Longview native upholds Good Friday cross-carrying tradition

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - On a chilly, rainy good Friday morning, an East Texas man continues his tradition of carrying a cross to remember Christ’s walk to his own crucifixion.

For nearly 20 years, Longview native David Ballinger has donned a ‘crown of thorns’ and carried a 70 pound cross along highway 80 in Longview every good Friday.

“I physically felt that God had touched me, and said ‘you can do this’. I felt in my heart that I needed to do this, it’s what I have a passion to do every good Friday,” David says.

The cross, worn at the base after years of dragging it, his motivation is simply one of personal faith, and to spread a message of peace and forgiveness to people.

“Our world is in an upheaval. Wars, rumors of wars. But if it sparks one seed in one persons soul, to be saved and to follow Jesus, I’ve done my job,” he says.

Also joining in the effort this year are members of the ‘Treasure Church’ out of White Oak, who carried crosses into Longview for a prayer rally, emphasizing a phrase from our own pledge of allegiance.

“One nation, under God, indivisible. with liberty and justice for all. When we say the pledge, we just kind of cruise right by that. We just need to stop and say that the loudest of all. In God we trust,” says Treasure church member Alan Johnson.

Why is the gesture is important?

“This is my first time in Longview for this. I think it’s spectacular. I’ve been through a lot and I’m glad God has provided a day like today for this,” said onlooker Angela Laroe.

“In God we trust. It’s not just something we say, it’s something we get a chance to do,” Johnson says.

Ballinger walked around four miles along highway 80 with the cross this morning.

Ballinger and Treasure Church Representative Alan Johnson talk about why the tradition of carrying a cross to remember Christ’s walk is important.

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