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.  

News
Trump's AI 'Jesus' blunder
Trump's AI 'Jesus' blunder

Has the row over Donald Trump’s ‘Christ-like’ image been fuelled by misunderstanding and unrealistic expectations about his alleged Christian faith?

Bethel Church announces governance review after sexual abuse allegations
Bethel Church announces governance review after sexual abuse allegations

Months after Bethel Church announced Pastor Ben Armstrong had been placed on administrative leave, the church says it is bringing in additional third-party oversight and has confirmed the firm leading an independent investigation into sexual abuse allegations against the longtime ministry leader.

Faith communities have always served the whole person - it is time funders did the same
Faith communities have always served the whole person - it is time funders did the same

Ethnic minority communities struggle to access funding but a church-backed initiative is seeking to change that.

Indian law could block foreign aid to missionaries, seize church properties
Indian law could block foreign aid to missionaries, seize church properties

Christianity faces an increasingly hostile environment in India.