(Seguin) — Steps of faith will be taken one by one as a team of community members come together to host a walk with Christ. The reenactment of Jesus carrying his cross before his crucifixion will be hosted this Good Friday evening in downtown Seguin.
Leading the holy walk is Reignite Ministries and Victory Christian Center. This will mark the third year church members will host the Good Friday production. Bearing the cross will again be church member and resident Rene Belmarez. Belmarez says these last two years, the church led the walk down East Kingsbury Street. But this year, the church, along with a host of other folks from various churches and religious communities, will lead the walk into downtown Seguin.
“It will be pretty much just like the parade. We will start on Cedar Street though and will be heading south on Austin Street and we will be ending up at the square downtown. Now, there will be several falls that will happen just like Jesus fell down. One of the main ones is probably going to be of course right by the square and then kind of by Court Street in that area and there will be other locations where we will fall but it’s going to be powerful,” said Belmarez.
Rain or shine, Belmarez says families are encouraged to make plans to witness the walk. He says the walk is a reminder of what the Holy Week is all about — the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
“Now, we are expecting rain. Jesus would have carried the cross whether it rained, snowed, or shined — whatever the case may be so that’s not going to stop us. We are going to push through. We feel that it is going to be more impactful if it rains. It’s going to have more meaning that we didn’t stop. We didn’t quit. We didn’t give up. We believe strongly in Jesus and that’s what we are out there to show the world,” said Belmarez.
The reenactment commemorating the walk Jesus made is designed not only for the community but also for those like himself who will be taking part in the procession. Belmarez says it’s a large wooden cross, with no wheels and no help along the way.
“The ultimate goal is to change as many lives as possible but even if we change one, just one, the whole production was worth it — the time, the money, the effort, everything that was put into it — if we can just change one, it was well worth it. We all start praying and fasting. For example, today (Thursday), I will have my last meal today sometime and I won’t eat again until after the whole production is done just to stay — to help me stay more in character sort of speak, to feel a little bit weaker, not nourish my body but just to be praying and fasting and let the Holy Spirit guide me and push me through it,” said Belmarez.
Belmarez says following the walk, folks will gather in Central Park for a night of music, praise, and worship.
“We want to see as many as we can out there. Don’t let the weather stop you. Come out and praise and worship with us. Even if you just want to see the cross go by and go back home, that is totally fine but we would like for everybody to stay with us there at the square,” said Belmarez.
The community is invited to bring their lawn chairs and watch from the sidewalks. The community will not be able to join in on the procession but again is invited to gather afterward in Central Park for more events in celebration of the Easter weekend.