ASCENSION DAY HONOURED

(South Africa) In celebration of Ascension Day, a mass gathering was held on the steps of Durban City Hall on 9 May, from 11am to 2:30pm. Although Ascension Day is no longer a calendar public holiday, Christians value the remembrance of Christ’s ascension. Christians for Truth (CFT) and the Concerned Ministers' Outreach Forum, that co-ordinated the action, also encouraged all churches to have services on the day. Pastor Derrick King (CFT) remarked that: "We as Christians feel that Ascension Day is a highlight in the Christian calendar, remembering how the resurrected Christ ascended to heaven, and is now Lord over all things. The same Christ will return in like manner." Representatives from 9 different churches and Christian groups attended the action. The crowd of about 400 were addressed by different speakers, and enjoyed a few musical items. The speakers expressed concern about the removal of the Christian holiday from the South African calendar. The event served to remind the nation that Ascension Day is an important day, remembering Christ's ascension and coronation. (Ephesians 1:19 -21, Philippians 3:10) Good response was received from the public, with a number of people expressing the desire to find peace with God. On 8 May the organisers had distributed a few thousand flyers with information about Ascension Day. (CFT)