Cross walks

For Christians around the world, Sunday was the start of Holy Week.

Area churches have held special performances ranging from choir and drama presentations to more elaborate passions plays -- the play at First Baptist Church in Jackson, for example. These events serve as great opportunities to share the story of Jesus, from his early years in ministry through his death and resurrection. If you participated in any of these events, thank you.

Another popular tradition is cross walks on Good Friday. Two cross walks will be held locally Friday.

In downtown Cape Girardeau, the Stations of the Cross walk will begin at noon at the courtyard gazebo on Lorimier Street. The walk will include 14 stations where members of the community will stop, read Scripture and pray.

Stops on the walk include: The Southeast Missourian, the Convention and Visitor's Center and Old Town Cape, United Way of Southeast Missouri, Discovery Playhouse, Homeless Outreach and Thrift Shop, the Esquire Theater, Trinity Schools, the Kingdom Kids, Cape Girardeau Fire and Police Departments, FCC Women's and Adolescent Addiction Treatment, the federal courthouse, city hall, Rose Garden and Common Pleas Courthouse steps.

Other walks will be held in several area communities, including Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

Carry the Cross, a national movement, encourages people to build white crosses and hold or walk with them on Good Friday. Alethea Sparkman, national director from Sikeston, Mo., said the effort is based on John 12:32: "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

As of last week, over 70 walkers were planning to participate in Cape Girardeau and Jackson. For more information about the effort, call Darren DeLoach at 225-8606 or email darrendeloach@live.com. You also can email info@carrythecrossnow.com or visit www.carrythecrossnow.com.

Cross walks and other faith-based Easter activities are wonderful ways to remember the Lord's sacrifice and resurrection, as well as celebrate the hope of eternal life through our Savior.