By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
WOODWORTH, La. (LBM) – George and Polly Marshall have heeded a call to distribute hundreds of free hand-made crosses painted with a simple message – “Jesus loves you,” they shared in an interview with the Baptist Message.
They also said that through this effort that began Oct. 31, 2025, dozens have come to Christ and hundreds more have prayed with them as well as with members of various churches who man “pop up” locations on shopping center parking lots throughout Central Louisiana.
The Marshalls serve as missionaries with Alpha-Omega Missions (a ministry that reaches individuals with the Gospel in the U.S. and Mexico and receives support from multiple Baptist churches) and are members with Pine Ridge Baptist Church, Melder.
“Almost no one will turn down a free cross and we use that as a way to pull them into a conversation about Jesus,” George Marshall offered. “We don’t talk long but do say a quick prayer of encouragement and share the Gospel.
“We’re not pushy and aren’t here to debate,” he continued. “We just show them the love of Jesus.”
The Marshalls, who minister throughout Mexico several times a year and spend the remainder of their time in Woodworth, first became familiar with the cross ministry when they met Leo Lytle five years ago.
Lytle, a professional wood maker in Pine Valley, Texas, and a former pastor of Lakeside Baptist, Pineville, travels around the country to share the Gospel during the cross distributions.
Then in late 2025, the Marshalls felt led to start a similar ministry in Central Louisiana. On Oct. 31, they handed out 28 crosses in the parking lot of an Alexandria store, and prayed with passing shoppers, engaging in Gospel conversations with some.
The ministry has encouraged shoppers and grown team members to be bolder in their faith.
“Those who have handed out the crosses have gotten more comfortable in praying and asking others about Jesus,” George Marshall said. “We only have just a minute or two to talk to them, so it helps us to really narrow down what we share. I’m seeing Christians wanting to get involved in this and they are getting excited about sharing the Gospel and leading people to the Lord.”
Lyn Dousay, a member with Pine Ridge Baptist who has passed out crosses at several locations, recalled how one conversation with a young man at a nursery festival in Forest Hill led to his decision to accept Christ.
“He walked in looking for a cross and walked out with Jesus,” Dousay said. “He knew about Jesus but didn’t know Him as his Savior. It has surprised me how the crosses are an easy way to start a conversation about Jesus.”
Learn more about the Cross Ministry: 318.623.4772.
