MARCHING ALONG: AREA CHRISTIANS TO MARCH IN UNISON WITH MARCH FOR JESUS

Christians lined the streets of Cape Girardeau during the 1996 March for Jesus. The event was designed as a way to unite Christians worldwide through support and prayer.

Often there are so many differences among Christian groups it is hard to find any similarities.

But the nearly 300 Christian people expected to gather today for a march through the city will walk in harmony and unity. All denominational differences are forgotten for the "March for Jesus."

The group will gather at 9 a.m. at May Greene Elementary School. The march begins at 10 a.m. and will last about 45 minutes. It ends at the Common Pleas Courthouse.

The march isn't about agendas or political or social issues, said the Rev. Fred Poston, local march coordinator. "It's just unity in the name of Jesus."

It is the fourth year for the local march. Initially the route began at Arena Park and ended at the courthouse, but it was too long for many participants.

Now the route is closer to one mile and is easier for the marchers. A bus for participants who aren't able to walk the entire route will follow the marchers.

The march often takes on the atmosphere of a parade, with floats, banners and singing. It originally began in London, England, said the Rev. Robert Wright of Vineyard Christian Fellowship. "If we had started it in America, we would have called it a parade for Jesus."

It's a chance to put aside denominational and worship differences and celebrate in the streets, he said.

Poston said, "It is just a good opportunity to make a public statement about Christ.

At least 20 churches are expected to attend.

"It says a lot about unity when you can put down denominational boundaries and all the things that would divide," he said.

Wright organized Cape Girardeau's first march as a way to unite area churches. "I looked for things that brought people together," he said. "The purpose is to worship the Lord and have a good time."

More than 700 cities across the United States are participating in the fifth annual Global March for Jesus. The event begins as a way to unite Christians worldwide.

The most amazing thing about the march, Wright said, is that for one single day in 24 different time zones people around the world are marching and celebrating in the name of Jesus. "It's something that Christians in every nation can be a part of."

The theme this year is "Demonstrate the Passion." The March for Jesus USA organization is calling all Christians who participate to pray for the suffering church.

In the past, marchers have prayed for a specific country or nation, Poston said. This year, local participants will pray for Communist China.

Tom Pelton, president of March for Jesus USA, said it is important for all Christians to pray for the persecuted Christians and suffering church.

"Scripture says that when one part of the body suffers, we all suffer. On March for Jesus, we unite with every part of the body. When we pray for that part that is suffering persecution, we not only ask that God be glorified in them, we identify with them," he said.

Statistics show that nearly 200 million Christians around the world risk persecution because of their faith.