Get your march on at the 21st annual March for Jesus celebration Oct. 5

Almost everyone in the community who knows longtime Olney resident Verma Fobbs is aware of her passion for the annual “March for Jesus” celebration. If you see her around town, she may likely greet you with one of her familiar sayings, “Get on your March, get set and let’s GROW for Jesus.”

The 21st annual “March for Jesus” is Saturday, Oct. 5. The parade line-up starts at 9 a.m. at Tommy Perkins Park on Avenue C. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and head West on Main Street (Avenue C) to Avenue J and back toward Hamilton Street ending at the Olney Civic Center where the community praise and worship service will begin at 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Olney Pastor Chad Edgington shared what attendees can expect this year.

“I am going to get the kids in the community to share. We will let them sing and participate,” Edgington said as he explained the importance of the March for Jesus. “I feel like we [can] touch a segment of our population with love. There is something for kids, others like getting the meal while some enjoy the singing. I like that Verma has developed a way to show love for people we don’t always make a connection with. This event brings a diverse group together in Olney for fellowship and celebration.”

The first “March for Jesus” was held in October 1999 with approximately 150-200 participants. Founder Fobbs said she presented the idea to Joe Cullen, Jiggs Stowe and David King. “I went to those three guys with a heartfelt need to march for Jesus, said Fobbs. That initial meeting evolved into a team of volunteers who assisted with the logistics.  The core group of organizers included: Joe Fobbs, Verma Fobbs, Ruth Ann Perkins, David King, Hollis Powdrell, Joe Cullen, Shirley Jeter, Louis Golden, Bill Wadley, Kenneth Thompson, Stephen Baker, Jene Alkers, John Wilson, Missy Reed, Missy Manley, Freeman Fobbs, Lillian Powdrell, Billy Picket, Jiggs Stowe, Teresa Fobbs, Arstine Pace, Angela Britt, Brenda Joyce Pratt, Karen Wadley, Don West, Stacie Allen and Tim Averett.  

Unfortunately, some of the original organizers either  passed away  or relocated to another area. The group organizing this year’s event includes Verma Fobbs, David King, Chad Edgington, Shirley Jeter,  Arpegea Pagsuberon and Missy Reed. Fobbs said everyone is invited to the weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at The Refuge located at 1418 W. Elm Street in Olney. The planning meetings will continue until the Tuesday before the event.  

Fobbs explained why God placed this March for Jesus movement on her heart more than 20 years ago. “I have a heart for people and believe that God is able to do great things. Without Christ, life can be bad, and I know there is a great need for salvation,” said Fobbs. The [March for Jesus allows us] to see people’s lives change. We have all types of marches like civil rights marches, gun rights marches, my rights marches; Why not have a march for Jesus?”

Edgington said, “Verma told me once that everybody was marching for everything else, but nobody was marching for Jesus. The March for Jesus is a labor of love that Verma has had. It gains widespread support because [this community] loves Jesus and everybody loves Verma [who] shares her love for the community through this event. She shares her faith and family. These are the things people need to see.”  

Consider participating in the March for Jesus on Saturday, Oct. 5,  to show support to Fobbs along with the organizers who have a mission to win lost souls for the Kingdom of Heaven by marching for Jesus every year. The group’s vision is “fighting the battle in spiritual warfare; tearing down strongholds to set the captives free; defeating and destroying the enemy; triumphing over the forces of darkness and to show the love of Christ to humanity.”

If you are not big on parades, don’t let that stop you from missing the free  barbecue lunch that includes brisket with all the trimmings such as onions and pickles, potato salad,  and beans. The kid’s menu will consist of hot dogs and nachos. There will be a variety of desserts to choose from after lunch. There will be live music and give-a-ways throughout the event; and everyone is invited to attend.  

“Let’s keep this dream and vision alive and strong as we stand steadfast in the faith of God,”said Fobbs.

There are a variety of ways you can help: attend the planning meetings on Tuesdays, donate bicycles, desserts and other items. Monetary donations are also welcomed. For more information, please contact Shirley Jeter at 940-564-6755 or Verma Fobbs at 940-564-0231