Mission Mississippi, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary of promoting racial reconciliation in the state, is coming to Leflore County on Thursday.
The effort involves the carrying of a 6-foot lighted cross along U.S. 82 from the Carroll-Leflore county line to a rally at the Leflore County Courthouse.
The cross, accompanied by a safety detail, is expected to be at the county line at around 11 a.m. The rally will take place at 5:30 p.m. The Leflore County effort is being coordinated by the Rev. Calvin Collins, pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Greenwood.
“The goal is to have the cross in every county,” Collins said. “They were going to be in Carroll County, and Neddie Winters, the president of Mission Mississippi, asked me if I’d handle Leflore County.”
Greenwood Mayor Carolyn McAdams is scheduled to speak at the rally, which is not expected to last longer than 45 minutes. Collins said he also will deliver a short message on racial reconciliation.
The cross, which began its journey on Aug. 7, will travel to all 82 Mississippi counties before returning to Jackson on Oct. 27.
At 5 tonight, a rally featuring the cross will be held at the Carroll County Courthouse in Carrollton. Vaiden Mayor Melvin Hawthorne is the coordinator of the Carroll County events.
Another rally is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the former Vaiden High School. The effort is being assisted by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Bill Buckner, regional director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is committed to the march.
“Mississippi Glowing for Christ fits well with the vision of the fellowship, to impact the world for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes, coaches and all whom they influence,” Buckner said in written remarks.
“We are excited to partner with Mission Mississippi and take the cross to 82 counties. When the Lord Jesus is lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself.”
As the cross reaches the county line, members of the Mississippi Valley State University baseball team will be on hand to carry the cross forward, Collins said.
Lee Paris, a board member of Mission Mississippi from Indianola, said he intends to participate at Thursday’s courthouse event.
He said the effort is intended to be more than just a pair of gatherings.
“What we’re trying to do is three things — follow the cross in your own life, in your community together, not make it just a one-time gathering, and to continue it at the statewide celebration on Oct. 27,” he said.
That final celebration will take place at 5 p.m. at Mississippi Memorial Stadium. Representatives from each of the 82 counties are scheduled to attend.
In written remarks, Winters said people are welcome to come out as the cross makes its way across the state.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
