Walk Thru Bethlehem captures Christmas story
RUSSELLVILLE — Russellville First Baptist Church’s 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.
The third annual event took place Friday through Sunday. The first two events took place in 2022 and 2023.
Joel Davis, youth and senior adult minister at Russellville First Baptist Church, said the experience continues to grow.
“This year we had 140-something actors outside, full of animals like camels and donkeys and sheep and goats.”
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.
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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.
The church offered a handicap-accessible version each evening.
“We ride people through the entire thing by golf cart,” Davis said.
The full walk began at 6 p.m., allowing visitors to move at their own pace and take photos as volunteers remained in character.
Volunteers said the event created meaningful moments for both guests and participants.
“This is my third year to participate,” said Tracy Townsend said. “The turnout was great.”
Shown from left are Brian Bragwell, Dan Mueller, Wayne Burkhart and Jamie Sumerel.
Townsend said volunteers hope the message behind the walk reaches each group.
“I hope that people take from the experience a reminder of what this season is really about — Jesus and the good news of His gospel,” she said. “That is the heart behind this event, and what we hope people take with them.”
Steve Lindsey, who took part as a guide this year after having speaking roles in previous productions, said the experience was rewarding.
“I was very pleased with the turnout,” Lindsey said. “I love the interaction with our guests. This was my first time being a guide. I’ve had speaking parts in the previous two programs.”
Lindsey said the scenes highlight both challenge and hope.
“The struggles of the people of Bethlehem against the Romans, but also the hope of the Messiah’s return, really come through in the scenes,” he said. “Knowing there is hope in God no matter the circumstance is an important part of this story.”
He said seeing visitors respond was meaningful.
“The smiles on our guests as they hear ‘the greatest story ever told’ always stand out to me,” Lindsey said.
Grace Landrum took part for the first time this year after previously walking through the event with her family.
“This was my first year to participate in the Walk Thru Bethlehem, but my family walked through two years ago,” she said. “To be a part of it was a completely different experience than just viewing it.”
Shown from left are Alicia Puckett, Grace Landrum, John Landrum, and Kay Landrum.
Landrum said her involvement had deep meaning.
“The feeling of knowing you’re helping spread the gospel and the story of the birth of Jesus to the community is the most incredible and rewarding feeling,” she said. “Hundreds of people had already come through when I was there,” she said.
She said she hoped the message would reach those who attended.
“I hope and pray that many people come to know Jesus and are born again as they walk through the story of Jesus’s birth,” she said. “That’s what this is all about — reaching as many people in our community and sharing the Word of God with as many as possible.”
Isabella Hall also took part for the first time.
Noah Brady said he appreciated the effort put into the walk.
