Have you ever driven down an interstate highway and seen a cluster of three giant crosses with a gold one in the middle?

If you have, you have witnessed the product of the vision of Bernard Coffindafer. While he always described himself as a country boy, he was an accomplished and wealthy businessman. He also was WWII veteran. After a serious heart attack, he had a vision for placing clusters of crosses on America’s highways. Starting in West Virginia, Coffindafer erected 1,842 clusters of crosses in 29 states. He spent his own fortune to make it happen, and drained his account from $3 million to almost nothing.

He died in 1993 before he could complete his goal, but others have joined in the endeavor. Led by Sara Abraham, a foundation, Crosses Across America was created to continue his mission, utilizing 14,000 volunteers.

Coffindafer once said, “Not for saints or sinners. For everybody. They’re up for one sole reason, and that’s this: to remind people that Jesus was crucified on a cross at Calvary for our sins and that He is soon coming again.”


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About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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