For 20 years, members of the Recovery Ministries at Henryetta First Church of the Nazarene have taken part in a heartfelt tradition each Good Friday: carrying a wooden cross down Main Street, sym- bolizing their gratitude for the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

This year’s Cross Walk was especially moving, marking a historic first – the cross was carried by a woman.

Elissia Sertuche, a Henryetta resident, became the first female Cross Bearer in the annual walk, making the symbolic journey from Braum’s to Rocky’s Convenience Store and back. With her 8-year-old son Spencer watching proudly, Sertuche carried the cross as both a testimony of faith and a beacon of hope for others in recovery.

“I used to carry a backpack,” Sertuche shared, “but now I carry the Cross of Jesus Christ.”

Elissia’s path to this moment has been one of remarkable transformation. After a long struggle with addiction, she is now 18 months sober – a milestone she celebrates not only with gratitude but also with active leadership in her faith community. Through her recovery, she has regained custody of her son, obtained her Oklahoma driver’s license, secured steady employment on a local construction crew, purchased a reliable vehicle and established a stable home.

Pastor Marcus Whitworth of the First Church of the Nazarene praised Sertuche’s courage and commitment: “Elissia embodies the spirit of restoration and renewal that Good Friday represents. Her willingness to share her testimony and lead others through our New Life Recovery ministry is an inspiration to everyone who sees her story unfolding.”

Sertuche now leads Tuesday night biblical NA meetings and serves as a team facilitator in the church’s New Life Recovery program – a Bible- based, Christian 12-step ministry led by Recovery Pastor Brad Campbell. The support she’s found through the Henryetta Nazarene Church has been life-changing.

“Jesus has restored my family, my faith and my purpose,” Sertuche said in a message shared with the church. “I encourage anyone who has fallen short of the life they want – it’s never too late, and you’re never too far gone. My God turned a dead end into the beginning of life.”

From a place of burden and brokenness, Sertuche now walks in faith – not alone, but with a loving church family, a healthy son by her side and a renewed purpose in guiding others to healing. Her journey, marked by grace and grit, made this year’s Good Friday walk a poignant celebration of resurrection power – not just of Christ, but of lives made new in His name.

For the Henryetta community, Elissia Sertuche’s story stands as a powerful reminder that redemption is real, hope is alive and the Cross still changes lives.