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Cross Connections
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It’s Christianity’s most common symbol, a reminder of the crucifixion of Jesus. One man in Alabama has decided to pass that reminder on, in the form of homemade crosses. He’s a former commercial airline pilot, now spending a lot of time sawing logs. | ||
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Bill Erkes: “This is cedar I’ve sawed up over a period of years.”
Since retirement, Bill Erkes’ wood shop has been humming.
Bill Erkes: “I work by myself here, and I can make about a 1,000 a month.”
His days are spent building sturdy cedar crosses, and then giving them away.
Bill Erkes: “It’s my way of spreading God’s word.”
This millwork ministry began years ago when Bill made a few crosses for his grandchildren. Others in his United Methodist church took notice and demand for the homemade crosses grew.
Bill Erkes: “In the 12 years I’ve been making them, I’ve gone over 20,000 of this particular size.”
Two hands and a dozen machines come together to magically alter the cedar. There’s no devil in these details.
Bill Erkes: “Anything I do for the Lord, I don’t want to do amateurish.”
It’s just two pieces of wood expertly joined together, yet Erkes says there’s power in this symbol of Christian faith.
Bill Erkes: “I have had one young lady tell me of her personal incident where, in a desperate moment of depression, the cross on the mantel was the one thing that kept her going.”
From this rural Alabama workshop, the crosses are shipped free of charge to anyone who asks. Missionaries have carried them from New Zealand to Mozambique. Yet, nowhere will you find the craftsman’s name.
Bill Erkes: “I don’t want people to look at that cross and think of Bill Erkes. I want them to think of the fellow that made the tree.”
Cross Connections – Tag:
Bill Erkes is used to working with his hands. He once steered 747s for a living.