‘I’m not ashamed’

When Marlon Valencia finished carrying the cross, he stopped in front of War Memorial Convention Hall. He paused. While he was honored to be part of the Good Friday procession, smiling didn’t seem right.

“I’m just try to imagine how he felt,” he said.

Members of the crowd of about 100 took turns bearing the cross from the county rotunda to War Memorial Convention Hall, about a 20-minute walk. The cross walk began about 6 p.m. on a cool, cloudy Friday. Along the way, people waved, shouted phrases like, “Thank you, Jesus,” and sang songs as they made their way to a Good Friday service.

In turn, passing drivers honked horns, waved back and a few yelled, “Amen.”

Steve Rex, pastor of Calvary Chapel North Shore in Kilauea, said the carrying of the cross is an opportunity for Christians to be a light and a “shining example for everybody that we love Jesus, he’s still alive, he’s still saving people.”

Many got a chance to shoulder the cross on the nearly mile-long journey, including Chad Sturdevant.

“Privileged,” he said.

“It’s an honor,” said Rob Snyder after passing off the cross.

The walk, while festive and spirited, had its quiet moments, too.

Robert Brimoanbi said his turn carrying the cross on Good Friday was humbling.

“I am reminded that my Lord gave his life for me,” he said. 

Sam Sprague said the cross led him to a time of reflection.

‘I thought, ‘‘Wow, this is what Jesus was doing a couple hours before he died,’” he said. 

When Javier Rosales finished taking his turn carrying the cross on Good Friday, he said he was filled with joy.

“The Lord saved me so I’m appreciative of it,” he said. 

And he was more than happy to share his faith with passersby.

“I’m letting them know I’m not ashamed,” Rosales said.