Christians soaked in last Jesus March
They came, despite downpours, to march in concert with millions of Christians worldwide June 10. March for Jesus–the global phenomenon that saw communities around the world united in celebrating the core of Christian faith–Jesus Christ–came to an end last month as organizers declared this the last year of coordinated events since being linked globally in 1992.
Numbers were slightly down in Canada, due in part to inclement weather in several Canadian communities, especially the Western provinces. According to March organizer Ruth Wall, about 120,000 took part in Canada, about the same as last year, but down from an all-time high in 1994.
"It was amazing," says Wall. "People were just totally blessed. Smiles came through despite all the obstacles."
Several thousand fewer marchers participated in Winnipeg, perpetually the largest North American event, due to a steady rain that drenched marchers. Still, about 30,000-40,000 showed up beneath umbrellas and banners proclaiming their love for Jesus. But a large outdoor youth concert was cancelled that night due to the rain.
Calgary marchers were forbidden from marching due to the World Petroleum Conference in the city that weekend. Instead, Christians prayed for peace in light of the hundreds of environmental protestors who had threatened to riot. In Toronto, an unprecedented 20,000 marched. Montreal saw 3,500 march and Halifax had 3,000.
A number of marches took place in penitentiaries such as in Drumheller, Alberta. Thirty-nine inmates marched at the maximum security facility at Stoney Mountain, Manitoba.
Globally, organizers say this was the biggest event to date, with about 12 million reported to have participated. The largest single involvement was in Brazil, where two million people were expected to participate. In Australia, more than 25,000 Christians converged on Stadium Australia, the site of the Sydney Olympics, for a time of celebration and prayer.
Thirty thousand people marched in London, England to the famous Greenwich prime-meridian line. In Russia, 5,000 are reported to have walked in Moscow gathering opposite Lenin's Museum. One of the smallest country events took place in Andorra, where about 30 Christians–about one-third of the known church in the European state–turned out despite cold and rain to pray in front of the Parliament buildings.
About 450 events were held across the United States, with the focus shifting from celebration to collaboration. Local churches joined forces to take part in a wide range of practical-care projects–from food distribution to hospital visiting–for what was known as "Jesus Day."
This was the last globally organized March for Jesus (CW May16/00). Its head office in England closed at the end of June and the Canadian office in Winnipeg disbands this summer as well, though communities are being encouraged to continue to hold celebration marches if they choose.
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