Teenagers. Businessmen. Parents. Grandparents. Men. Women. Multiple denominations. Christians across the Texas County will be standing together as one body of believers on Good Friday as they hold life-size crosses in Jesus’ name.
Christians across the county are encouraged to take a stand for Christ as part of Carry The Cross. What stirred in the heart of a Sikeston pastor has grown into a statewide movement as believers stand for four hours along Missouri highways. The message is simple: the cross. The messengers are diverse: men, women, young, old, Caucasian, Hispanic, African American and all races.
“We’re all called to be witnesses,” said Jeff McNiell, regional coordinator for Carry The Cross. “We may not feel like we have all the answers or can even speak or sing from a stage, but we can certainly hold a cross, wave, smile and pray for people as they drive by. The purpose of Carry The Cross is honoring one man: Jesus Christ.”
Texas County believers will join other Christians from around the state as they stand with their crosses from 7-11 a.m. Friday, March 29. Last year, the city of Houston was covered from one city limits sign to the other by more than 50 believers. This year, three communities will be covered as the crosses stretch every quarter-mile from Cabool through Licking.
“I heard a testimony Sunday morning of a lady headed to Rolla for cancer treatment on Good Friday last year,” McNiell said. “She saw cross after cross through Houston and her spirits were lifted and hope raised. In tears, she shared how grateful she was for those courageous enough to stand with the cross.
“There is power in the cross. People will see the image, and the Holy Spirit will deliver the message. I encourage all believers across the county to be bold and courageous enough to take a public stand for Christ and let Him work through their willingness to be a witness.”
To conclude the day, there will be a community service hosted by the Houston Ministerial Alliance at 7 p.m. that night inside Hiett Gymnasium on the Houston High School campus. The event will feature praise music, a drama performance, testimonies and a spirit-filled message from Pastor Bill Villapiano of Faith Fellowship.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to hold a cross between Cabool and Licking or with questions should contact Jeff McNiell at 417-260-4343 or undividedhearts@yahoo.com. Designated locations will be assigned based on where the person lives. Single cross holders must be male and 18 years or older. Anyone younger or female should have at least one partner. There will be cross building nights at 6 p.m. March 19 and 21 in the Hiett Gymnasium parking lot to build the crosses, receive instructions and pray over the event.