The 23rd annual March for Jesus, Oct. 2

The 23rd annual March for Jesus parade is Saturday, Oct. 2. The parade lineup will commence at 9:30 a.m. on the south side of Avenue C and the east side of Tommy Perkins Park. The parade will start at 10 a.m., heading north on Avenue C, west on Main Street to Avenue J, and east on Hamilton Street. After the parade, festivities will continue in the Olney Civic Center, located at 210 S. Grand Avenue.

March for Jesus founder Verma Fobbs said the time has come for us to “not just talk about it but be about it.”

“Stop talking about getting out witnessing for God and actually witness for God,” Fobbs said while reiterating the importance of taking action for Christ, which is what the March for Jesus allows Christians to do. Fobbs was emphatic about the message sent to lost souls when the community sees believers marching together with the common goal to win souls for Jesus.

Committee member Arpegea Pagsuberon said the committee plans to take precautionary measures to reassure those concerned about gathering during the pandemic.

“There are no requirements for masks, but we are encouraging people to wear masks if they feel inclined to do so. Also, people should keep some distance between themselves and others who may not be part of their normal group or household. Also, the volunteers serving food will wear gloves and masks and serve the food in the Olney Civic Center following the parade,” Pagsuberon said.

Shirley Jeter, a March for Jesus committee member, said the parade is open to everyone. However, you don’t necessarily need to walk. Instead, you can ride on your float, bike, golf cart or horse. Pagsuberon said they are also open to donkeys as it is befitting for the March for Jesus parade.

The excitement will not end with the parade, but it will continue at the Olney Civic Center, with the main attraction being illusionist Kolby King. King served as a youth minister and Southern Baptist pastor for more than 20 years. His creative ways of spreading the Gospel entails illusions, ventriloquism and even fire-eating. To get a preview of King in action, visit the First Baptist Church of Olney website.

In addition to King’s keynote message and performance, Paul and Anne McQueen will provide musical entertainment along with Diane Hall. While musical selections will be rendered throughout the afternoon, there will be prize give-a-ways, including bicycles, among other gifts.

Heather blue T-Shirts containing this year’s theme, “All Lives are Precious to God,” may be purchased by contacting a committee member. The 2021 committee includes Verma Fobbs, Arpegea Pagsuberon, Shirley Jeter, David King, Paul McQueen, Anne McQueen, James Wylie, Charlesetta Wesley, and Pastor Chad Edgington. For more information, reach out to one of the aforesaid committee members or call Verma Fobbs at 940-564-0231 or Shirley Jeter at 940-564-6755.

Fobbs said regarding how the event has evolved throughout the years,

“I believe more people are on board with this vision now. I’m still very excited, and this year I am more passionate about it because I believe the time has come for everyone to realize that all lives matter to God.

We are praying that by the grace of God that [March for Jesus] does not stop here in Olney but will spread abroad.”