What is the significance of the cross?

Viola Mzungwana
The Rebuild The City Collective a�� a youth organisation formed four years ago to spread church oriented programmes to the people a�� is holding a Cross Convention to teach the Bulawayo populace about the significance of the cross and Christianity in general.

The collective is made up of youths from various churches and the youth movement was born out of the need to speak to Christians with one voice regardless of which denomination one comes from.

Ita��s a voluntary movement whose membership consists of youth Pentecostal church members (16 to 35 years). It was founded by Bruce Chimani and Tawanda Denga.

Since its inception in 2013 The Rebuild The City Collective has held what they termed a�?the cross marcha�? to teach the public about the significance of the cross where Jesus Christ was crucified. The cross march has been held in April for the past three years but will this year be moved to August for logistical reasons.

To fill the gap left by the absence of the cross march, the youth movement will be holding a Cross Convention.

a�?We began in 2013; the whole idea was to make people understand the importance of the cross. We then decided to make wooden crosses and march around town, 2014 was the first year we marched and we usually march around April,a�? explained Denga.

a�?We, however, have shifted our march this year to August and we are holding a cross convention,a�? he added.

During their cross convention Denga said among other things they would teach people about what it means to be a Christian.

a�?The cross is a symbol for Christians for their salvation, Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross, so Christians have to tell other people about this salvation,a�? said Denga.

He explained that for their cross march and cross convention they had Luke 9 verse 23 as their guide.

a�?He said to all, a�?If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.a�? Reads Luke 9 verse 23.

During their discussions and seminars they teach one another on how to handle different situations.

a�?We get life lessons and one thing the youth should know is that they cannot expect a fast life. We have to work hard for better results, with patience and knowing Christ things always work out for the better,a�? he said. .