Carrying the cross on Good Friday

Those driving along Hwy 412, between the Arkansas state line and Kennett, may have noticed someone standing next to a large cross approximately every mile. At the top of each cross was written a special message from the person holding it.

In recognition of Good Friday, Shepherd's Fold of Cardwell participated in a "Cross Carry" over 23 miles for a total of 23 crosses. Each person who carried a cross had a story to tell, and each one was also relaying the message that saved them, "Jesus loves you."

According to Gary Moore, graduate staff and overseer of the Cardwell House, each message is individualized for each person in what they are thankful for from Jesus, how would they recognize him, and how to lift up his name.

"The people that we bring into Shepherd's Ford, we help them turn their lives around," said Moore. "The first eight months of the program is building them up which includes helping them with their GED." Shepherd's Fold is about rehabilitation and helping gentlemen who have fallen to get up and put their lives together again.

"The response to the crosses have been overwhelmingly positive," said Moore. "It is great to hear the horns honking and people waving and giving a thumbs up with a big smile. That is real cool stuff." Moore went on to say that he is glad to live in America where a person can still go to the church they want to and go out into public and say what they want about Jesus.

"Honk if you love Jesus," "Praise God," "For God so loved the World," and "I'm waiting on you," were all written on crosses along the way. But the last one said it all, "Happy Easter, from Shepherd's Fold."