Forged by Fire Ministries is seeking partnerships with individuals, churches, LWML Societies, Zones and Districts to help create Courageous Crosses. The crosses provide hope and comfort to those individuals recovering from disasters and those facing food insecurity issues.
The cross symbolizes the confidence we all have in our loving Savior, Jesus Christ. We trust in what He has accomplished for us. He will provide for all of our needs. I believe these crosses are a great reminder of the unwavering love of Jesus. That He is with you every step of your journey and He promises to never left you or forsake you. Those who receive these crosses we pray will feel that reassurance that they are loved.
You can collaborate with us. By doing so, you or your LWML Society, Zone, or District can play a vital role. You can help spread this message of faith and support to those who need it most. We encourage you to make these crosses and create the cards with a message of hope. Wrap the Courageous Cross around the card. Package them in zip-lock bags of 25 to a bag. Send them to us. We want to share this message of hope with those facing, maybe, the hardest time of their life. Together, we can fulfill the mission of Forged by Fire by sharing our Savior, one meal at a time.
At any one deployment we serve anywhere from 500 hundred to 1000 meals a day. That means we serve 300 to 500 people meals. Help us place a cross into the hands of those we serve. If you can’t make the crosses, your financial support will help others make those crosses for you. Please visit our donate page to financially support this project.
SOME BACKGROUND
The idea came to mind after the death of a dear friend of the Erneweins. Pastor Paul had given Benny this style of cross. It served as a reminder of God’s love when Benny was in the hospital. This was after he was diagnosed with cancer. For the next few years that cross rarely came off of his neck as he battled this horrific disease. Benny died at the age of 49, wearing the cross that meant so much to him. We want to share that hope and comfort with as many people as possible. This fulfills our mission of sharing our Savior, one meal at a time.
A LITTLE ABOUT MY FRIEND BENNY
Benny was an exceptional and outstanding man. It would be difficult to put into words the impact he had on all the lives he touched. Benny was well known for his love of animals and nature. He loved adventure and always pushed his limits to live his life to the fullest. He truly enjoyed the worldly beauties that God gave him to see and experience. His adventure-seeking ways allowed him to help others experience things in life they never dreamed of doing. He had an uncanny way of inspiring and convincing them to join him in his adventures. Pastor Paul was one such person as Benny encouraged and inspired Pastor to take on marathons and triathlons.
Benny was very proud of being a Christian. He was an Iron Man finisher and a Dive Master. Benny was also an NHRA Race Car Driver and hiked the Appalachian Trails. His magnetic personality lit up the room, his charm and presence excelled beyond everyone’s expectations in everything he did.
But most importantly Benny had the great pleasure of knowing Jesus! During his battle with cancer, he never complained. He did not feel sorry for himself. Instead, he chose to give his testimony as to what God was doing for him. He shared how God continued to bless him throughout his journey. With this project, we pay tribute to a dear friend’s faith. We also honor the unchanging and never-ending love of Jesus.
Won’t you help us with in this journey?
Courageous Crosses
If you feel moved to do so, please share with us your personal story. Tell us how the cross of Christ Jesus has brought you or your loved one confidence to face the day. These stories will be featured on our website blog. Email those stories of hope and courage to forgedbyfireservices@gmail.com
How to make the Crosses and where to buy the supplies
HOW TO MAKE We have purchased our supplies on http://www.amazon.com but that is up to you.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XV7VM1J?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
Tenn Well 1mm Satin Cord, 328 Feet Silky Nylon Rattail Cord for Macramé Bracelets Typical price: $7.99 [$0.07 each necklace]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4S9RYD4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
Inbagi 100 Pcs Natural Crystal Charms Bulk Assorted Stone Pendant Gemstone $39.99 [$0.40 each necklace]
A few of our volunteers took it upon themselves to place the cross necklaces in 3″ x 5″ plastic bags. WOW! What a difference it has made in distributing them to people. I ordered mine from Amazon.com: Aubeco Plastic Bags – 200pcs Clear Zip Bags, 4 x 6 inch, 2 mil Thick for Small Business, Jewelry, Candy : Industrial & Scientific 200pcs 3 x 5 inch Plastic Bags, 2 mil Jewelry Bags, Clear Small Zip Bag, Resealable Zip Bag for Small Business, Storage, Candy Bags
DIRECTIONS:
CROSS NECKLACES:
1. Cut the cord in to 36” lengths.
2. Slide the cross pendant to the center of a 36” piece of cord.
3. Make a sliding knot to close the necklace.
Here is a video on just how to do that. https://youtu.be/dnurFwWbJMA
Once completed, the cross needs to be wrapped around a card. Below is a link to the card. You can customize the card, we have left a blank space on the back of the card. Please do not put any personal information on them. It helps to use cardstock when printing. PLEASE leave the information about “Crosses for Benny” and “Forged by Fire” on the card.
Here is are 2 links for you to be able to print the cards on card stock:
https://fbf501c3.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/C4B-Card.1.jpg
and https://fbf501c3.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/C4B-Card.2.jpg
Once printed, I cut the sheet in half making the cards 5 1/2″ (this leaves space for the hole punch to put the cross onto the card. Each card should have one cross necklace wrapped around it. Place 25 of them in a ziplock bag.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Administrator, Rochell Kurucar via email at rkurucarforgedbyfire@gmail.com.
Where to send the crosses
You can send them to us at Forged by Fire Ministries, 125 Camelot Drive, Slidell, LA 70460