Christians to Gather in Philadelphia, Sept. 28-29, to Pray for the Healing of Our Country
America for Jesus 2012 Will Call Nation Back to Biblical Values
NASHVILLE, Feb. 20, 2012 /
Christian Newswire/ -- America for Jesus 2012, a gathering of Christians representing all races, parties and denominations, will gather in a solemn assembly on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Sept. 28-29, to pray for the healing of our nation and its people 40 days before America casts its vote for President, it was announced Sunday at the National Religious Broadcasters Association Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
"America's soul is sick, but I believe America still has a chance; I believe in resurrection, and I believe prayer changes things--and that is what we intend to do," said Bishop Anne Gimenez, pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach, Va., and chairman of America for Jesus 2012. "It's not about who will be in the White House nor our current financial crisis, it's about America needing the presence of God."
America for Jesus 2012 is being organized by One Nation Under God, a coalition of ministries that sponsored the watershed Washington for Jesus events in the 80s and 90s, which focused on prayer, repentance and revival, based on God's promises found in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
To-date, the five national and numerous regional rallies attended by several hundred thousand people have made significant impact affecting millions across the country and the national movement continues to call for a return to biblical values rather than endorsing any particular party or candidate.
"Much like the movement for independence in the 18th century, America for Jesus 2012 is a patriotic movement, not a political one," said John Blanchard, national coordinator for America for Jesus 2012. "Although the presidential election will be less than six weeks away, there will be no partisan divisions when we convene in Philadelphia. We don't need to follow the elephant or the donkey, but rather the Lamb of God."
The location for America Jesus 2012 is full of symbolism for freedom and religious liberty. Philadelphia, the first capital of the United States, was the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the ratifying of the Constitution and the drafting of the Bill of Rights. It was also one of the centers of the Great Awakening of the 1730s, a period of spiritual revival in our country.
Also, as part of the event, America for Jesus will be organizing Love Philadelphia, modeled after a quote from one of America's founding fathers, William Penn: "Let us try, what love will do." This humanitarian outreach will leave a legacy impact by providing physical assistance to meet critical needs among the poor and needy throughout the City.
"We are going to bless Philadelphia with the demonstration of Christian love," said Candy Christmas, national spokesperson for America for Jesus 2012 and the founder of the Bridge Ministry. "I was very excited about this component of America for Jesus and the initiative to feed the poor. We are talking with representatives of many of the large organizations who specialize in food distributions so we can love and serve those in Philadelphia."
In conjunction with the America for Jesus 2012 national call to prayer, an Awakening conference will be held in Philadelphia on Sept. 26-28. Speakers will discuss current events and issues pertaining to the Church.
"Forty days before the election, we will be bringing the salt of the nation to the headwaters of America to pray for an awakening and for the spiritual needs of the country," said Billy Wilson, co-chair for America for Jesus 2012 and Executive Director of the International Center for Spiritual Renewal.
America for Jesus is led by a strong national executive board of leaders, including: Wilson; Dr. Jim Garlow, Renewing American Leadership and Senior Pastor, Skyline Wesleyan; Tom Phillips, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; Bishop Harry Jackson, High Impact Leadership and Senior Pastor, Hope Christian Church; Reverend Dr. Herb Lusk, Greater Exodus Baptist Church; Ron Luce, Teen Mania Ministries; Jane Hansen Hoyt, Aglow International; Dr. J. Doug Stringer, Somebody Cares America and Somebody Cares International; Reverend Samuel Rodriguez, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference; Reverend Luis Cortes, Jr., Esperanza; Lou Engle, The Call; Cindy Jacobs, Generals International; Reverend Bonnie Camarda, The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia and former President of Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia; Dave Butts, Harvest Prayer Ministries; Dr. Paul Cedar, Mission America Coalition; and David Ferguson, Intimate Life Ministries.
Note to Editors: To arrange an interview with a spokesperson for America for Jesus 2012, please contact Julie Shutley or Steve Yount of A. Larry Ross Communications at 972.267.1111,
Julie@alarryross.com or
steve@alarryross.com.
