For years, Pastor David Ashley carried a full-size replica of the cross of Christ through Wilson County, Tennessee, during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Mile after mile, through neighborhoods and along busy roads, he carried more than a wooden cross. He carried a message that too many in our communities, churches, and justice systems have refused to hear.
Domestic violence is evil. Victims deserve protection. Abusers must be held accountable. And the Church must not remain silent.
The Cross Walk was never simply about walking. It was a public proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a call to action for those commanded by Scripture to defend the oppressed and protect the vulnerable (Psalm 82:3–4; Proverbs 31:8–9).
THE PAST — EVERY RIBBON TELLS A STORY
Wrapped around the cross were ribbons of remembrance:
💜 Purple — Honoring female victims and survivors of domestic violence.
💙 Blue — Recognizing male victims of domestic violence, whose suffering must not be ignored.
🖤 Black — Remembering those whose lives were stolen by domestic violence homicide.
Every ribbon represented a life. Every step was an opportunity to speak for someone whose voice had been silenced.
The miles were difficult. The message was necessary.
And the videos and photographs from those years remain a testimony to the mission that began with one man willing to pick up a cross and carry it through his community.
THE CROSS WALK THROUGH THE YEARS
The miles have been walked. The cross has been carried. But the message continues.
Through the years, cameras captured David carrying the cross through Wilson County, proclaiming the Gospel, honoring victims of domestic violence, and calling our community to action.
These photographs, videos, and media features preserve the history of the Cross Walk and the mission that continues today.
WATCH THE CROSS WALK & EXPLORE OUR MEDIA COVERAGE
THE PRESENT — WE ARE STILL CARRYING THE MISSION
The miles may have changed, but our resolve has not.
Today, Cross Strength Ministries continues the work through domestic violence and sexual assault victim advocacy, our R3 Redemption, Restoration, Recovery services, Batterer Intervention Programming, biblical discipleship, education, and training for churches, ministries, schools, and community leaders.
We confront abuse. We advocate for victims. We equip others to recognize the warning signs, respond appropriately, and refuse to excuse evil.
October remains Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but our mission does not end when October does.
Domestic violence does not stop on November 1. Neither do we.
And while education, intervention, and accountability are necessary, we recognize a greater truth: no curriculum, theory, or human effort can regenerate a sinful heart. That work belongs to the Holy Spirit alone.
Our mission remains God-centered, Christ-compelled, Spirit-sensitive, and Scripture-saturated.
THE FUTURE — THE 5K WALK/RUN FOR REDEMPTION
The next chapter of the Cross Walk will bring our community together.
Cross Strength Ministries is developing a 5K Walk/Run for Redemption, inviting families, churches, businesses, survivors, advocates, and community members to stand together against domestic violence.
The purpose remains the same: raise awareness, honor victims, remember those whose lives were lost, support the ministry’s ongoing work, and proclaim the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Event details, registration information, and opportunities for participation will be announced as plans are finalized.
We may no longer carry the cross for miles through Wilson County as we once did, but we will never stop carrying its message.
BE PART OF THE MISSION
Would you like to honor someone through a ribbon of remembrance, learn more about future awareness events, or invite David or Holly Ashley to speak at your church, school, conference, or community gathering?
We welcome opportunities to educate communities, equip churches, advocate for victims, and proclaim biblical truth.
Contact Cross Strength Ministries
Email: info@CrossStrengthMinistries.org
Phone: 615.553.4583
Website: CrossStrengthMinistries.org
HELP US CONTINUE THE WORK
Our ministry is supported through the generosity of people who believe that protecting the vulnerable, confronting evil, and proclaiming the Gospel are worth fighting for.
Your support helps us continue the mission through advocacy, education, intervention, discipleship, and community outreach.
The walk has changed. The mission has not. No King but Christ.
📩 **Contact: info@crossstrengthministries.org
