Christian volunteers for the area Cross of Christ visited The Cross at Batesville volunteers in November to understand its impact.
Gary Blair, who constructed the crown of thorns for The Cross at Batesville, answers the question of how the cross has impacted his community: The three C’s of The Cross at Batesville have so blatantly been and are:
1. “The Cross creates conversation
2. The Holy Spirit brings conviction
3. Conversion comes through the blood of Christ.”
Dr. David A. Ball, M.D., of Batesville stated (in part), “There are many crosses standing on the roadsides across our country to remind us all that Jesus died for our sins. Christians and atheists alike agree the cross is inarguably the single most important and recognized symbol of Christianity in all denominations, and in all the world.”
He added, “The Cross does bring to mind the need for unity — unity within the church and especially unity within our country. The Cross in Batesville, Mississippi, stands beside interstate 55 so all passing by are reminded of the sacrifice the Son of God paid to bring us together under God’s loving watchful care. But more than that, it serves as a reminder for us as Christian people to unite and gather together in a united prayer vigil for this great nation which God ‘birthed.’
“It is my personal prayer that for every cross that is built (and those already erected) there would be a commitment to join together at the foot of the cross on the first Monday of each month in prayer for our nation.”
Note: For Ball’s complete letter of support of The Cross at Batesville see his posts on the upcoming Facebook page @mscrossofchrist.
Anne Jordan Gentry, who is a high school senior in Batesville, reflected: “When I behold the magnificent cross, I am truly humbled by the sacrifice which was made for me so I may spend eternity with my Savior and Creator. “
Area volunteers were asked to express their vision for The Cross of Christ for Webster and Choctaw counties. As first reported Feb.14, the cross will be located at the Highway 9/82 intersection in Eupora.
Liberty United Methodist Church member and Eupora Mayor Lamar Dumas stated, “The Cross of Christ will show to all that we are a Christian Community. 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.”
The Rev. Randy Bridges of French Camp Baptist Church voiced, “This cross will serve as a symbol for each person that sees it, that the death of Jesus so long ago still has an impact on the lives of people today. If it can prompt one person to realize what happened on that cross, to have an eternal impact on his/her life, it will be worth every penny it costs to build it.”
Pastor Bessie Gibbs from the Household of Faith Church stated about the Cross of Christ, “Oh come and see the beauty of his love from the cross of salvation where his grace and mercy saves, delivers and sets free.”
