Local churches are journeying to Bethlehem through a program that combines physical fitness and scripture.

The Orangeburg Stroke Action Team and area churches hope to make the 6,200-mile journey from Orangeburg to Bethlehem by Christmas day.

OSAT, which has been an active organization for nearly a year, introduced the faith-based "Walk to Bethlehem" and other OSAT-sponsored programs at an event in August at Trinity United Methodist Church, said Gloria McCutcheon, chair of the organization.

Since that time, 15 health and wellness ministries from local churches have signed on to participate in the program, she said. McCutcheon said participating in the "Walk to Bethlehem" -- the city of Jesus' birth -- would be an excellent way to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

Here's how it works: Individuals are asked to walk or exercise on their own or in groups, tallying each 2,000 s.jpg or 30 minutes of exercise to equal 1 mile toward the 6,200-mile journey to Bethlehem. Each church receives a log sheet and map to mark their congregation's journey to Bethlehem.

There will be a walk the first Saturday of October, November and December. Each month, participating churches will turn in their log sheets, and cumulative miles will be calculated. OSAT hopes to make the 6,200-mile walk by Dec. 25.

Participants are encouraged monthly by a different passage of scripture relating to health. For example, the scripture for September comes from 3 John 1:2 -- "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper in health, even as they soul prosperith."

The program was created, McCutcheon said, to help community members become more physically active and aware of the affects physical activity can have on disease.

McCutcheon's father was a victim of stroke in March 2007. She said her participation with OSAT prepared her for the rehabilitation he would endure.

After having to be cared for by others, McCutcheon said her father is now able to live independently, although he is still recovering. She said it is important for people to know the facts about stroke.

"Stroke is not limited to older people," she said. "It can affect people of all ages."

The "Walk to Bethlehem" kick-off will be 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, as participating churches and individuals walk 1 mile from Edisto Memorial Gardens to Trinity United Methodist Church. The group will meet in the garden's parking lot, located at the intersection of Seaboard and Amelia streets. McCutcheon said everyone is invited to participate and encouraged college students and community leaders to join in the effort.

"This event is an opportunity to be outside and enjoy the natural environment and fresh air that God has provided for us," McCutcheon said.

She said her hopes are that the event will encourage people to take an active interest in their health and encourage them to develop a physical activity program of their own.

A physical therapist will be at Trinity on Saturday to demonstrate and lead exercises for anyone not wanting to walk. Stroke victims will also be on-hand to demonstrate exercises that helped them regain their quality of life after stroke. Following the walk, a light, nutritious brunch will be served.

Participating churches will receive a basket of bathroom scales and pedometers to clock individual miles walked. "Walk to Bethlehem" was made possible by a grant from the Medical University of South Carolina.

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T&D Features Writer Candace Newson can be reached by e-mail at cnewson@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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