MORE THAN 225 GATHER TO MARCH FOR JESUS

Carrying banners and singing hymns proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord, more than 225 area Christians marched through the streets of Cape Girardeau Saturday morning.

They weren't protesting or angry. Regardless of age, race or denomination, they had gathered to spread the message of Christian love and unity.

The March for Jesus is an international event designed to bring churches and Christians together in one spirit, without the barriers of denominational differences.

The group gathered at May Greene Elementary School Saturday morning and ended the one-mile march at Common Pleas Courthouse.

About 20 different churches were represented, but no one carried markers or signs separating them.

Because the march emphasizes unity, one of the rules is that signs cannot have the name of a church displayed, said the Rev. Fred Poston, local coordinator.

And Glenda Eason was glad. She likes the idea of all churches in the city working together. "We came for unity," she said. "It lets the outside world know that we are one."

Saturday's march was the first for Eason, a member of Greater Dimension Church of God in Christ. It was the fourth annual march in Cape Girardeau.

Shari Masterson has been a regular attender at the marches for years. She even volunteered at the March for Jesus USA office while living in Austin, Texas.

The marches are held in 24 different time zones around the world, and in more than 100 cities in the United States.

"The first march began in Australia at dawn and they will continue throughout the day. We're just carrying on in North America with our portion."

Even though she wasn't at home in Jefferson City, Sharon Schwendemann wanted to take part in the march. She was in Cape Girardeau visiting her mother and decided march here.

"I think it's important that we not be ashamed of Christianity. We need to be proud of it and that's why we're here," she said.

"The anti-(Christian) groups are very vocal so why not have Christians united together, glad to lift up the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

As the participants walked the route, they played songs and sang. Trucks carried speakers broadcasting music from Christian radio station KUGT.