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Crosses
Across America
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A successful businessman turned lay minister spent millions placing crosses along the highways in nearly 30 states. After he died, the inspirational symbols were destined to deteriorate and be forgotten. A group of volunteers based in Mississippi has reenergized the cause with a lofty goal to line the nation coast-to-coast with crosses. Kim Riemland reports. |
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SCRIPT:
Locator: Vicksburg, Mississippi
This isn’t exactly the highway to heaven, but if one woman accomplishes all she’s set out to do, she’s hopeful the road will lead to salvation.
Sara Abraham / Executive Director, Crosses Across America: “At the conclusion of this, we will have crosses every 25 miles all across America.”
Sara Abraham volunteers with Crosses Across America – an effort inspired by a millionaire turned United Methodist lay minister. Before he died in 1993, Bernard Coffindaffer planted 2,000 crosses in 29 states. He exhausted his fortune, but his passion was displayed for the world to see.
Peggy Griffin / Volunteer, Crosses Across America: “To let them go to rot and ruin would be a horrible thing to have happen because I’ve read too many stories about how much these mean to people as they pass them on the highway.”
Peggy Griffin also volunteers with the organization, based in Vicksburg, Mississippi. It will take about seven million dollars to realize their dream.
Not far down the road, Daniel Aldridge has donated land to display the crosses. He says the icons change lives.
Daniel Aldridge / Donated land for crosses: “It brings their mind away from everyday life.”
Jim Rippy is a motorist from Michigan who likes the idea.
Jim Rippy / Dearborn, MI: “I don’t know, it kind of makes me feel pretty good.”
Sara Abraham: “What you do is you put them out there and you pray that every single person that sees them is ministered to by them.”
Volunteers are hoping to see many more crosses across America.
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There are three crosses to symbolize the story of Christ’s crucifixion, with two thieves hanging beside him. Originally, the center cross was painted gold to represent royalty and the side crosses were pale blue, signifying the earth.
For more information about the Crosses Across America organization, check their Web site: http://www.crossesacrossamerica.com/.