The Cross of the Flatlands has risen

By Keri Baldwin

My family and I have traveled many times through Winona, Mississippi. We always knew we were close when we would see the cross.
Now, Leland is well on its way to having a similar landmark to send Leland residents off with prayers of safe travels and welcome them back home, with the construction of The Cross of the Flatlands, which sits as a beacon on the southeast side of the intersection of Highway 82 and new Highway 61.
Hundreds of signatures, prayers and Bible verses were etched on the cross before it was raised, and a prayer service was held around it on November 3.
Currently, there are sixteen other crosses standing statewide. Mike Rozier and his team have constructed all the crosses to date and have several more in line for the future. Although the project is ongoing, much has already been completed.
When asked of the timeline for completion, Mac Durastani, who serves as the Cross of the Flatlands board president, said “We are doing it in God’s time.” Poles, lights and rocks/ bricks have been ordered. Eventually, a small parking lot will also be built.
Faye Brown, Richard Cousino, Margaret DuBois, Beth O’Reilly, Kenny Fratesi, Lisa Fratesi, Sara Hester, Elijah Smith, Bryan Thomas, Leah B. Felker, Charlotte Oliver and Rev. Tony Proctor also serve on the board, one Durastani says “is one the best he has ever served with” – and he
has “served with many.”