‘See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called Children of God! And that is what we are!’ 1 John 3:1
Last month, we invited you to share your cross stories with us and you obliged! Now, we want to ‘PASS IT ON’ to everyone:
‘Thank you so much for providing the crosses we have used to proclaim Christ tremendous love. This past year we made the crosses into necklaces with a cord necklace and beads of wood and plastic. We gave out 300 in Guatemala while we were there with the HELPS ministry in Huehuetanago. We will take more of them again this March. In June, we passed out 300 cross necklaces at the Monticello Walk and Roll Day. Besides handing out the crosses, prayer was prayed with the people. In February, we presented 50 cross necklaces to the Teen Challenge group who performed at our church. In September, we gave away cross necklaces at The Fall Festival at Faith Lutheran Church. At present, crosses are being made into necklaces for this years Guatemala mission trip.’
Crosses we gave out to community.
One taken with one of my patients in Guatemala.
These crosses were made at my kitchen table by loving caring hands of people the Lord raised up to give their time and talent in this endeavor. All PRAISE AND GLORY…
– In Christ precious name, we are Pastor Jim Tetlie and Karleen Sime, Parish Nurse. We serve at Faith Lutheran Church in Monticello, MN
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‘I just wanted to say thank you for making these! I was recently on vacation in Arizona and Community Lutheran Church in Bullhead City, AZ had hung some of your crosses at a tourist location with a sign saying ‘Free – Take One!’. I just thought that was the neatest thing – it felt like God was saying ‘Hello!’ I brought mine home and showed it to my pastor and our church will probably order some too. I just want to have some to share with people. Thank you again!’
– Wendy, KY
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‘Our company has a Christian Employee Resource Group at work. We plan to give these crosses away at our Easter event to our CERG members. I love how we can bring God into our workplace!’
– Tammy, MN
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‘Our youth group took them to Omaha, NE this summer!’
– St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Olivia, MN
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‘Crosses … how to get more.. They really work, I’ve been carrying one for a long time. I’ve had several operations this year, 4 so far and one to go. My cross is with me 24/7 and I carry one extra one to give one away. I gave them all away and I needed one last weekend to give one to a friend who needs one badly. I told him to pray each day and I’ve had nurses pray with me before the operation. So prayer works;, it makes me feel good also. Please let me know where I can get more crosses; I need to pass them on. Thank You. Prayers are with you always.’
– Doug, MN
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‘First Lutheran Church, Galveston, TX gave 2 crosses tied together to everyone who came to Cluster Meeting in August. The Cluster is a meeting (Cluster) of Lutheran Churches in our area – LaMarque, Texas City, Santa Fe, Alvin, Dickinson, and possibly 2 more. We meet twice a year at different Churches in the Cluster. Usually we have a devotional, business meeting, exchange things going on in each Church, take a collection that is given to a needy project in our area and have lunch. We are all in a part of the Gulf Coast Synod of the ELCA. I believe that everyone liked the idea.’
– Joyce , TX
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THANK YOU to all of you who shared … you are truly an inspiration to us! If some of you readers haven’t taken the opportunity yet, but would like to, to share how the crosses have impacted others, just send us your stories and we’ll include them in our next month’s post! WE LOVE TO SPREAD GOD AND HIS LOVE EVERYWHERE!!!
This last month, we received a request for crosses that will be carried to a children’s home in Jamaica. The congregations and individuals that are part of the Sunbeam Association for Mission are changing lives … their own and those of the Jamaican boys who live on the streets and have no means to support themselves. Through their actions and love, they are spreading the word of Christ to the world. The mission teams return home invigorated for the Lord and united in a common cause to serve others here at home and abroad. For more information about this ministry, click here.
Crosses were sent to these CTW family members to share during the month of January. Thank you!!
Kay – MN
Don – MN
Latter Rain Ministries – Fargo, ND
Casey – MN
Rev. Herb – MT
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church – Glenwood City, MI
Charlie – MN for mission trip to Jamaica
Tammy – MN
Avera Health – Sioux Falls, SD
Esther – MN
The Pines, a Good Samaritan Society campus – Jackson, MN
Wendy – KY
Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church – Inver Grove Heights, MN
Salem Lutheran Church – Deerwood, MN
CROSS IN MY POCKET
I carry a cross in my pocket
A simple reminder to me
Of the fact that I am a Christian
No matter where I may be.
This little cross is not magic
Nor is it a good luck charm
It isn’t meant to protect me.
From every physical harm.
It’s not for identification
For all the world to see.
It’s simply an understanding
Between my Savior and me.
When I put my hand in my pocket
To bring out a coin or key.
The cross is there to remind me
Of the price He paid for me.
It reminds me, too, to be thankful
For my blessings day by day
And strive to serve Him better
In all that I do and say.
It’s also a daily reminder
Of the peace and comfort I share
With all who know my Master
And give themselves to His care.
So, I carry a cross in my pocket
Reminding no one but me
That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life
If only I’ll let Him be.
CROSS THE WORLD 