Shown from left are Lakin Derrick, Isabella Hall, Noah Brady and Luis Lucas. PHOTOS BY MAR\u00cdA CAMP<\/p>\n
RUSSELLVILLE \u2014 Russellville First Baptist Church\u2019s annual Walk Thru Bethlehem over the weekend transformed two downtown blocks into a first-century setting filled with animals and actors depicting what life was like in the historic Palestinian city located just south of Jerusalem.<\/p>\n
The third annual event took place Friday through Sunday. The first two events took place in 2022 and 2023.<\/p>\n
Joel Davis, youth and senior adult minister at Russellville First Baptist Church, said the experience continues to grow.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year we had 140-something actors outside, full of animals like camels and donkeys and sheep and goats.\u201d<\/p>\n
Visitors began at the church with a horse and buggy ride before stepping into the walking portion of the experience. Scenes unfolded along the route toward the nativity, with volunteers portraying people throughout the live exhibit in the alley behind stores.<\/p>\n
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The largest threat to the U.S. is the hostile power across the Pacific that has tripled its nuclear arsenal in five years \u2014 China<\/p>\n
A dress rehearsal earlier in the week drew about 100 people. Organizers said early response suggested strong interest again this year. The most recent event in 2023 brought close to 1,700 visitors.<\/p>\n
The church offered a handicap-accessible version each evening.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe ride people through the entire thing by golf cart,\u201d Davis said.<\/p>\n
The full walk began at 6 p.m., allowing visitors to move at their own pace and take photos as volunteers remained in character.<\/p>\n
Volunteers said the event created meaningful moments for both guests and participants.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is my third year to participate,\u201d said Tracy Townsend said. \u201cThe turnout was great.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Shown from left are Brian Bragwell, Dan Mueller, Wayne Burkhart and Jamie Sumerel.<\/p>\n
Townsend said volunteers hope the message behind the walk reaches each group.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope that people take from the experience a reminder of what this season is really about \u2014 Jesus and the good news of His gospel,\u201d she said. \u201cThat is the heart behind this event, and what we hope people take with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steve Lindsey, who took part as a guide this year after having speaking roles in previous productions, said the experience was rewarding.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was very pleased with the turnout,\u201d Lindsey said. \u201cI love the interaction with our guests. This was my first time being a guide. I\u2019ve had speaking parts in the previous two programs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lindsey said the scenes highlight both challenge and hope.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe struggles of the people of Bethlehem against the Romans, but also the hope of the Messiah\u2019s return, really come through in the scenes,\u201d he said. \u201cKnowing there is hope in God no matter the circumstance is an important part of this story.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said seeing visitors respond was meaningful.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe smiles on our guests as they hear \u2018the greatest story ever told\u2019 always stand out to me,\u201d Lindsey said.<\/p>\n
Grace Landrum took part for the first time this year after previously walking through the event with her family.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was my first year to participate in the Walk Thru Bethlehem, but my family walked through two years ago,\u201d she said. \u201cTo be a part of it was a completely different experience than just viewing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Shown from left are Alicia Puckett, Grace Landrum, John Landrum, and Kay Landrum.<\/p>\n
Landrum said her involvement had deep meaning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe feeling of knowing you\u2019re helping spread the gospel and the story of the birth of Jesus to the community is the most incredible and rewarding feeling,\u201d she said. \u201cHundreds of people had already come through when I was there,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She said she hoped the message would reach those who attended.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope and pray that many people come to know Jesus and are born again as they walk through the story of Jesus\u2019s birth,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s what this is all about \u2014 reaching as many people in our community and sharing the Word of God with as many as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Isabella Hall also took part for the first time.<\/p>\n
Noah Brady said he appreciated the effort put into the walk.<\/p>\n
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