Suffolk News-Herald

Many local Christians want to praise Jesus Christ not only inside church walls, but outside as well.

On June 5, they’ll get that opportunity when the March for Jesus takes place in downtown Suffolk. Banners, music, songs, and praise dances will highlight this Saturday morning parade as participants glorify their lord. Naturally, they’ll also call on spectators to find out more about living by Christ’s teachings.

Assembly takes place at 9 a.m. that day in the parking lot next to the Suffolk News-Herald on South Saratoga Street. The roll-out begins at 10 a.m., with the group moving to West Washington Street, turning right at that corner toward North Main Street crossing to East Washington Street, turning immediately left at that corner to North Main then through downtown. The parade will conclude with a rally from 11 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of First Baptist Church Main Street.

Speaking of which, there will be an organizational meeting at 7 p.m. May 17 in the church. Churches are asked to send representatives to get all the information they need to participate. Tee-shirts will also be sold at this time.

IMPACT Suffolk, an interdenominational group, is heavily involved in this project that got started here back in December. Dot Dalton, president, said that the Rev. Cleveland Brown of Celebration Church in Suffolk is &uot;heading it up because of his experience.&uot;

And what experience. For 11 years, beginning in 1990, Brown was the director in the Norfolk March for Jesus Celebration. On June 2, 2001, Mayor Paul Fraim commended him in a proclamation for that leadership.

Then, as now, Brown has also been active in helping people cope with addictions of all kinds. He now leads the outreach ministry of Celebration Church. Recovery for the City meets from 7 to 9 p.m. each Thursday in the Suffolk YMCA on Godwin Boulevard.

The congregation, led by the Rev. Brad Seevers, meets for worship at 10 a.m. each Sunday in same place. Dress can be casual and the services are upbeat, according the Seevers.

For details about the March for Jesus, call Dalton at 255-2134 or Brown at 986-2857, or go to www.jesusday.org.