Although pews may be empty and sermons are shared virtually, love and hope for the City of Stroud doesn’t stop spreading.
Cars lined up to participate in the first ever Jericho Drive around Stroud Wednesday, April 8 at 7 p.m.
For three hours, citizens of Stroud drove a 10 mile route around Stroud seven times praying, singing and reading scripture.
Stroud Assembly of God Pastor Angie Jackson said it was symbolic as in Joshua chapter six.
In Joshua chapter six, Joshua was the leader of the Israelites and he was commanded by God to conquer Jericho. So over the course of seven days, Joshua and the Israelites walked around Jericho seven times. On the seventh day, after the seventh lap, they blew their trumpets and shouted. The wall of Jericho fell and the Israelites took control of the city.
She said a friend of hers in Elk City, OK did something similar.
“It really resonated in my spirit & I couldn’t shake it,” she said. “So while stuffing bags with eggs for the egg event I shared it with our Associate Pastor, Jason Mooy, who is also the President of the Ministerial Alliance.
“He loved the idea and started calling the churches who are a part of the MA.”
Within two days, the event was planned and over 38 vehicles participated in the drive.
Although the plan was to drive around the city seven times, they asked participants to join them for at least one.
“We ended the full seven (10 mile) laps with at least 15 vehicles still with us,” Jackson said. “It was amazing. We ended at 10:15 at the coliseum and honked our horns symbolic of them blowing their horns in Joshua chapter 6.”
Jackson said as they drove around the city they prayed for the city, the nation, the world at large and for COVID-19 to be eradicated.
They prayed for all the homes that have now become homeschooling homes and the teachers and administration who are facilitating this new form of education.
Jackson said they wanted to circle their community in love and prayer.
As they drove by the hospital, Prairie Pointe and the nursing home, they began honking their horns in support for those who were serving on the front lines.