Most of us have grown accustomed to a certain type of Christmas story - one with frilly bows, pretty boxes, cookies and milk, and loved ones coming together to leave you feeling warm and cozy on the inside. Curt McCrummin’s story is different.
Read MoreGod gave us the “ministry of reconciliation” so that He could reconcile the world to himself in Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:18). He gives us this sweet opportunity to work alongside Him and other believers to strengthen, encourage, and grow the church. This summer some of our church members were able to take this opportunity in one of our first family-friendly mission trips to El Paso, Texas.
Read More“I remember feeling this was an impossible task. But God said it wasn’t. If we will give God our hands, he will give us what we need to do his work.”
I recently had the privilege to meet Faye. Faye has been a member of Church at the Cross for 44 years and has led a Life Group for 23 years, from age 50-73 called the Grace Class
Read MoreIn order to gain approval from his new college friends, Josh threw himself into moral ambiguity, following their path to pleasure. In a difficult moment, Josh found himself at the mercy of God. He fell to his knees in prayer for the first time in several years.
Read MoreMike and Laurie Heath already had two children when their son, Kevin was born. Their son, Jason, was about six, and their daughter, Bethany, was about four. They thought they knew what to expect. However, a short time after Kevin’s birth, they got unexpected news.
Read MoreMike would typically get up, have his morning coffee, and have a devotional time with his Bible. When Kevin got up early, he would get a cup of hot chocolate, grab his beloved Bible, and sit reading near Mike. The Heaths knew that Kevin was mimicking Mike’s behavior just like any child would, but deep in their hearts, they wondered if more was going on. They prayed that Kevin would know, understand, and accept the gospel. They also prayed that when he did, God would allow them to know about it.
Read MoreSome of us know have felt the frustration of the airlines losing our luggage. Whether on vacation or a business trip, this can be a major setback and leave us annoyed at best. But how many of us know what it’s like when an airline loses your luggage upon landing in an unfamiliar country across the world where you plan to be living for several months?
Read MoreShe thought about how often she seeks to keep peace and avoid making presumptions. She felt the Holy Spirit telling her, “You are free. Buy a study Bible for your friend and give it to her.” As she tuned back into the sermon, she remembers JR asking, “Are we going to be obedient to what God has us to do? When the opinion of the one who matters most, matters most to you, then you’re unlocking your prison of everyone else’s approval.” She confessed to God, “Your approval matters most to me and what you asked me to do matters.” She felt the Lord responded with, “Yes, I want you to buy her the Bible, but it’s from me, not from you.”
Read More“Fine, I will learn this book called the Bible, and I will use it to defend myself against these ‘Christians’. I will know it better than them and prove that they are wrong.”
Read MoreAlthough meeting digitally was not the same as in-person, Jason continued to pursue people under his care regularly with intentionality until they felt comfortable to gather in person. When that Sunday finally came, there was much anticipation. The group dearly missed each other's presence.
Read More“It was about three years ago now that I was sent to a place called Cenikor, a long-term rehab program. Charlyn, my girlfriend at the time, dropped me off. When we were saying goodbye, I honestly thought it was our last. Making the long 100ft walk to the doors is when it hit me. It’s just me now.”
Read More“It really wasn’t a decision we had to weigh. There was a need and we were able to meet it, so we offered,” said Gayle and Duane when asked what compelled them to open their homes. “It is our responsibility to care for our community and we are thrilled that God has blessed us with a home where we are easily able to do this. It’s certainly no five-star hotel, but it’s warm and filled with love and care for each other.”
Read MoreOur God is one of the intimate details. He uses his people to accomplish his care for the vulnerable, the weary, and the lost. Every step of the work had disruptions, but God was using these diversions to form relationships, to show people his love through his Church, and to carry out his plan. God is not far away. He is near to the brokenhearted. He may not be working in a way that seems obvious to you or to me, but he is working none the less, and his work is perfect.
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