When we started to promote our Christian ministry and Harlow’s dream in 2011, we decided a cross would be the most meaningful handout … a replica of the real instrument of death that brought life to so many of us. But, we needed something else, some written message that would further touch people’s hearts, words that would help them understand just exactly what their Savior did for them. And, then, one day in answer to our prayers, God provided!
Seemingly, out of nowhere (which we Christians know just doesn’t happen), we came across a verse that seemed to say it all … without confusion … without prejudice. It talked directly to our hearts and we knew it would talk directly to others who read it as well; it was the perfect complement to our crosses. So, we included this verse on a message tag that we attach to each of our small wooden crosses. But, we always wondered where that beautiful verse came from and who God had inspired to write it.
Last month, He quietly spoke again when we received this testimony:
How often as Christians do we wish we could do something significant for the Kingdom? Then we think, “ What can ONE PERSON do?” Just like Esther, YOU have been born for such a time as this!
I’m going to share an amazing testimony about how God used a young woman in Texas and a dying Christian man in Minnesota to spread the gospel around the world. My daughter, Holly, has been blessed by God with the ability to write encouraging and inspiring articles, poems and songs. Earlier in her career, she worked as an Editorial Coordinator and Writer for Argus Publishing Company in Texas. Argus had been in business for 40 years and was well-known for providing Christian bookstores, schools, and churches with inspirational products. Later, Argus was sold to another publishing company and Holly went to work elsewhere.
A few years ago, while shopping in a Christian bookstore, she was surprised to see the verse God had inspired her to write 20 years earlier printed on a bookmark. She later realized the verse was being used on other products and shared on the internet, which is how she came to learn about a non-profit ministry that was Harlow’s dream. He wanted to do something significant before he died. He too thought, “What can ONE MAN do?” At his passing, his friends birthed his vision to lead as many people as possible to Jesus. This vision-turned ministry is called “Cross the World”.
They began to make small wooden crosses to be sent around the world as witness and testimony of God’s love. And somehow, they saw Holly’s verse and the man who makes the crosses said, “We don’t know where we found it, but we just fell in love with it.” So today, they attach the verse to every cross that is sent out. So far, they have distributed over 170,000 around the world!
God inspired two people at different times and places and they both obeyed. The man in Minnesota has been with the Lord for 5 years. His friend Ernie makes the crosses as a labor of love and the ministry only asks for $15.00 for postage to ship 100 crosses. Holly, her husband, and their two daughters reside in Texas. She continues to write and share as God leads.
You see, this was God’s idea, and all the glory goes to Him! What would God have YOU do? What talents has He freely given you? You were born for such a time as this! EXPECT A MIRACLE!
This testimony was submitted by Holly’s mom, Nancy, from Missouri. Thanks, Nancy, for letting us know about your daughter’s inspirational talents! We couldn’t be more thrilled to finally learn of the author and we thank Holly for answering God’s call with her writing. Many, many blessings to her!! Together, we have touched more lives than we will ever know!
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
We love our CTW family so much!!! You are the vehicle for gracing others with God’s love through our small crosses. Thank you to these sisters and brothers who walked with us during the month of February:
Kay – MN for HELPS mission in Guatamela
First Baptist Church – Bemidji, MN for Central MN Adult & Teen Challenge
Salem Lutheran Church – Deerwood, MN
Nancy – MO
Joan – MN
Brian – TX
Jeffrey – MN
Bill’s Sportsmans Service – Aitkin, MN
Oak Bank United Church – Oak Bank, Manitoba Canada
Shirley – MN
Lakeview Covenant Church – Duluth, MN
We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.
– Marian Wright Edelman
CROSS THE WORLD 