Carrying the Cross

The apostle Paul wrote about the sinful state in which he lived, a state in which he persecuted the Church. But, we are all sinners in need of a Savior, and we can read in 1st Timothy 1, in the words of Paul:
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

There's a man who embarked on a journey not long ago, with a unique idea of following in the footsteps of Jesus.  Jesus was a carpenter, and this man, to prepare for his journey spent $130 on lumber and some chain. Jesus told us to carry our cross, so 39-year-old Nick Schindler built one: 8-feet long and 3-feet wide - and has been carrying it through a number of Western states, ultimately ending up in Washington, DC.

That's according to the God Reports website, which reported on Schindler's journey with the 75-pound cross, stating:

Founder of Redemption Railroad Ministries, Schindler considers it a privilege to carry the cross because it represents the power of God to save the lost and least – a truth he’s observed in a handful of cities since June of 2023 when his pilgrimage began.

Bearing the burden on his shoulder, the cross is a miraculous sign for Shindler whose pelvis was shifted in a rear-end automobile collision in 2015. The destabilization forced him to walk with a cane for a while.

“I went from being essentially crippled at one point in my life to carrying this cross because the Lord’s called me to do it.

Schindler has been walking the road, and is not a stranger to ministering in the streets.  The article notes:

Schindler’s ministry reaches unhoused people, who were the primary beneficiaries of Redemption Railroad’s compassion and mercy outreach during the pandemic.

As churches shut down and bars remained open in accord with government mandates, unhoused people greatly suffered until Schindler brought choice cuisine to empty bellies and the gospel to hungry souls.

Schindler spent time in August in the state of Colorado, the home state of Arthur Blessitt, who was known for carrying a cross - in fact, he went to every continent. The article goes on to say, "Schindler led a man who had been 'praying to the universe' to the Lord Jesus by sharing with him the message of God’s grace, and how believers are justified by the blood of His cross...," adding, "Chronically homeless for 20 years in Fort Collins, the 56-year-old man’s adult children are unaware of their father’s plight, said Schindler, who is grateful the man now has spiritual treasure in Jesus."

The article says that, "During a season of rest that followed the pandemic, the Holy Spirit spoke to Schindler about issuing a wake-up call to churches," and "taking the message of the cross into the public square."

A few months ago, the Rocket Miner website out of Wyoming featured Nick Schindler, stating:

He said some people have tried to sway him away from different communities because of their negative reputations such as Portland.

“No matter how bleak a place is, a light is meant to be shone in the darkness,” he pointed out. “People of faith are that light. They show the path to love and truth.”

Schindler is also bringing attention to homelessness in the U.S. According to Schindler, over 600,000 Americans experienced homelessness in 2023. Schindler was unhoused for a few years at a young age. He sees the needs haven’t been met yet and it worries him.

“People were accepting the stigma of what homelessness is. In many cases, I’ve met so many hard-working individuals who could not get housing,” he shared. “We need to be a community.”

Another issue he’s concerned with is suicide. He spoke with Rock Springs Mayor Max Mickelson about how high the suicide rate is in the city and the state of Wyoming.

The website notes that Schindler said:

“We need to see love in action. Right now, with the problems facing our country, politically, emotionally, and economically, it takes all our involvement. I believe America can do great things. Through the love of Christ, communities can be stronger.”

Nick Schindler is devoted to demonstrating the power of the cross through his unusual practice. I would say that is not what most people are called to do. But, we can be reminded that we demonstrate the power of the cross through the way we live.  The way that we shine the light of Christ and radiate His love is a visible representation of how we have died with Jesus and have been raised to new life with Him.

The surrendered life means that we are putting God's principles first in our lives. And, that gives us the ability to influence others, to address the challenges they are facing, even to the extent that we speak out and relate Godly wisdom on societal dilemmas.  

And, with Christmas approaching, we can look for ways in which we show the world why Jesus came to earth - to redeem fallen humanity, to save sinners.  Faith Radio is planning our annual distribution of 7-foot, wooden Christmas crosses, coming up in mid-November.  Please stay tuned for additional information.