To the editor:

Ask anyone between 5 and 100 years old what holiday falls on Oct. 31, and 100 percent will respond, “Halloween.” Ask the same individuals what the next day proclaims, and 90 percent would stare back bewildered, because All Saint’s Day, Nov, 1, remains unknown by many, even Christians, as does All Souls Day on Nov. 2.

Two years ago, I announced that my wife and I would walk once around one of our city’s landmarks, Jacksonville Commons’ Pool, at 6 p.m. on Nov. 1, praying for God to continue to guide and bless our nation. I invited other Christians to join our 10-minute walk. A small group arrived and joined us in praying. Last year, our All Saint’s Day Prayer Walk drew more praying walkers.

This year, God’s Spirit touched me to invite more of God’s people to share in our All Saint’s Day Prayer Walk. Therefore, I am encouraging churches throughout North America to tell their congregations of this prayer walk. Further, I encourage Christians, wherever they worship, to gather at a landmark in their city or community. Then, on Nov. 1, at 6 p.m., praying Christians can join spiritually over vast distances with Jacksonville, N.C., in our third annual All Saint’s Day Prayer Walk.

Regardless of the distance between us, what a blessing God will bestow on our nation if two or three (thousand) gather in Christian spirit every All Saint’s Day. If we walk worthy of our calling, praising God, humbling ourselves, praying and seeking His face, God will forgive our sins and will heal our land as He promised in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

If we invest a few minutes in an Annual All Saint’s Day Prayer Walk until Christ returns for us, His living saints, we will no longer hide our light under a bushel. We will shine it from the highest hilltop for all to see.

Rev. Gene Poore

Jacksonville, N.C.