BEDFORD – Brett Ramsey, of Bedford, will be walking with a cross along 16th street Friday evening.
This walk will begin at 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Bedford First Church of God parking lot. Ramsey will walk to Jiffy Treet and then back to the church several times.
Using the scripture from Matthew 16: 24-26 as a springboard for this cause.
Matthew 16:24-26 King James Version
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
The purpose of the walk is to raise awareness for an Open Air Revival, and raise money for the Men’s Warming Shelter.
“I am hoping we can make the full walk every hour, but unsure if this is possible yet,” said Ramsey.
Volunteers have volunteered to carry the cross.
“I am committing to walk the whole 24 hours and carry the cross as much as possible,” said Ramsey.
The cross is made out of two 2X6’s, the tallest beam is 12 feet long, and will have wheels on the bottom.
“I am asking people to come and walk with me, for as long as they like. If you cannot make the walk, pray for those who are walking, and make donations to the the GoFundMe page for the Men’s Warming Shelter,” Ramsey added.
A few safety requirements include making sure you wear proper clothing suitable for walking, and all those who participate must stay on the sidewalk at all times observing local traffic laws. At no time will the group be in the middle of the streets except to use the crosswalks.
Why is this walk so important to Ramsey?
“This started at a revival earlier held in Bedford when Pastor Greg Locke was in Bedford. One of the following nights my wife, daughter, and I was late, we were tired and looking for every excuse not to be there,” said Ramsey.
“I started to realize I was supposed to be in that tent that evening, I could feel the presence of the Lord more than ever before. When they did the altar call, the woman sitting in front of us, turned around and started talking to my wife and me. She was explaining some of her ailments and I could tell she wanted us to pray for her that night,” said Ramsey.
“I did not pray with her that evening and refusing to hear God’s voice, I did not do what he asked me to do. My wife as we were leaving said I think that woman wanted you to pray for her. I still regret not praying for that woman,” Ramsey added.
Months since have passed and Ramsey reflecting on that incident told himself the next time God speaks to me I will listen.
During a service at Bedford Church of God, Pastor Travis Inman was preaching and Ramsey had a vision of a group of others carrying a cross along 16th street.
Ramsey stated he felt strongly about it but then COVID-19 hit. Church services went virtual, and prevented people from getting together, and his vision was put on hold.
His friend Justin Kemp was having a conversation about action.
“He said when God calls us to do something, we got to act, we just cannot sit back and wait,” said Ramsey. That day Ramsey knew he was going to walk, but didn’t know what the purpose was for.
Kemp and Ramsey volunteered at the Men’s Warming Shelter. Kemp invited Ramsey to his testimony at the “Night of Hope” which was put on by Resurrection Life Minstries in Mitchell.
After hearing all the wonderful testimonies from the ” Night of Hope” and meeting the Pastor Johny Hearld he learned about upcoming events the church had planned. One was a 24-hour pray vigil and the upcoming revival. Kemp and Ramsey looked at each other and knew the two would be walking with the cross.
The walk itself is not centered around one particular church but is open to all.
“This is not for my church, but for all who would like to take part and let people come together and be a light to the community,” Ramsey concluded.
Those wishing to contribute to the “Men’s Warming Shelter” can do so by clicking this link.
The tent revival will be held under a tent May 21st – May 26th located at the tent located 121 1st Street, in Mitchell. Various preachers will preach each evening.
In addition, the Night of Hope event will be held on May 20th at 6:30 p.m. at the tent located at 121 1st Street in Mitchell sharing testimonies from people who suffered from addiction and have turned away from their addictions and living sober lives.
