The Man behind the Jesus Billboards

Teresa Neumann : Oct 7, 2011
Jesse Bogan - St. Louis Today

He's been fascinated with the name of Jesus since he was a toddler.

(Wildwood, Mo.)—Bryan Brand is a 67-year-old self-made millionaire who is crazy about advertising for Jesus, particularly in the form of billboards, banners, bumper stickers and yard signs.

In a report in St. Louis Today, Brand talks about his fascination with the name of Jesus, saying he used to stare at His name when he was a toddler.

Indeed, after hearing God speak clearly to him about advertising His name, Brand said putting anything else on signs other than the name "Jesus" would "lessen the impact." (Photo: Stephanie S. Cordle scordle@post-dispatch.com)

Brand reportedly wept at the initial sight of the first sign that went up near Six Flags St. Louis on Interstate 44. "It looked so big and beautiful," he said, "I couldn't safely see to drive."

The article goes into detail about Brand's faith journey, his constant pursuit of Christ, his founding of the "Jesus Name Project" and how his ministry has evolved into the present. The report also gives some testimonies of people who have been impacted over the years by seeing the name "Jesus" on a billboard.

"Where people have gotten used to seeing crosses, they are a little less used to seeing great big names of Jesus," said Thomas J. Davis, a professor at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University. "There is a specificity there now."

Click on the link provided to read more about Brand's ministry.