March for Jesus marks 25th anniversary

The annual Olney March for Jesus celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with a parade, devotion and lunch on Oct. 7.

The parade will begin in Tommy Perkins Park at 10 a.m., and will be followed by devotion and worship at the First Baptist Church of Olney.

Lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall, and as usual, the organizers will give away bikes, books and Bibles to the youth.

The Enterprise visited with Verma Fobbs, president of the March for Jesus Board of Directors, about what it means to keep this tradition alive for so many years.

The Enterprise: What are some of the highlights of the past 25 years of this event? A quarter of a century is a pretty big deal!

Mrs. Fobbs: It is a big deal that God has allowed us to come together. One of the things that happened last year was my son watching the parade with [Olney Police Detective] Dustin [Hudson]. I made big posters of that. In our day and time, it speaks volumes that a black man and an officer can walk together. That was very touching for me.

The Enterprise: What do you think allowed you to keep going through many challenges of the past year?

Mrs. Fobbs: Number one, God has been faithful simply because we have been able to march every year. I was told maybe the second year ‘Verma, we were going to get some rain this year,’ and I said, ‘God is not going to rain on our parade.’ I am excited every year -- especially in these end times. God tells us when to go into the streets and make dsicples. The church is great and I love it but we have got to hit the streets as well and proclaim the Good News of the Gospel.

When I came out of my selfishness and put God first, when God first called me to do that I was a little embarrassed to go out in the streets. ‘You’re gonna look ridiculous,’ I thought. I did want to do it.

The Enterprise: What will be on your mind this year about previous marches?

Mrs. Fobbs: I’ve done a memorial of those who came and marched and worked on the floats year after year: Richard Lunsford, my husband Joe, and Arecine Pace.

The Enterprise: What will be new this year?

Mrs. Fobbs: I am asking people for golf carts. I want to do a train ride down Main Street [with golf carts]. We are seeking those to put them in the street. Anyone who wants to participate, call me directly at 940-5640231.