LIVE OAK, Fla. — Fred Criss is still praying for people.

While Criss, now 86 years old, is no longer stationed at the Nott Circle Roundabout on Friday mornings praying for those leaving or entering the City of Live Oak, he is still spreading God’s word. He just has a new location.

Now a resident at Suwannee Health and Rehab Center in Live Oak, Criss has been named the honorary chaplain for nursing and rehab facility. He received the honor in a small ceremony Oct. 30.

“You’ll be surprised what’s out there for people who want to give of themselves,” Criss said, adding he’s already known around the building. “The first thing they mentioned, the circle. ‘I know who you are. You’re the man at the circle praying for everybody.’

“That’s what counts. Make a name for yourself for Jesus. So when people see you coming around the corner, they think it’s Jesus.”

Wes Tanksley, the pastor at Live Oak Church of God, said God is using Criss’ stay at Suwannee Health and Rehab as a benefit for others.

“A lot of times when we’re being used for the glory and honor of God, it’s always someone else he has to find,” Tanksley said.

“There’s a lot of people that don’t use their gifts. They give up and they quit. You have not quit and you have not given up.”

In addition to a cross lapel pin, the Live Oak Church of God had another gift for Criss in his new role.

Much like the sign he used to hold during his 14 years in the roundabout, letting passers-by know that he was praying for them, church members made a “Praying for you” sign to affix to Criss’ walker, letting his fellow residents at Suwannee Health and Rehab know what Criss’ mission is.

Criss, who also worked in prison ministry in South Georgia and North Florida for more than 35 years, said he already has been praying for people in the hallways.

“I really and truly enjoy it,” Criss said.