This is the banner we made in South Africa this summer. It was a gift for the family we stayed with, the Prices. The center of the circle was a cross with two connecting circles in it. These two circles represented Gary and Cheryl Price who are serving as Campus Crusade for Christ missionaries in Durban, South Africa. The center cross is surrounded by five circles representing their five sons. The foci of the circles are the four points of the cross and the center of the cross. The circles are a little off center, but then all our lives are a little off center! The radii of the circles are roughly the ages of the boys. I asked the boys to tell me their favorite Bible verses and they came up with.
Phillip—“In the beginning God”
Stephen—“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”
Tim—“If God is for us who can ever be against us”
Jason—“This light is the light for everyone”
Brian—“He must become greater and I must become less”
Phillip’s circle is illustrated with creation pictures. The circle begins with waves of the ocean, the sun, moon, and stars, bird, fish, elephant, cheetah, giraffe, lion, and ends with the footprint of a man. The foot print is actually a map of Africa with toes. It reminds us that we are all part of God’s creation. Stephen’s circle contains a winding path etched with the word “JESUS.” It is punctuated with African drums, guitars, and musical notation. It reminds us that Jesus is the way to life and that his gift of music can help to lead us along that path. Tim’s circle contains Zulu shields and spears and giraffe and zebra stripes. It reminds us that God is our protection and our shield. Brian’s circle (I got a little out of order here.) is filled with all kinds of crosses. These crosses were cut by many of the boys’ friends while we were at youth camp. It reminds us that Jesus’ example of sacrifice should guide our life and also that all the crosses we are called to bear are different and unique. Jason’s circle is a web of stars. It reminds us that Jesus is the light of our life, that we are connected, and that Jesus is the one that holds this world together.