top of page

The Message Behind The Handmade Crosses

You may have noticed the handmade painted crosses in the massage room. You may have even received a cross. This is the story behind why Rigby and his sons started making the crosses. 


It was June 20th, 2011, the day after Father's day, Channing Rodgers woke up that morning and got ready to go to her brand new job in Oxford, MS. Channing kisses her husband Rigby Rodgers goodbye, and then she walks over to the other side of the bed and kisses her 3 year old son goodbye. A few minutes later her husband was woken up by 5 loud bangs at the door as if someone was opening & slamming the door shut. Her husband jumps out of bed and runs outside. He screams, "Baby, were you trying to get in the house?" Channing looks at him and says, "No, I've been in my car. I'm about to go to work. I love you!" "I love you too!" he responds back....Those were the last words Rigby got to here from his wife.

Ariel Channing Bliss Mitchell Rodgers was killed in a car accident on her way to work. The pounding of t​he door still remains a mystery, but Rigby believes in his heart that the 5 loud sounds was the holy spirit wanting them to say 'I love you' one last time.


Rigby began making crosses after the death of his wife, Channing, as a reminder to him and their young son, Tristan, that because Jesus died for us on the cross, Channing, through her faith and the grace of God, is now in heaven. Tristan helps make many of the crosses by choosing colors and painting them. Not only does Rigby and Tristan spend quality time together while making the crosses, it is also an opportunity for Rigby to teach Tristan about how his Mother's love lives on, and how making the crosses for others is a way of sharing God's love with the world. The Cross, however, is not a symbol of death, but a symbol of hope. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, we can now have eternal life.

"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again."

Psalm 71:20


Rigby's life was restored by God! Rigby found love again from the other side of the world. Rigby is now married to a beautiful Brazilian woman. Her name is Elisa and together they have two boys, a daughter, and two grandchildren! Now, Tristan teaches his brother, Benjamin, about the cross and they both pick out colors together and paint the crosses together.


Rigby's prayer is that, in some small way, the crosses will touch the heart and soul of those who see them. If only a few people are introduced to the Holy Scriptures, or experiences the saving grace of God, Rigby will feel that, through these crosses they are touching lives together...


"The message of the Cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction, but we who are being saved know it is the very power of God."

1Corinthians 1:18


The handmade crosses are free for a donation of any amount! Please call 662-234-3400 for more information on how to receive a cross. You may donate via Venmo @Rigby-Rodgers or Cash app $RigbyRodgers  Thank you for your love and support. God bless you! 


God is the One who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory, so he made the One who leads people to salvation perfect through suffering. Since these children are people with physical bodies, Jesus himself became like them. He did this so that, by dying, he could destroy the one who has the power of death-the devil-and free those who were like slaves all their lives because of their fear of death.


All of God lives in Christ fully, and you have a full and true life in Christ, who is ruler over all rulers and powers. God stripped the spiritual rulers and powers of their authority. With the Cross, he won the victory and showed the world that they were powerless. 

(Heb 2:9-10,14,15 Col 2:9,10,15)

bottom of page