Our Story
Back in 1985, the PalmCross® idea evolved from a team experience when Ron Foht was commissioned as lay leader for a three-day retreat.  He carved the PalmCross® to symbolize the power of prayer and unity as each team member either delivered a talk or prayed in the chapel while holding a cross in the palm of their hand.  The cross was shaped from walnut, and he didn't have time to apply a finish before the retreat because he ran out of time!  After the weekend, Ron was amazed to see that the character of the cross had changed, mainly because the wood had absorbed the oils from the hands of the many people who prayed with it.  Each person had truly become part of the cross!  What an example of community prayer!

Then in early 1997, Ron's job of 30 years began to disintegrate due to downsizing and competition. While investigating buying into a franchise, someone asked if ever he had created something not seen elsewhere.  Ron and his wife Elaine sought God's direction, and their prayer was answered.  By December of 1997, they received copyrights and trademarks on the PalmCross® design, shape, and name and proceeded to make and sell the cross to family, friends, and the public.  Very soon they began to receive letters and phone calls from people sharing what the PalmCross® meant to them.  Ron and Elaine realized that the Lord had given them a wonderful job and a fulfilling ministry at the same time!

In 2000 Joe & Deena Rogers experienced their three day weekend retreat, just as Ron had previously.  In 2008 Joe was lay leader for a similar three day retreat, and received his PalmCross® from that weekend.  In 2011, Deena received her PalmCross® from her turn as lay leader at another weekend.  Both have cherished their PalmCrosses ever since.

In late 2018 Joe experienced a similar downsizing from his job and began to look for other opportunities.  Then in 2019, Joe discovered ByRon PalmCross was no longer producing crosses after retirement and contacted Ron to see what had happened with the business.  After getting to know one another and some prayerful consideration, the decision was made to purchase the business assets and move production to Kansas.  In September 2019 PalmCross®  re-opened in Kansas with Joe & Deena Rogers at the helm.  This is truly a ministry & blessing and one we hope to continue and share for many years to come!

You are invited to use your PalmCross® as a symbol of the power of prayer in your life.  It may be used for all occasions: personal prayer, during times of stress and challenge, illness, special occasions - such as birth, baptism, marriage, First Communion, anniversaries, retirement, retreat team formation, and anytime you truly want to give a part of yourself.  We welcome you to keep your PalmCross® accessible so it remains a symbol of Christ's presence and power through your community of believers.