KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) If you’ve driven through Keene, you’ve likely seen him—the man standing beside a towering 10-foot cross at the intersection of Route 12 and Routes 9, 10, and 101. His name is Charlie Mead, and he is a familiar presence in town, either waving from the roadside or sitting in his truck. His cross, a striking landmark, offers a silent invitation to learn the story behind this local figure’s roadside vigil.

Though neuropathy takes him off his feet sometimes, it doesn’t stop him from spreading a message that saved his life. Occasionally, a passing driver will honk and wave, and Mead waves back as he continues telling his story – which he has printed out on sheets he’ll pass out to anyone who stops. Referenced at the top of the sheet is a Bible verse, Romans 10:8-13, which declares salvation for all who call upon the name of the Lord.

This has become his life mission—to tell anyone who will listen about his journey from addiction, depression, and darkness to faith, peace, and purpose in Christ.

Mead’s testimony is one of personal redemption. Despite being the owner of a successful construction business in Connecticut for years, he once battled severe addiction, a $25,000-a-year habit of drugs and alcohol that he used to numb the pain of childhood abuse and emotional wounds. At his lowest, Mead says he was “a toxic one,” constantly on the edge of death. “It’s amazing I’m still here,” he reflects, acknowledging the countless times he came close to overdosing or losing his life.

That all changed 18 years ago when Mead, of Charlestown, experienced what he describes as a divine encounter. In a moment of brokenness, a friend shared a prayer with him.  That night he read the prayer multiple times and eventually he cried out to Jesus Christ, asking for salvation. The transformation was immediate and profound.

“The day I accepted Jesus was the last day I ever drank or did drugs again,” he says. His life turned from a downward spiral into one filled with peace and purpose. Today, he lives to share this message of hope with others, driven by the belief that God can change anyone, just as He did for him, he said.

Mead began his ministry humbly, by making small wooden crosses and giving them to others. It wasn’t long before he felt called to take his faith to the streets. One night, as he prayed, he had a vision. He didn’t hear a voice, but he knew in his heart what he was called to do: carry a large cross and share the gospel with people passing by. Despite the discomfort and fear of stepping out of his comfort zone, Charlie felt an overwhelming sense of peace.

“When you have peace after what you believe is the Lord’s calling, you know it’s Him,” he explains.

He was called that first time to Claremont, and since then, to Lebanon and Keene and other towns in Vermont – it can change day to day.

For years now, Mead has stood alongside highways, holding his cross and engaging with anyone willing to listen. He’s well-known enough in town that some know his schedule.

“I always see him on Saturdays when I am headed to the dump,” said one Keene resident. He could be in his spot any other day of the week, however.

The reactions he receives are mixed—some drivers honk and wave in support, while others hurl insults or mock him. But Mead doesn’t let the negativity get to him. Instead, he responds with prayer and love, trusting that God is working behind the scenes in ways he may never see. “People think I’m crazy, but I know where I’m going. There’s no fear in this for me,” he says, emphasizing the importance of spreading light in a world he believes is increasingly dark.

His s message is simple but powerful: repentance, faith in Christ, and the reality of heaven and hell. He believes that Jesus is the only way to salvation and that everyone must come to terms with their spiritual state. “We are born into darkness, and the only way to the light is through Christ,” he says.

The pain of his past has been transformed into a tool for ministry. He openly shares about his struggles with addiction, abuse, and depression, knowing that many who pass by may be carrying similar burdens. His vulnerability is what makes his testimony so impactful. “Jesus took all my garbage, and He can take yours too,” he often tells those who stop to talk with him.

Mead also speaks of forgiveness, particularly in relation to his family. He has learned to forgive his brother for past wrongs, another example of how his faith has reshaped his relationships. And though his physical health has declined in recent years, he remains committed to his calling. At nearly 69, he has no plans to stop. “As long as I can, I’ll be out here, glorifying Him. He’s my addiction now,” Charlie says with a smile.

Each time he shares his story he is hoping that even one person might be touched by the message of the cross. Behind every interaction, he holds onto the belief that God is working in ways unseen. “You never know what’s happening behind the scenes,” he says, recalling stories of how his simple act of giving someone a cross led to deeper conversations about faith.

His presence on the roadside is more than a spectacle—it’s a living testament to the power of redemption. His journey from darkness into light is a reminder that no one is beyond saving. As he continues to sit at the junction, cross in hand, his prayer is that more people will come to know the love, peace, and transformation he found in Christ.

For Mead, it’s not about the attention or the reactions. It’s about the message. “I just want people to know how real He is,” he says. “Even if I die doing this, I know where I’m going, and that’s all that matters.”