By Rachel Shapiro Write The Author

Times of Smithtown
May 22, 2013 | 09:27 AM
As newcomers to Smithtown, the congregation at Jesus Christ Lives Church — otherwise known by its Spanish name, Ministerio Jesucristo Vive — will make its mark on the community on Saturday, June 1, as its members fill 30 flatbed trucks and numerous cars and roll down Route 111, Route 25 and Edgewood Avenue.

The purpose of the parade of vehicles is to show the community, "God brought us over there with some purpose, to join forces," the church's senior pastor, Raymond Jaquez, said of the recent move to Smithtown.

 

His congregation recently expanded into the building that houses Temple Beth Sholom on Edgewood Avenue in Smithtown. The two congregations are sharing the space.

Jaquez wants to show people who are down and out that there are people who care for them.

The pastor and his congregants are calling the event "Cry Out" to God, because the world, with a focus on Smithtown, must look to God for guidance, the pastor said.

"We want to be sure … the people pray for the nation and pray for Smithtown," he said.

The June 1 event has evolved a bit from its initial planning. The pastor had hoped the congregants would walk from the church's Central Islip location to its second location in Smithtown.

But with the Suffolk County Police Department advising against walking on the busy roads of Route 111 and Route 25, and Smithtown Town Board's vote against a parade permit, Jaquez amended the plan to include trucks for the participants. A police escort will lead the caravan and another will follow the last truck.

The group will start at the church, located at 1417 Islip Ave. in Central Islip, at noon and slowly drive the almost nine miles to the second location at 433 Edgewood Ave. in Smithtown.

When the caravan arrives in Smithtown, the group will hold a special service, inviting its Jewish colleagues in the synagogue to join in.

"This is a great day to cry out to the Lord from the nation," Jaquez said.

People who want to participate can call Pastor Raymond Jaquez at 377-1381 and can visit the church's website, www.jesucristovive.com.