Keith Cox, pastor of Clarkesville First UMC, had a vision of seeing the community come together to follow a cross carried throughout the downtown Clarkesville area in remembrance of Good Friday. That vision came to fulfillment on April 15 when about 115 children and adults gathered to participate in the first annual Good Friday Cross Walk event in Clarkesville.
One participant who arrived early was Velma York, who could not contain her excitement. York explained that she has watched Pastor Cox make this walk by himself for several years. York explained, “It’s the most emotional thing to watch and so sweet. I’m so excited that I get to be a part of it this year. This is a God-thing.”
As participants arrived, each received a small, personal cross to carry. Pastor Cox encouraged participants to think of the crosses they, too, carry daily as they walked along the route.
The walk began in the church’s parking lot with a time of scripture, prayer, and worship. The group then headed out toward the town’s Gazebo, following behind a banner announcing the walk carried by Jamie Griffith and a large cross carried by volunteers Garrett Young and Steven Savage. Both Young and Savage said the experience was personally rewarding. Young pointed out that the cross he carried was hollow, so his experience in no way compared to Jesus’ walk to the cross. Savage added, “This was strangely freeing to me. Remembering what Jesus did for me, I felt blessed the whole time. It was the least I could do for Him.”
As the group moved down the sidewalk, several cars slowed and passengers called out “Thank you” and “God Bless you” to the walkers. Others honked their horns and waved. Banner bearer Jamie Griffith, thirteen, was surprised by the reactions of those passing by. He said he had anticipated people yelling out insults. None were heard.
Tobi Kessler, 13, and Mela Almazon, 8, enjoyed the experience. Kessler said the experience was “a little emotion,” especially when the group worshipped in the Old Clarkesville Cemetery.
Almazon explained, “I learned a lot about the gospel. It was really interesting to see what it might have been like.”
Griffith says he was recruited to carry the banner at the last minute, but he was glad he had been chosen. He said, “It surprised me that it hit me emotionally when we arrived at the cemetery.” Most of those who experienced it felt those emotions as well. Several voiced they were already planning to participate next year as well.
