Worship songs and heartfelt prayers filled the streets of neighbourhoods across South Africa on Freedom Day last Saturday as believers celebrated their freedom in Christ and prayed for change in the country.
Jesus Marches took place in smaller towns like Upington, Parys, Randfontein, Jeffreys Bay and in big cities like Durban, Pretoria and Cape Town. More than 80 towns and cities took part in the marches. Many participants were armed with black bags to clean the streets while praying.
At the 10am start of the marches, Bible teacher Dr Arthur Frost said a prayer for the nation that was streamed to all the march venues via cellphones.
The central theme of the event was John 8:36 — Who the Son sets free is free indeed. Many referred to the event as celebrating “True Freedom Day”, as only Christ can truly set us free and no government or worldly system can provide all the answers to society’s problems.
The aim of the walks was to unite Christians to boldly celebrate their faith. William George Moyses, one of the young voices of the Kingdom Nation movement was at the Jesus march that took place in Pierre van Ryneveld, Centurion.
He said true freedom is only found in Jesus our King. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom,” he said.
He declared that South Africa will be a Kingdom nation. “Let the fear of God and love of Christ fill our hearts to stand up with great boldness and shine our light for Jesus like never before. No longer shall we hide our light but let the whole room shine.”
He encouraged Christians to again wear white on Election Day next Wednesday. “We have to unite at the voting polls and get behind a God-fearing party that is committed to family values. Not only is it important to stand for the right things but equally important to stand against the wrong things.”
In addition to the countrywide marches, the 7th annual Africa March for Jesus was held at the Mount Zion Prayer Hill at Beula Park, Germiston. Dr Nico Landman, who has organised the annual March for Jesus at Beula Park, requested that the whole country participate this year.
Economist and author Dr Arno van Niekerk, who attended the Africa March for Jesus, along with 20 pastors from different churches and a crowd of believers, said there was an almost supernatural atmosphere of unity as the attendees from various races, backgrounds and ages intensely prayed for the nation. “
“In my mind, this event is a picture of what could happen if God’s people come together in unity and rise up,” he said.
He hoped the feeling of unity will be carried into Election Day, changing the atmosphere to one of peace, unity and reconciliation.
He was also inspired by the fact that many church leaders got behind the countrywide marches. “There are video’s streaming in from all over of how blessed the marches were, which shows me that there is a remnant of people in the country that is so faithful, they create a space for God to step forward and change the nation.”
Dr Landman said during the Africa March for Jesus event that we must bring divisions to an end and let God’s name be glorified. “This movement is not about just us. God has a dream for the continent but He is waiting for us to set an example by showing the world and the rest of Africa how to reconcile and heal.”
People from various other African countries represented their countries at the march. “If we can create true unity and peace in Christ, the rest of the continent will follow and experience revival,” he said.
WATCH a message of hope which Dr Izak Burger shared at the Africa March for Jesus event: We may be in Saturday now — but Sunday is coming!
h eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout he whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards Him II Chron 16:9. Also II Chron 7:14.
Apology: The above should read: “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth…….”
And II Chron 7:14: If My people which are called by My Name will humble themselves….then will I heal their land
Pieter thank you for a reminder of those words. And so so many in South Africa are fully committed to Him seeking His heart and willfor this Nation.