Red Ribbons Symbolize New Life
Jul. 6, 2009
Magnolia Springs Wesleyan Church has a God-sized goal when it comes to seeing lives changed in 2009. The Magnolia Springs, Alabama, church wants to see 100 people place their faith in Christ by December. At the beginning of the year, Pastor Brad Strange preached a message about winning the lost and encouraged his congregation to live out both the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:34-40) and Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
He asked a carpenter in his church to make a cross and hammer 100 nails along the front. As people come to know Jesus as their Savior, a tiny, red ribbon is tied to a nail. So far, the ribbons total 27. Pastor Strange encourages his church that people can come to know Jesus at any time and any place. He explains that this can happen "through the ministry of our church or people of our congregation. It doesn't have to happen in the church."
Recently, Mike and Stephanie Harrison (pictured) made personal decisions to follow Jesus. With the cross situated at the sanctuary's front (and not moved for weddings or funerals), congregants at the church see the symbolic reminder of Christ's death and resurrection on a regular basis. "The cross serves as a reminder to die to self, pick up our cross, and follow Him," says Pastor Strange. •
