Fly Jesus: Planes to take 'Jesus loves you' banners around UK festivals this summer

Banners with the message 'Jesus loves every 1 of u' will be flown over the UK this summer, with four pilots from across the country commissioned by Christians especially to target large secular events.

The 'Fly Jesus' initiative will be facilitated by Escalls Methodist Church in Sennen, Cornwall, where the idea also originated of a 'Praise Bus' to follow the Olympic Torch around Britain in 2012.

Escalls Methodist Church in Sennen, Cornwall. Flickr

The new plan is the brainchild of church activist Christine Bonfield, who says she had a vision from God who told her: 'Get a plane, tie a banner with my message on it and fly the length and breadth of the country.'

The estimated cost of the project is £150,000, with four pilots set to fly the banners, which have been ordered from the US, on single-engine planes across the UK starting from the South West, London, Yorkshire and Lancashire over six weeks. Secular festivals will be particularly targeted, along with Cornwall, which sees some 4 million visitors every summer.

'It's a case of hitting as many people as possible,' Bonfield, who is coordinating the plan, told Christian Today. 'We are just hitting secular events. There's no point in targeting Christians. It's a case of taking it out to the secular world.' Asked why now, Bonfield referred to her vision, outlined on the 'Fly Jesus' website, adding: 'For whatever reason, God knows the urgency.'

The 2012 praise bus followed the Olympic Torch's route around the country and acted as a mobile stage for Christian musicians and worship bands.

To donate to the 'Fly Jesus' project, click here.  

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Historic Mozambique church destroyed in extremist attack as church leaders appeal for peace
Historic Mozambique church destroyed in extremist attack as church leaders appeal for peace

Church leaders in northern Mozambique have renewed calls for peace and religious unity after militants destroyed a historic church during a violent raid in Cabo Delgado Province. 

Christians petition for protection of pastors in Colombia following murders
Christians petition for protection of pastors in Colombia following murders

A petition will be presented to the new president.

Irish church leaders denounce 'epidemic' of violence against women
Irish church leaders denounce 'epidemic' of violence against women

Church leaders in Ireland have expressed their “sympathy and prayerful support” to the families of women who have been killed in “an epidemic of violence against women sweeping across Ireland”.

Scotland faces crisis of belonging as loneliness deepens across society
Scotland faces crisis of belonging as loneliness deepens across society

Younger adults - despite being the most digitally connected generation in history - are increasingly struggling to form meaningful relationships and stable communities.