Jim's Story

Much happened during Jim's lengthy incarceration.  He underwent a transformation that wasn't only his saving grace spiritually, but also directly attributable to his release after serving a 20-year prison sentence.  During this time, Jim was also transformed into a master in the art of carving.  He taught himself to hand carve these detailed masterpieces.  Using legalized walrus ivory from Alaska, Jim created some of the most intricately detailed three-dimensional sculptures on earth.  Using these masterpieces as templates, the designs are then cast in silver or gold to create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Even while in prison, his works were exhibited in some of the world's top galleries and gained worldwide recognition as award-winning pieces for almost a decade. 

Kit's Story

"Ya know Doc there's only one man who walked among us that can bear that cross, and his name is Jesus."  Kit Bowen looked up from the jungle floor and acknowledged that the soldier nicknamed "Preacher" (because of his regular role as a Baptist Minister back home) was referring to the crucifix that Kit wore around his neck.  Because of their circumstances Kit tended to listen to Preacher.  Out of respect for both God and his fellow serviceman, Kit never wore another cross, until recently.  After the war, Kit, like many Veterans, spiraled deep down a path of alcohol and destructive behavior.

A New Story

When Jim and Kit reconnected, they reminisced about their childhood days.  They traded stories of the pain and anguish they'd experienced in their adult lives.  They celebrated together, the blessing of more than 20 years of sobriety.  They remarked on how both had reached out to others, Kit with fellow Veterans, and Jim through mentor programs for ex offenders.  After lunch, Kit had a commission for Jim, possibly the most important one of his life.  With a napkin and a borrowed pen, the design for The Thief on the Cross was born. 

A Crucifix for Everyone

As most of us know our Lord was crucified with two thieves, one rejected him, the other did not. The thief who accepted him was told by the lord, "This day you will be with me in paradise!"  Remembering Preacher's words in the jungles of Vietnam, Kit was moved to tears.  Finally, there was a crucifix he could wear around his neck proudly, yet with humility.  The silver cross represents all those who have come to know Christ. None of us were born believers, we all had to be witnessed to in some form or another, whether on the jungle floors of Vietnam, or in the dark and lonely depths of solitary confinement, or even in those last desperate moments of life on a cross in Jerusalem.