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
Concerns raised that government grooming gang inquiry will ignore Islam
Concerns raised that government grooming gang inquiry will ignore Islam

"I grew up a Christian .. it was just used as a way to break me down, as in ‘Where is your God now? Why has your God forsaken you?” said one rape gang survivor.

UN rights panel hears concerns about discrimination against Christians in Europe
UN rights panel hears concerns about discrimination against Christians in Europe

Christians in Europe are threatened by Islamist violence and government restrictions.

Iraqi Christian complex hit by suspected Iranian drone attack
Iraqi Christian complex hit by suspected Iranian drone attack

A local church leader said the latest Middle East conflict would once again prompt the region's Christians to ask themselves whether they should stay or go.

Poll finds majority support legal protection for unborn babies with heartbeat
Poll finds majority support legal protection for unborn babies with heartbeat

A pro-life organisation is urging the UK government to introduce new legal protections for unborn babies with detectable heartbeats.