JANUARY 7, 2015
The Empty Cross in Kerrville.
THE CROSS AT KERRVILLE. On 23 acres of land visible from Interstate Highway 10 in the Texas Hill Country, at the same latitude as Israel and mid-way between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, lies the Sculpture Prayer Garden and the reddish-brown contemporary sculpture named “The Empty Cross.” The two million dollar landmark weighs 77 tons and stands 77 feet 7 inches tall. It was erected by The Coming King Foundation for the express purpose of drawing people to God and blessing all those who visit the prayer garden. (Hearing that, I figured I should visit…I need all the help I can get!) When the cross was raised in the summer of 2010, the TCKF President stated, “Like the American flag that was raised in World War II at Iwo Jima, we believe God will use the raising of “The Empty Cross” to energize and inspire Christians across our land to rise up and fight for the Christian principles that founded this great country.”
A NINE YEAR STRUGGLE. Raising the cross capped a 9 year epic struggle, which included threats and attacks by atheists and other opponents and a lawsuit filed by neighboring landowners. These problems reminded me of those back home in San Diego which have been endured for decades by those who support and maintain the Mt. Soledad Cross in La Jolla, California.
A UNIQUE SYMBOL. The non-denominational Christian garden and the seven story hollow cross structure symbolize the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The walk-in cross is displayed atop a 2,000 foot hill at the end of a 100 yard long cross-shaped garden. The ambitious Christian project has many well-known supporters, including Governor Mike Huckabee, Franklin Graham, Dr. Pat Robertson, Rick Warren and Dr Oral Roberts.
Approaching the Cross from the garden area.
CLAIMS OF MIRACLES AT THE SITE. While there are many claims of miracles and supernatural activity in today’s world, there seems to be very little credible documentation or scientific evidence to bolster those claims. Backers of The Empty Cross describe documented and verified biblical miracles occurring at the Sculpture Prayer Garden. People have reportedly seen angels, small orbs of light and have talked about gold dust which has fallen on them while at the cross. I didn’t see any miracles when we visited this site, but that certainly doesn’t mean they haven’t occurred. After all, if you don’t believe in miracles you wouldn’t trust your life to a resurrected Christ. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Christians believe He is still doing miracles in this world today. I can think of several. You?
IT’S WORTH A LOOK. It was too cold and windy for us to spend much time here today, but I’m glad we stopped to take a look. And there is a calm… almost reverent feeling at the spot. It’s worth a look. Highway I-10/Exit 508 at Kerrville.
JOIN US NEXT TIME, AS OUR ADVENTURE CONTINUES.
