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On a summit overlooking Kerrville in the beautiful hill country of west Texas, a 77-foot cross towers over the landscape.
Max Greiner shares, "The empty cross is the main sculpture, contemporary sculpture made of CorTen steel. It's 77 feet tall, and it weighs approximately 70 tons.
At the foot of the cross, lies the "Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden." It's a collection of donated art and sculptures depicting Jesus's life. Artist and sculptor Max Greiner is the founder and president of the foundation.
Max says, "We've built this garden as a place where people can connect with God without having to go through a bunch of religion."
Max says God gave him the vision for the garden in 2002. But it would take 13 years of praying, planning and more than a few miracles to see that vision come to life. Since then, thousands from over 30 countries have visited to encounter Jesus in a creative and imaginative way.
Max shares, "It attracts people that are looking for art or just for an outdoor garden experience. And in the process, they find God."
Max believes it's no coincidence that the landscape of the garden is similar to the holy land.
Max states, "This garden is at the same latitude as Israel. So God sovereignly put it in this place, this Bible belt of Texas. The plants, everything, the hills, the limestone rocks, it all looks like Israel."
As visitors walk the stone path to the cross, they can read different Bible verses written in Spanish, English and German that explain God's love. Visitors can also speak with one of several volunteer chaplains on hand, or write prayer requests on stones and place them near the cross. Some have reported miraculous encounters.
Max says, "Addictions are being broken off, alcoholics are coming, drug addicts are coming. Again, 19 people were suicidal that we know of, and came up, and God set them free from the spirit of suicide. And they gave their life to Christ."
They also hold a special Easter service to help people celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
Max shares, "We've also now started an Easter celebration on the Saturday before where we invite in Christian bands and Christian worship teams and then speakers of different denominations that come in. And so all day Saturday, we have this free celebration, resurrection celebration."
Max hopes to reproduce the garden around the world so that others can experience the love of Jesus.
Max states, "All you have to do is come, and you'll find Jesus there. You'll find the Holy Spirit there, and the Father's there. And it's for everybody, whether you're a believer or whether you're from other religions or no religion, or just wondering. We just invite you to come."
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