[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MARCH FOR JESUS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 1997

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for the 
upcoming nationwide ``March for Jesus Day.'' This event on May 17, 
1997, will provide more evidence that America is returning to the 
values of belief in God and family that have made our country great. 
Last year church related groups and congregations in over 600 cities in 
the United States and 170 nations participated in the march. In Joplin, 
MO, almost 70 area congregations of different denominations 
representing 18 communities from the 4-State region will march together 
and in other southwest Missouri towns and cities Christians will step 
forward on this day.
  This Nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian principles that our 
country should continue to recognize and hold high. I am reminded of 
John 13:34 where Jesus said `` A new command I give you: Love one 
another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all 
men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.'' The 
March for Jesus is truly an opportunity to show others the love which 
Christ modeled for us. Our Nation needs to be shown the love and grace 
of Christ Jesus. For too long, we have been willing to neglect the 
necessity of spiritual fulfillment and today we see the overwhelming 
consequences of such actions with families separated by divorce, drug 
use accelerating rapidly in our society, and juvenile crime out of 
control.
  As the Christian community gathers to March for Jesus it can truly be 
an example of others of the change He has made in our own lives and the 
lives of our families and friends. We need to live the command Jesus 
gave us in the book of Matthew where He said, ``Love your neighbor as 
yourself.'' What a great opportunity as Christians gather together to 
march to remember in our daily lives to show others Jesus and his love. 
It is important that we not forget to display the love of Christ to our 
neighbors by helping them in times of need.
  Christians should be guided by the words of the Apostle Paul where in 
II Timothy 1:7-12 he says,

       For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit 
     of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be 
     ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his 
     prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by 
     the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy 
     life--not because of anything we have done but because of his 
     own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ 
     Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been 
     revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, 
     who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality 
     to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was 
     appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why 
     I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know 
     whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to 
     guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

  The March for Jesus is an excellent opportunity to testify to others 
about Jesus as families walk their city streets with fellow believers 
of all denominations. I am encouraged as Christians unite together to 
take an active role in their witness to others.

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