PRESS RELEASE
August 15, 2010
March for Jesus, Antelope Valley
A Call to Repentance September 17 – 18, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Roslyn T. Haley: (661) 794-8839
Palmdale, CA – The March for Jesus has been held annually in the Antelope Valley since 1995 alternating between the Cities of Lancaster and Palmdale. However this year, the March is taking a turn from tradition and will hold a two day prayer and praise event in both cities during Yom Kippur, September 17 -18. Although the event is traditionally held on Saturday of Pentecost weekend, organizers report that they believe God is calling his people to repent. Accordingly, the march will be held during the most holy day noted in the Old Testament in accordance with tradition and is based on Leviticus 16:30 - “because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins”.
The March for Jesus started in England. The Marches in England began in the 1980’s when some small churches decided to take what they were experiencing in the churches out into the streets. On May 10, 1987, Icthus Fellowship in London joined with Youth With A Mission and Pioneer Ministries to organize a prayer and praise march through the streets of London. To their surprise, more than 15,000 people turned out, in spite of pouring rain. The vision for March for Jesus USA began in 1989 in Austin, Texas. March for Jesus USA was established in 1991 and has expanded to over 650 cities in the United States and hundreds of other cities throughout the Americas.
Over the years, millions of Christians, from various denominations and diverse church backgrounds have joined together in over 170 countries to celebrate Jesus. But the momentum has greatly diminished in the United States and only a faithful remnant continues the effort. The Antelope Valley remains among the faithful few. Although local organizers believed that the Antelope Valley was the only city that was breaking tradition with the March being held during Yom Kippur, they were pleased to learn that organizers in Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota had received similar instructions from God and they have scheduled a March during the same week. March organizer, Dr. Roslyn Haley states, “It is truly a miracle that God has given organizers in both cities the same instructions without our knowledge until plans were complete. God is doing something special and is truly calling his people to repentance”.
In addition to various Antelope Valley participants, Pastors and churches from various cities will participate in the March and include Rancho Cucamonga, Temecula, Los Angeles, Compton, California City, Long Beach, and Paramount. The Antelope Valley is the only area in the state that continues this celebration of love for Jesus resulting in Christians coming from all areas to take part.
Dr. John E. Tunstall, Bishop Abundant Life Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Los Angeles, “We are here to lift up the name of Jesus, proclaim that God loves our cities and the people in it, and to be an extension of His love where we live. This is a day when Christians can come together to demonstrate their unconditional love for God and people”. Dr. Tunstall has served as a member of the March for Jesus Pastor’s board providing spiritual oversight since 2005. Other board members include, Pastor Darrell Haley, Jesus is Lord Christian Church; Rev. Teresa Skinner, All Nations Church; and Pastor Aaron Duncan, Spirit and Truth Church, Lancaster, CA. Numerous additional local church Elders and Bishops serve in an advisory capacity as participating, coordinating, and supportive ministries.
The celebration will begin at 6:00PM on Friday September17 at Palmdale City Hall, Poncitlan Square, 38300 Sierra Highway, Palmdale, CA 93550. Participants are called to fast, pray, and give praise to Jesus for having made Atonement for our sins as we repent for our sins. The fast will conclude at noon on September 18 after the March for Jesus Prayer Walk which will begin at 10:00AM at Lancaster City Hall, 44933 N. Fern Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534. Local Pastors will lead prayers for our nation, California, local cities, communities, military, youth, schools, families, economy, with corporate prayer for repentance at both events. Pastors, Evangelists, and Spritual Leaders are invited to confirm your participation and be placed on the program. The event is free and open to the public.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT PASTOR DARRELL HALEY OR DR. ROSLYN HALEY, Jesus is Lord Christian Church, 38226 N. 6th Street East, Palmdale (661) 274-0889 Church or (661) 794-8839 March for Jesus.