Cross Walk
On Friday, June 10th we completed the fourth section of the cross walk around the perimeter of Russellville. Beginning at 122nd and Halsey we proceeded southbound to Division Street.
Our prayer during this time has been simple – “God, touch hearts as we take the symbol of your grace out onto the streets of our community”. Little did we know how much our own hearts would be changed and that revival would break out in our own lives as we took this step of faith, following what we believed God was calling us to do!
Reflecting on prior cross walks brings to mind an assortment of names, faces and events we encountered along the way. We remember Brian, a homeless man, who allowed us to pray with him as we passed the corner where he stood. His arm was bandaged because he had been mauled by a dog. Within a few moments, we were able to minister the love of God and know that this man’s life was impacted for Christ.
There was the older man with the walker who collapsed in the middle of the intersection of 82nd and Division. Helpless and alone, traffic moving, horns honking, he was there on his knees unable to get back up on his feet. Running to his aid we assisted him onto the bus that was waiting across the street. We were reminded to be grateful that God rescued us when we were in need, helpless, and on our knees.
We remember the businessman who came out of his office to visit with us, his fellow employees looking on with curiosity. We learned that he is a believer and we shared a few encouraging moments together talking about Christ standing there on the street with the cross overshadowing our conversation.
Thousands of faces pass in a blur of traffic beneath the bridge of the I-205 freeway on Halsey Street. We looked down as shouts of praise rise from below, arms waving, horns honking, all in a grand celebration with us that Jesus is Lord! But there are those who have not yet joined in the celebration.
It is Friday night, the end of the work week for many. Where are they headed? What is happening in their lives, in their homes? Hope is displayed openly tonight at the top of this bridge, calling out to every heart to come home.
Friday, June 10th brought with it many new memories. A man named Lee watched through the window of his home as the cross passed by. Suddenly the family dog began to bark. Lee, along with his daughter, called out to us from their doorstep. They needed prayer and invited us into their home. We learned that children had been taken from the family and placed in protective custody, their father is in prison and their mother is gone. As we began to pray the presence of the Lord filled the room with peace and comfort.
Our journey continued and a little further down the road and the cross was erected as we stood at the corner of 122nd and Burnside. Timothy, a young man in his 20’s approached the intersection, his eyes fixed on the cross. His face was bruised and cut and he told us that 3 days earlier his friend was killed when they were in a car accident together. “Why did my friend die and not me?” was one of many questions he asked. His mother died 2 months ago. “Can you please pray…?”
Max arrived at the station and a parade of humanity washed across our path as passengers board the train, each headed to a different destination. Destiny…we were again reminded that there are many on our streets whose final destination is yet to be determined. We pass places of business, a funeral home, a porn shop… A palm reader displays a sign hoping to entice those in search of answers to life’s questions – cost is $10.00.
We continued to move toward our targeted goal for the evening. There were more honks and waves and we were encouraged by the positive response of passers by. With each of these gestures it seems God is exclaiming, “Well done!” and we know the warmth of His approving smile. This account of the crosswalk is a snapshot of our community.
Jesus said “Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are READY NOW for the harvest”. (John 4:35b). On that command, we say YES LORD! We will continue to pray. We will continue to walk. We will continue to extend the message of God’s grace to those on our streets, in our marketplaces and in our own neighborhoods, because we know that we have discovered the best news there is in our world today. JESUS IS THE ANSWER!!!
We are planning more cross walks and if you would like to be involved please contact us at russellvillechurch@comcast.net or call:
Pastor David Hummel
503-771-4353. 
