TIFTON — Red ribbons are popping up on mailboxes, lamp posts, and trees all over town, thanks to the Red Ribbon Mission.

This Facebook group was started by Andi Phillips after she and her husband Lance were inspired by seeing people in other counties tie red ribbons on street signs as a statement of faith and belief that “God was still in control and has the master plan in the midst of this worldly chaos” brought on by the COVID- 19 pandemic, said Phillips.

According to Phillips, the red ribbons “remind us of the Israelites in the Bible who painted their door posts with lambs’ blood as an act of faith that the plagues of Egypt would pass over them” which is found in the book of Exodus.

“We love this statement of faith and we wanted all believers to be encouraged and reminded that there is power in the blood of Jesus,” said Phillips. “God is still in control. Proverbs 3:5 says ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not lean on your own understanding.’ So after much prayer and seeking direction from God, the Red Ribbon Mission was born.”

Phillips says the group was originally meant to be just a local group and a way to spread a little hope and Jesus to “neighbors.” Phillips only invited about 10 friends in the beginning, mainly ladies that she goes to Bible study with on Friday nights.

“But God had other plans,” said Phillips “In just one week, the group had over 100,00 members and from multiple states and even other countries. My husband and I never envisioned this, but God always has a plan and his plan is always perfect. We are just the ship; God is the captain. It has been amazing to watch believers from all walks of life and backgrounds unite together under the name of power of Jesus Christ.”

To join the Red Ribbon Mission, participants can put up red ribbons anywhere, such as mailboxes, porch railings or posts, and front doors. The page states that if a participant does not have red ribbon, they can get creative, using examples like red scars, a red belt, red pillow or Christmas bows.

“Help us flood cities across America and the world with red ribbons. Let’s declare God is still in control and there’s power in the blood of Jesus,” said Phillips.