their choirs.

“We’ll have a minister to bring the Word and we’ll have games for the children that are teaching games, games about Jesus,” Moultry said.

“The ‘March for Jesus’ and ‘Praise in the Park’ are for all denominations – Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostal– all denominations. There are no color barriers. The ‘March for Jesus’ and ‘Praise in the Park’ are for the entire community and the community has been very responsive over the years. We’ve had between 300 and 500 people to attend each year and hope to have even more this year.”

“Praise in the Park” should get underway around 12:30 p.m. and conclude between 2 and 3 p.m.

Everyone is invited to be a part of the annual “March for Jesus” in Brundidge on Saturday.