The Christ of the Ozarks

Although I was familiar with the Christ statue in Rio, Brazil, I didn't know that there were many other "large" outdoor statues throughout the world.  Sister Ellis told me about the one at Eureka Springs, AR, so we stopped by as we were passing though.  It is actually a big complex with a "Holy Land Tour" which takes you through the Holy Land recreated, a couple of gift shops, and a Bible Museum.

The statue is the highlight of the area and sits at the top of this small mountain.  It is called the Christ of the Ozarks and stands about 68 feet tall with an arm span of about the same.  (For reference it is about 20 feet smaller than the one in Rio.)

This is the view from the back where the parking lot is.

I had to grab some sunset pictures as it went down quickly as we were arriving.

An informational board about the statue.  It was the idea of a local man who wanted to show his love of God and Christ through this way.

The front view

Some reminders of who He is that we worship....

Also on the site is this Church built on the site for people to use.

There is also a piece of the Berlin Wall---so odd to be found in such a place.  There is also an Israeli bunker somewhere on the property as well.

It was very moving to me to see this section of the wall.  I grew up during the Cold War and the wall was a part of my life experience.  Chantel's grandparents escaped from Hungary as well as thousands of others desiring freedoms not allowed to them behind the wall.

It was an unbelievable moment when the wall fell and freedoms were allowed to more people in Eastern Europe in 1989.  It has not been smooth, of course, and even now war is happening between Russia and Ukraine due to historical differences. But it was something that had to happen so that the gospel could be spread to those lands.  What a happy day that was.  So, to touch this wall and remember...it was a sweet unexpected moment in a happy prelude to Christmas day.

Last view as we were getting ready to leave the park.
 

I am not a personal lover of statues--I prefer paintings!  And this is not the face or the image of Christ that reminds me of Him!  But I appreciate the desire to worship Christ and to share that desire in such a way with the world.  How great it is to stand in unity with followers of Christ both here at this place and in Branson as the performers shared their love of Him through words and songs.  Again, not necessary in my preferred way, but still in ways of faith and desire to worship Him during this season and all year long.

There is good all around us.  We are so blessed.