"In this time of Lent especially, as we look toward Golgotha and Christ's sacrifice for us, an olive wood cross serves as a tangible and powerful reminder of our Christian faith and God's transforming love."
Olive Wood Crosses
You may have seen an olive wood cross at church, around someone's neck, or on a colleague's desk. Some people carry crosses in their pockets; others give them as gifts. Perhaps you've been to the Holy Land, and have seen olive wood crosses in gift shops. They are beautiful, smell wonderful, and provide a special connection to the very lands where Jesus walked.
Where to Get Them?
You can buy olive wood crosses through various online gift sites. But today we want to lift up the extraordinary ministry of Laird and Ann Mortimer, who have been selling bags of crosses for 20 years, at cost, to people all over the country and the world. Laird and Ann, a married couple living in Connecticut, buy olive wood crosses in bulk direct from Palestine, then sell the crosses, in bags of 100, charging only enough to cover their costs and shipping.
To learn how to buy your crosses, go to www.olivewoodcrosses.org. They cost $35 for a bag of 100, and that includes postage.
A Special Ministry
Laird tells us that over the years they have sold crosses to over 10,000 customers, with a total of 1.3 million crosses sent to date! And of course, he is proud to say that not a penny of profit goes to him or his wife. The couple simply acts as a pass-thru, making sure that these special items find their way to the hands that need them. You can read the whole story here: Olive Wood Cross Summary.
Details and Possible Uses
The crosses are small, 1 3/4 inches high. They have a small hole drilled in the top, through which you could put your own string. You could give these crosses as gifts, include them in welcome packets, or even sell them for $1 as a modest fundraiser. Additionally, you can keep a bowl of crosses in your church or in your church office, offering a cross to anyone who comes in. Children and teenagers especially will benefit from having a small cross, whether they carry it, wear it, or put it in a special place.
In this time of Lent, as we look toward Golgotha and Christ's sacrifice for us, an olive wood cross serves as a tangible and powerful reminder of our Christian faith and God's transforming love.
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