The Christmas Parades for both the city of Crystal River & the city of Inverness included a wonderful witness for the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Since 2004, we have been entering into the parade under the name “Standing in the Gap” in memorial of Jimmy Sheets who went to be with Jesus several years ago. Jimmy had a vision to see 50 white crosses walking down the street to proclaim Jesus to our community. Since then, many have teemed up with us such as the Gideon’s passing out Bibles, a worship team on the float, & a team of helpers to carry crosses & pass out “Chick” Gospel tracts donated by Alan Woody. This year, the Gideon’s placed close to 6,000 New Testament bibles in the hands of the people watching the parade in both cities.
Both parades had 25 crosses carried including several cross bearers in wheel chairs. Also carrying a cross was a blind sister in Christ riding on the float & a Christian brother who is near blind being led by his wife as he carried a wooden cross. Children & those who could not carry a wooden cross, held a lightweight Styrofoam cross.
I wish to say “Thank you” to everyone who participated & helped to glorify Jesus in the parades.
In Christ,
Brian O’Connell