Christian groups march for Jesus

MORE than 500 Christian believers in Cagayan de Oro made a statement yesterday as they marched for Jesus.  

Members of Cagayan de Oro Evangelical Ministerial Association (COEMA), Metro Cagayan Ministerial Fellowship (MCMF), Pentecostal Church of God Asian Missions Inc (PCGAMI), among others endured the afternoon sun and hiked down from two starting points.

It was symbolic when the two groups, one from McArthur Park and the other from Rotunda, converged in Kiosko Kagawasan Divisoria and together filled the heart of the city with praise and worship songs and prayer.

Bishop Bong Udang, COEMA president, pointed out that in the same way that Sendong knew no ministerial association when it wrecked havoc last year, everybody also, regardless of religious affiliation, should come together to pray.

Pastors and church leaders led the assembly in intercession for the ‘restoration of fortune’ lost during the flashflood, for the internally displaced persons (IDPs), and for repentance. Each of the eight pillars of the society was also prayed about: Arts and Media, Business, Church, Peace and Order and Defense, Academe and Education, Family, Government Leaders, and Science and Technology.      

  

The participants were repeatedly encouraged, in the light of the flashflood, to become good stewards – to take the lead in taking care of God’s creation and in advocating for it.

National President of Peace Builders Inc, Ps Dan Pantuha, suggested something “symbolic and practical” during the program:  to pick up litter in the area.

“Kung lilinisin natin and korapsyon, lilinisin muna natin ang lansangan; simulan natin sa mga bote, (If we ought to call for a clean governance, we clean first the streets from trash like empty bottles),” exclaimed Pantuha, an environment advocate.

Vice Mayor Ceasar Acenas, on behalf of Mayor Emano, was present in the event. Along with leaders of different Christian denominations in the city, he participated in the historic and prophetic gesture of watering a plant to symbolize growth of unity among the body of Christ.

Bishop Bing Gadian, Jesus For All president, hoped that the program which ran for about five hours will be a movement.  It was announced that there will be a tree-planting activity anytime soon.