At night and on the weekends, Christopher Slater, who is a consultant for www.316StrategyGroup.com, heads to the garage workshop of his west Omaha home and carefully handcrafts various sizes and shapes of crosses, a symbolic reminder of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the intersection of God’s love and His justice. Christopher’s creations are extraordinary because they are personal keepsakes for friends, family and customers who seek his handmade works of art.
Above the workbench where he shapes the metal with a hammer and grinder, one of his favorite verses is written on the wall;
“As iron sharpens iron; so one person sharpens another.”
– Proverbs 27:17
It’s an appropriate Scripture for a Christian who works with copper, wood and other various materials to create the unique crosses. “At 316, we surround ourselves with iron every day in the business world, and encourage others to do the same. At home, my family and friends are my iron.”
Christopher often adds a well-thought-out Scripture or prayer and attaches it to the crosses that he creates. “I almost always have made the crosses with the specific person in mind. They are individual projects, labors of love. I’ve given them as Christmas gifts and for special occasions. With almost every cross, the Bible verse or prayer that I have included is appropriate for the particular person and illustrates the relationship we have,” he said. For customers who buy his pieces, he encourages them to do the same.
