“Many people are feeling not fully themselves; many people are feeling isolation.”
These feelings and the many anxieties that accompany turmoil in the world, reflects Todd Sperber, make events like Saturday’s Walk for Jesus in Winnipeg all the more important.
“With narratives of rumours of wars and so much negativity and cultural division,” he says. “So we are coming together to walk for Jesus and honour and remember his life, death and resurrection.”
Sperber, the Walk for Jesus organizer in Winnipeg, has been facilitating the annual event for a number of years. He says it’s meaningful for the wider community to see the uniting of churches across denominations and people from all nations and backgrounds.
“Many people are trapped in addictions and much, much more,” he says. “We are calling on believers in Christ to come out and share the truth of Jesus Christ and how he can lead us all to feel hope.”
Sperber knows from experience how a life can turn around when God shows himself.
As a teenager, he spent time in and out of the Manitoba Youth Centre, and after rounding a corner in his 20s he fell into addiction in his 30s.
“It was hard drugs, alcohol and gambling. I wasn’t making the best choices for myself and my family,” he recalls. “But then God showed himself when I was 39. The agreement between him and me meant that I would have to learn to walk in grace and understanding.”
The “walking” part, it turns out, was literal. He’s once again organizing the Walk for Jesus, which will take place Saturday, April 19. Participants are invited to meet at the Manitoba Legislature, after which they’ll walk down Broadway, over the Donald St. Bridge, down River Ave and over the Osborne St Bridge before recongregating for a gathering at the Legislature.
“We will be holding an event on the grounds,” says Sperber. “We’ll have five testimonies from people of different backgrounds and ages, each sharing how Jesus has set them free to be able to live a life filled with hope and restoration.”
Sperber envisions a truly welcoming, community event. No one, he says, should feel ashamed to join the Walk for Jesus; folks will feel accepted and brought into a community they can trust.
“Everyone’s accepted, no matter what background they are,” Sperber says. “Everybody’s accepted because we’re all made in the image of God.”
Participants are encouraged to wear bright colours for the walk, and yellow in particular, as it’s the colour theme for the event.
“It’s a colour that lights up people,” says Sperber.
All those interested are invited to find further details about the 2025 Winnipeg Walk for Jesus on the group’s Facebook page.