Residents of the Perry Lutheran Homes hand-crafted and delivered #PerryStrong prayer crosses last week in order to share support, encouragement and the love of Jesus with impacted families, Perry public schools and Perry first responders.
“While the Jan. 4 school shooting may no longer be in the headlines, the heartbreaking reality remains in everyone’s’ hearts and minds,” said Perry Lutheran Homes Director of Marketing Mollie Clark. “All of us at Perry Lutheran Homes want to convey our continued love and support to the families, students, and staff, as well as the heroes who responded. We continue to hold you all close in our prayers.”
Coordinating their simultaneous work at all three Perry Lutheran Homes campuses, the residents, staff, volunteers as well as children and staff from Acorns and Oaks Christian Academy made about 1,500 royal blue and white #PerryStrong prayer crosses.
Baskets full of crosses were then delivered to Perry Elementary School, Perry Middle School and Perry High School, and individual care baskets, with blankets, activity books, prayer crosses, snacks and more, were made up and delivered to individuals and the families of those wounded or killed.
“Wow, this is amazing!” said Perry Middle School Principal Ned Menke. “We will make sure that every student and staff that wants one will get one. Thank you for being a place of refuge for many of our students and staff the morning of (the shooting). I heard that everyone there was well taken care of. Thank you so much for your support.”
Prayer cross deliveries were also made to the Perry Police Department, Perry Volunteer Fire Department and Dallas County Emergency Medical Services.
“We really appreciate the support and are grateful to receive these crosses from everyone at Perry Lutheran Homes,” said Perry Deputy Fire Chief Matt Hix. “The Perry Fire Department is made up of dedicated volunteers, and to handle the large number of calls we receive, we could really use more help.”
Consider stepping up to volunteer for the Perry Volunteer Fire Department and help to keep this crucial service going. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community of Perry and for residents of Dallas County. Those interested in volunteering for the fire department can call 515-465-4285.
The Perry Lutheran Homes resident prayer-cross ministry has brought blessings to numerous individuals over the last decade. Crosses have been distributed in various locations across Iowa, around the nation and even in Haiti.
Each cross is made from polymer clay. Two colors are combined and worked by hand to create unique swirls and markings and then rolled out into long cylinders, cut to size, formed into a cross and baked. After baking, a glaze is applied along with a tag. Each cross bears fingerprints from its maker, so no two crosses are alike.
“We always have to remember that God is with us, even in times of trouble,” said Barb Ferguson, resident at the Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley campus. Barb is just one of the many residents who were eager to serve the community by helping make prayer crosses.
The Perry Lutheran Homes wants to recognize and thank its incredible residents, staff, partners and volunteers for helping to make these special #PerryStrong crosses. In addition, we give thanks to Polyform for the donation of Sculpey clay and to Wilcox Printing and Publishing in Madrid for the custom #PerryStrong prayer cross tags.
The front of the tags read, “Jesus, I hold your cross in the palm of my hand. Trusting in you, but I don’t always understand. In troubled times when life is hard to bear, your cross gives me strength and comfort when I come to you in prayer.”
It is our hope that these crosses will continue to bring strength and comfort in the weeks and months to come. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts.” Psalm 28:7.
Mollie A. Clark is the director of marketing for the Perry Lutheran Homes.
