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Struble: AJ Prayer Walk a day to sing, fellowship, shine in unity

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The third annual AJ Prayer Walk will be held Jan. 9. This year’s event will be centered on the Bible verse 2 John 1:6, “And this is love; that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love.”

John Perkins wrote in One Blood, “We believe that when men and women of diverse backgrounds are one with God individually, they can and should walk, work and worship God together as one collectively, in and through the local church, in order to advance a credible witness of God’s love for all people, that is, for the sake of the gospel.” Local musician and world acclaimed song writer Tommy Lee said, “When we let the love of God surround us when we take a walk, the day will be brighter.”

This will be a day to walk, sing, fellowship, celebrate and shine in unity. Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”

We are inviting all members of our community to join our local churches and faith-based organizations to come together on Jan. 9 to celebrate the love of God. It is a time to remember that we as individuals can touch many lives, and together we can change our community and the world.

Martin Luther King said, “All of life is interrelated… We are inevitably our brother’s keeper because we are our brother’s brother. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” During these current times the world is telling us that we need to look out for ourselves and people are losing hope. Nicky Gumbel said, “Many people see only a hopeless end; but with Jesus you can enjoy endless hope.” In some instances we need to put neighbor back into the hood. “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. And Galatians 6-9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” These are true characteristics of Apache Junction. Let’s show everyone the love of Apache Junction so that they too can realize the truth and hope of God.

We need to take care of each other. John Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, rather ask, ‘what can I do for my fellow man’.” About 25 years later Ronald Reagan said, “If you think the government is the solution to our problems you are wrong, the government is the problem.” To further the point the Apostle Paul wrote in the first century, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let ourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery”, Galatians 5:1. In December 1775, Thomas Paine wrote while discussing the need for a constitution, “If we omit it now, some Massanello may hereafter arise, who laying hold of popular disquietudes, may collect together the desperate and the discontented, and by assuming to themselves the powers of government, may sweep away the liberties of the continent like a deluge.” It is imperative that we as individuals and our non-government organizations love and take care of the people in our neighborhoods and communities. Psalm, 33:20-22. “We wait in hope for the Lord, He is our help and our shield, in Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, as we put our hope in you.”

Jan. 9 festivities will begin at 9:30 at the Table of Grace Church, 555 W Apache Trail, just south of the old Village Inn. People will be given areas in town to pray over. We will walk or drive a 16-square-mile section of Apache Junction. Others will be stationed at the four corners of the entire city. At 10 a.m. the prayer walk will begin. Then there will be a parade from Table of Grace Church to Flatiron Park with everyone meeting at 11. You are welcome to come to the park at any time if you are not able to participate in the walk. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be music, testimonials, fellowship and prayer for all to enjoy. There will also be food to purchase and local churches and nonprofits talking about the services they provide to the citizens of our community.

You can contact Pastor Cindy Molnar at 480-671-6700 or Jeff Struble 480-694-5100 if you have any questions concerning the event. If you would like to participate as a church or non-profit organization, please contact us so we can arrange for your space at the park. We look forward to seeing everyone at Flatiron Park on Jan. 9 for the third annual AJ Prayer Walk. It is always the right time to show love to another human being.

Editor’s note: Jeff Struble is an Apache Junction resident, member of the city council, and owner of both Padgett Business Services and Fatmans Pizza.