THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 7, 1996 TAG: 9603070159
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
ON APRIL 29 and 30, Christians from across America will stand on the steps of the nation's Capitol and testify of the delivering power of Jesus Christ.
The event is Washington for Jesus '96, and the ``battle call'' is, ``Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!''
The Rev. Tony Peaks of Suffolk's Open Door Church is the local coodinator. ``We've been praying for this event for more than a year,'' Peaks said. ``Now we're trying to activate and energize people to take part in this great happening.''
He said Open Door has secured five buses to transport area participants to the gathering. Reservations may be for one-day participation or for the entire event, including overnight accommodations. Already three busloads are filled, and Peaks anticipates a sell-out crowd.
WFJ '96 begins at noon on April 29, with an all-night Youth Explosion featuring nationally known speakers and musicians.
``There are seven giants loose in our land destroying our moral fiber,'' Peaks explained. Using the acrostic PHAROAH, the giants include Persecution, HIV/AIDS, abortion, racism, addictions, occultism and homosexuality.
``This is about our youths and future generations,'' Peaks explained. ``They've been labeled the X-generation, and we want the `X' to stand for Christ.
``This generation must be touched and changed by the power of Jesus Christ. They are our future, and we can make a difference in their lives and reclaim this nation for God.''
Throughout WFJ '96, there will be testimonies by people delivered from drugs, alcohol, homosexuality, child abuse and pornography. ``It's time to declare from the steps of our nation's Capitol that there is an answer, and his name is Jesus,'' a WFJ promotion states.
A Leadership Gathering at Constitution Hall will meet simultaneously during a portion of the Youth Explosion, from 2 to 10 p.m. April 29.
On April 30, participants in WFJ will congregate on the Washington Mall from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. to listen to additional speakers and testimonies. Then, from 3 to 6 p.m., a service of prayer and healing will be held.
The Washington For Jesus events began in 1980, when 500,000 Christian leaders gathered under the theme of unity. In 1988, approximately 1 million gathered again in Washington for WFJ under the theme of repentance, asking God to heal our land. Now, at WFJ '96, one of the purposes is ``to pursue, overtake and reclaim all that the enemy has stolen'' (I Sam. 30:7).
WFJ '96 is sponsored by One Nation Under God Inc., a non-profit organization founded in 1979, by the Rev. John Gimenez of Virginia Beach. This year, WFJ is again sponsored by a vast network of coordinators in all 50 states. Supporters include Evangelicals, Pentecostals, Messianic Jews and others along with many national Christian organizations and ministries.
The Rev. David Dillon of Franklin, Virginia state coordinator for WFJ '96, noted the ``excellent response'' his staff is receiving from all across the state. Through pastor briefings, women's meetings and youth rallies, the word is being spread and the vision shared. For example, a statewide rally in Richmond on Jan. 26 drew a crowd of 1,300.
``We already have over 200 pages of names of pastors and ministries supporting this event,'' Dillon added. ``It wouldn't surprise me if over 100,000 Virginians took part in this event.''
With WFJ '96 approaching, Open Door Church has conducted informational meetings for pastors and interested lay leaders. Two hundred information packets have been mailed to local congregations, and more are available.
Other promotional materials such as bulletin inserts, T-shirts, hats and bumper stickers may be secured by writing Open Door Church at 816 Kings Fork Road, Suffolk, or calling (804) 934-2671. MEMO: HISTORIC DATES
The dates of Washington for Jesus '96 have great historical
significance.
On April 29, 1607, the first settlers - led by the Rev. Robert Hunt -
knelt in the sands of Cape Henry and dedicated the newly discovered land
``to God's glory and the furtherance of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.''
On April 30, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a day of
``national humiliation, fasting and prayer.''
ILLUSTRATION: Photo by TRUDY CUTHRELL
Tony Peaks is the local coordinator of Washington for Jesus '96.
by CNB