While the sorrowful ringing of church bells were heard throughout cities around the world and as Christians gathered for solemn memorial services, a number of Christians in Germany marked the third anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in a very different way.
Up to 50,000 Christians took part in an annual event - “Jesus Day”, which was organised by evangelical Christians, mainly from charismatic and Pentecostal backgrounds. Chairman of the Jesus Day Organising Committee, Rev Axel Nehlsen, said last Thursday, that the date 9/11 is consciously selected in order to remind Christians of the tragic terrorist attacks three years ago. “Jesus Day” is an antidote against terrorism, violence and separation.
Even though the initiative was criticised by some evangelical churches as an “extreme act” and that it “made the Christian church ridiculous”, the response of the participants was very satisfactory. Starting with an opening service at 10am at the Brandenburg gate in German Capital Berlin, the 50,000 Christians marched through the city singing and praying. The special CD for Jesus Day called “This is the Day” with many well-known Christian songs being played aloud on giant speakers. A banner was seen hanging across the sky with the slogan of the action “Berlin is to see Jesus completely”.
On the way, participants stopped at six political, financial, commercial and cultural centres to offer prayers. Near the US-embassy they not only prayed for the 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks, but also for those killed in other acts of terrorism, such as the school siege in Beslan, South Russia.
Along with the grand marching through the city, 500 participants also took part in a rally of solidarity with Israel and Messianic Jews. They voiced their concerns over the escalating anti-Semitism in Europe. On top of this, 50 evangelistic and social projects were launched during Jesus Day as well.
The march ended at 7pm as they returned back to the Brandenburg gate. A prayer concert with many famous European Christian bands such as Heartbeat, D-project & friends, continued for the rest of the evening. Jesus films were distributed as gifts for all the participants.
The last “Jesus Day” in Berlin was held on 20 May 2000, which also recorded an attendance of 50,000 people. March for Jesus started in England in May 1987 when some local churches decided to take what they experienced in their churches out into the streets. Songwriter Graham Kendrick participated in some of these early attempts and wrote a series of songs that were appropriate for the outdoor expression of the church. More than 15,000 turned out for the first march. From there on, marches in 45 cities across Great Britain were launched. The movement quickly spread around the world, now it is being held each year on the Saturday before Pentecost in more than 130 nations and with millions participating each year.
