'Scripture Signs' Ministry Reaching Thousands

FENCE, Wis.
Complimentary Story
   This article is meant to inform the readers of Wisconsin Christian News about our ministry, “Scripture Signs.”  My wife and I first started making and giving away these Bible verse signs in 2005, placing two along a state highway near our home.  We painted the verses on 4X8  sheets of plywood. They really didn't hold up that well; the paint peeled. 

   We stopped and looked at many signs along the highway and discovered most were made of material other than paint and wood. We visited signage companies to learn what they were using and where the materials could be purchased. The new materials out there are amazing as to their durability and attractiveness.  By this time we were getting help and encouragement from other Christians who also thought this would be a good way to have the Word of God put out for all the world to see. (Read Isaiah 55: 10 - 11). 

   We have been praying all along as to the idea that maybe the Lord would have us do this as long as we could find places, as long as He would provide places, to put the Bible verse signs. As we were receiving donations from time to time and spending more and more money on the materials (a 4 X 8 sign cost about $200 just for the materials), we were encouraged to apply for the IRS 501 c 3 tax status which we were granted in 2011, retroactive to 2009. 

   That one word, “retroactive,” caused us so much grief down the road because we immediately were found to learn # 1, go to school or  # 2, by trial-and-error, mostly error.  My way had almost always been way # 2.  We did lose our 501 c 3 status shortly after receiving it.  But by God’s grace, regained it after a couple of years of prayer and more prayer.

   On August 7, 2014 it was reinstated retroactive to November 25 2013.  By now we were “all in.”  We believed that this was what the Lord would have us do.  Not just because He brought us through a time of great discouragement.  But even so much more, we were meeting so many Christians who wanted to display Bible verses publicly — pointing to Jesus Christ as the one and only way to God the Father. That  He, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and equally important, that we must be born again to enter Heaven. 

   My wife Lori and I were married in 1980.  In 1983 we had so much trial and error, mostly error (sin) in our lives, that something had to give.  At the same time there were people in our lives that were praying for us, trying to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with us, especially 1 Corinthians 15: 1 - 4 and all of Romans, the Gospel of John and just plain loving us beyond reason.

   So by their faithful witness and because of the grace of God in Christ Jesus, in the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the Lord saved us!  We now have three daughters and seven grandchildren. 

   In mid 2017, I retired after working in the woods as a logger for 35 years and then as the Town Road overseer for 5 years. We are active in our church, Family Baptist Church in Kingsford, Michigan, having attended there for more than 20 years.

   We are resolved to continue this effort as long as the Lord keeps providing the opportunity. Our resolve is tested often, the Lord keeps us in dependence on Him. The blessings of meeting and praying with so many Christians along the way is so encouraging. In this past year He has made it possible for us to place 17 signs 5 - 4x4,  8 - 4 x 8, 1 - 4 x 10 and 3 - 5 x 10.  The signs are FREE and we put them up for free. 

   We operate on donations, and the donations are tax-exempt.  So far, since 2005,  we have put up about 80 signs in seven different states. There has been minimal opposition.  Some locations require a permit but most do not.  

   If you are reading this and have a question or comment, or may be interested in a Bible verse sign for a location you know of, feel free to call me at 715-336-2844. The two verses that we use are John 14:6 and John 3:3.  We realize that in the short time there is for a passerby to read a sign along a highway, we cannot give the whole gospel message.  We also believe that most people will make some effort to know what they are looking at, plain curiosity will draw their attention. Every verse in the Bible is profitable. These two are very (to the heart) — both convicting and encouraging to simple man.  I am continually reminded to keep the first thing first.  In John chapter 6 verses 28 and 29 the Bible says, “then said they on to Him, what shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them oh, this is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He has sent.”  
 
Tom Harrison  •  Scripture Signs Incorporated
386 Struts Road  •  Fence, Wisconsin 54120
715-336-2844

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