Movement that started in Smith County spreads throughout Tennessee and beyond
By David Dawson
ddawson@tnbaptist.org
CARTHAGE — It started with one house. It then caught on with many of the neighbors. Soon, it was spreading throughout the community.
Now, just three years after the movement began, it has expanded to multiple counties in Tennessee — and well beyond.
Sparked by Robin and Clete Underwood of Smith County, the ministry encourages participants to display a lighted cross in their yard as a means of signifying the true cause of celebration at Christmas — not only the birth of Christ, but also His ultimate sacrifice.
The ministry was originally called “aCross Sykes,” (the community where the Underwoods live). After the movement began to spread, the name was changed to “aCross Smith County.” Now, it is “aCross Tennessee.”
Tim Frank, pastor of First Baptist Church, Carthage, said his church, along with several other churches of various denominations in the area, have embraced the movement. Frank noted that he has a lighted cross in the yard at his home, and there is also a lighted cross in a prominent spot on the lawn at FBC Carthage. [Read more…]