BEDFORD – The “Take Up Your Cross “event raised $2,500 which was donated to the Men’s Warming Shelter in Bedford.
The walk started in the Bedford First Church of God parking lot and walkers while carrying a cross, walked to Jiffy Treet, turned around, and walked back to the church. Several people participated. There was also a Go Fund Me set up for donations.
Those walking did not complete the 24 hour walk as anticipated, however they made it until 4:45 a.m.
“A lot happened, we had people stop us to talk about Jesus. We also had a young man, who was out on his work break, provide those walking a bag of cold waters and an Evangelist gave us a Bible. And many others gave money during the walk,” said Brett Ramsey the organizer of the event.
The event was organized in May, using the scripture from Matthew Chapter 16: 24-26 as spring board for the 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?
“Overall it was a great experience and restored my hope in humanity. There is a lot more good in this world than bad. I want to thank everyone who came and volunteered and donated,” said Brett Ramsey
The Men’s Warming Shelter in Bedford, operates during cold weather months, November – March.
The Men’s Warming Shelter provides a place for men to go and get out of the cold. According to officials, several years ago a Bedford man died of hypothermia from being exposed to the cold.
The goal of the Men’s Warming Shelter is not only to provide needed shelter, but also to help homeless individuals find employment, a permanent place to live, and assistance to put the pieces of their lives back together again.
Volunteers help staff the shelter with many churches, businesses, and organizations supporting the efforts. In the future, many hope the Men’s Warming Shelter will be able to operate year round.
The shelter averaged 10 men per night during their operation last year.
