01•01•25
Woodstock, GA
It’s always been an exhilarating honor every time I’ve had the opportunity to stand beside the lit-up Cross and display the “Jesus Saves” signs along a busy road.
When Dane suggested we set up the Cross along Hwy 92 in Woodstock, GA on the first evening of 2025, I jumped at the chance. What better way to bring in the New Year than to lift up the Name of Jesus and His sacrifice? HE is the answer to every prayer or problem anyone could have in 2025.
It was a bitterly cold and windy evening, but it was heartwarming just standing behind Jesus’ Name and waving to the many vehicles passing by. We lifted up prayers to God for each person traveling, that God would touch their hearts and draw them to Himself.
The Cross always brings a reaction to the human heart. Some people honked and waved with big smiles. What an encouragement that was on a cold night! Some just stared and looked curious. Some revved their engines and blew past us like they could hardly get away fast enough. No one was walking the sidewalks on a cold night like that, but suddenly we heard someone behind us.
A young man had driven up and was getting out of his car with a big smile on his face. He didn’t even have a coat on from leaving his warm car, and his teeth started chattering from the freezing wind, but he was excited to talk to us.
He shouted, “I just had to tell you that I love what you are doing, because Jesus saved my life!” We immediately said, “US TOO!”
He went on to tell us that after a medical emergency he had lost consciousness, his spirit had left his body and he’d actually started to go to hell. In total desperation he had cried out to Jesus to forgive him and save him, and Jesus did.
Suddenly the doctors were able to resuscitate him and his life was spared. Of course, the direction of his life was changed forever. He is living for Jesus!
It was so awesome to hug and celebrate with this young man. We prayed together that God would use him in a powerful way to reach his generation. He said he would be turning 19 in just a few days. And we rejoiced that we would all be together forever in Heaven one day, because Jesus had saved all of us!
The cold wind had lost its bite after that glorious encounter. There is no greater privilege than lifting up the Name and Cross of Jesus. He proves again and again that His Power and Love are our covering over 2025.
