A bold movement has begun in Webster, Choctaw, and other adjoining counties as Christians in the area have came together for the construction of a large cross at the intersection of Hwy 82 and Hwy 9 in Webster County.
The Cross of Christ project is the construction of a cross to stand as a visual symbolic reminder to travelers along those routes. The cross will represent that we are a Christian community. The individuals in this multi-county area are willing to share their faith through this Christian visual.
This project was previously completed in Panola and Montgomery/ Carroll counties in Mississippi. The crosses in Winona and Batesville were constructed and erected by Mike Rozier Construction.
The cross will be erected on private land using donated funds. It will be a 12-story structure made of metal similar to the crosses erected in Winona and Batesville.
Christian volunteers from our area cross project previously visited leaders of The Cross constructed in Batesville. This visit was to understand the impact of the cross as well as to hear the information regarding the construction, fund raising and Christian effect of the Batesville cross.
At the current time, a temporary much smaller wooden cross in the spot where the huge Cross of Christ will be constructed. Mr. H.L. Rowland (Choctaw) and Lloyd Young (Webster) built the beautiful cypress cross with the wood donated by Smith Sawmill in Choctaw County.
Christian volunteers for this project feel that the dramatic display reflects the sentiments that they are “not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16). They believe that the cross of Christ is the universal sign of victory over all conflicts and stands for the sovereign will of our Holy God.
Area residents were asked how they believed the Cross of Christ would support a Christian community.
“The Cross of Christ points a lost world to the one Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Immutable, Sovereign, Just, Righteous complete in Love and Veracity, Eternal God of the Universe,” Ackerman Mayor Tim Cutts said. “Acts 16:31 states a command for you to ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.’ If you do not obey God's command to believe in Christ ‘you are condemned already’ John 3:18. That disbelief will cause you to spend eternity in hell! I pray that you will obey,”
“Acts 16:31. If so; I will see you in heaven. This doctrine and many more life changing truths are preached by my pastor Bradley Herod weekly.”
Eupora Mayor Lamar Dumas also reflected on what it means for Christianity within the community.
“The Cross of Christ will show to all that we are a Christian community,” Dumas said. “The Lord will find favor on those who seek to proclaim His name. The Cross of Christ will be a constant reminder that we are His.”
Pastor Rob Faulk of Chester Baptist Church expressed what the cross means to him.
“The cross and its glorious message is oxygen to my body, blood to my soul, and sorrow to my bones,” Faulk said. “It is my anchor and the source of life through Jesus Christ, my Lord.”
As the project gains ground, each and every donation is important. Christians in the area are asking for any donation no matter how big or small to assist with the completion of this important work.
Cross for Christ volunteers will host a Potato Bar lunch for the purpose of receiving donations. The Potato Bar will take place at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Eupora, Good Friday (March 30) from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. There is no set price – only donations. All are invited to attend. For takeout orders for the Potato Bar you may call (662) 258-3491. The Fellowship Hall will also be open for dine-in service as well. Thanks to our many area vendors that have participated in donating food for this event.
If you would like to donate to the Cross of Christ project you may by visiting the following banks: Bank of Kilmichael, CB&S Bank, and Regions Bank. Just state that your donation is for the COC and obtain a donation envelope.
Donations may be sent directly to: The Cross of Christ, P.O. Box 433, Eupora, MS 39744.
Please follow us: Facebook - The Cross of Christ @mscrossofchrist (Blue icon/white cross). Instagram – mscrossofchrist. Email for questions -
scrossofchrist@gmail.com.
All to the Glory of God!
