God commanded Joshua to march around the city of Jericho seven times and then the giant walls – the obstacle to a new and better life for His people – fell flat.
Clarksdale churches organized seven marches through all parts of Clarksdale this week in an effort to fight the obstacles that prevent local folk from enjoying a better life in this city.
“The goal is to get people to come together,” said Bro. Jimmy Glasper, of New Jerusalem Church. “This is about corporate prayer and asking God to protect this town and bless Clarksdale.”
Glasper said he didn’t want to go into details of recent events that have shocked the community. New Jerusalem was also the scene of a robbery and carjacking in October where a parishioner walked out of church one night after church only to be confronted by three masked gunmen.
“This is about seeking fellowship and solutions,” said Glasper. “This is also about what we are going to do. The past has happened and we can grieve, but we need to heal and look forward to a future with Jesus Christ as our guide.”
Glasper has been a pastor at New Jerusalem for years. He said he got involved with Jericho Walk when it started several years ago.
“But this is not about one church or one pastor or even one person from Clarksdale,” said Glasper. “This is about Jesus Christ and what he can do to change lives.”
Glasper smiled as he said he has seen Jesus change the life of hurting, helpless people many times.
“I urge parents and grandparents to talk with their children and family members,” said Glasper. “There are pastors all over Clarksdale ready and waiting to help. The time to act is now.”
Jericho Walk started several years ago when Clarksdale saw an uptick in homicides. People, churches, civic leaders and Clarksdale as a whole came together to pray it down and confront the influence of sin.
Jericho Walk is rooted in the story of the Biblical battle of Jericho.
God commanded Joshua to go around the walls of Jericho for six days, once every day, and seven times on the seventh day. God also commanded the city to be attacked by seven priests blowing horns, with the Ark of the Covenant in front of them and all the people behind the Ark of the Covenant.
Clarksdale police and Coahoma County deputies led the march and followed the walkers to their destination at each location this week.
Jericho Walk went through every neighborhood in Clarksdale and people saw there are good people who want a better life for them and all of Clarksdale.
The seven days of Clarksdale Jericho Walk and the churches involved are:
Day One
DAY OF PEACE
Sunday, April 21 6:30 p.m. Start at King Temple, 1402 Lyon Avenue to New Covenant B.C. 803 MLK Boulevard.
Day Two
DAY OF LOVE
Monday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. Start at New Jerusalem 835 Florida Ave., to Chapel Hill Church, 1057 Page.
Day Three
DAY OF HEALING
Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 p.m. Start at New Haven United Methodist Church 404 Yazoo and MLK to Centennial Baptist Church 5th Street and Yazoo St.
Day Four
DAY OF JUSTICE
Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. Start at Clarksdale Police Dept. 121 Sunflower Avenue to the children’s playground at Kaboom Park at Sunflower and MLK.
Day Five
DAY OF DELIVERANCE
Thursday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. Start at Oakhurst Baptist Church, 828 West Second St. to Sunshine M.B. Church, 1040 West Second St.
Day Six
DAY OF UNITY
Friday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. Start at D&T Super Market, Sunflower and State Street to New Bethel Baptist Church on Center Street.
Day Seven
DAY OF PRAISE
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m., Start at Dennis Chapel, 419 Madison to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1051 Walnut Street.
