Thank You

Merry Christmas, everyone! Now that the halls have been decked, the presents have been unwrapped, we’ve spent time with our people, as we begin to get back in to the normal rhythms of daily life, I want to take a moment to say, “thank you.”

Our annual mug sales were a huge success, again! We’ve sold out again this year raising over $15,000 for International Justice Mission! That’s incredible. $15,000 means a year of after care services for widows and orphans. $15,000 means fewer women and children are living in fear of losing their homes and/or their lives. $15,000 dollars also means training for 150 police officers, strengthening the justice system in Uganda! I’m so thankful for our partnership with IJM and the work they’re doing. God is moving in big ways and we get to be a part of it.

You’ve given the gift of hope, progress and change this holiday season. Thank you.

I also want to thank our volunteers. None of this could have been done without the help of our amazing volunteers. It takes a ton of planning, hands and preparation to get ready for these weekends. Thank you for your time, your willingness to serve and your great attitudes. Thank you for your help over that last three weeks. I am so thankful for the team of volunteers behind me.

It’s been an amazing year in Missions. We’ve seen God move in incredible ways. I can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store for us! So grateful to be in this with you!

Lisa Adams
Director of Missions

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Waiting

I love this time of year. I love the smell of Christmas Trees, catching snowflakes on the tongue, all the sparkly gold ribbons everywhere, getting updates from friends and family near and far. It’s a the time of year when things seems to slow down and the world feels smaller, in the best possible way.

However, this season is hard for many of us. Weather it be saying goodbye to a loved one, strained relationships, a medial diagnosis, financial struggle, or uncertain futures, we’ve all had our share of struggle in the midst of “the most wonderful time of the year.”  In the face of those realities, it’s often hard to wait for things to get better, to turn around, to get some relief.

And isn’t that exactly what Advent is? The waiting? The uncomfortable anticipation of the One who has come to fulfill the prophesy. The One who’s come to make all things new?

This year, I’m mindful of, and praying for those people here and around the world who are waiting: for relief, for a better days, for God’s promise to be fulfilled. This year, I’m praying for those widows and orphans who live in fear of losing their homes and lives. I’m praying for the people who are enslaved, oppressed, and in the margins.

I pray with a hopeful heart that because of Jesus all chains have been broken. That the wait is over,the promise is fulfilled!

I encourage you to join me as I pray for those people who feel lost and forgotten this year. I also want to encourage you to join the movement of Jesus-like people doing Jesus like stuff, and find a way, either locally or globally, to bring relief to the people who are desperately waiting for something to happen. Volunteer in your community, sponsor a child, go on a mission trip!

A great way to help those who are being marginalized is by buying a Christmas mug! This is the last weekend we are selling them. 100% of the profit is going to support International Justice Mission!  Help bring hope and relief to those who are waiting on it!

Next week is Christmas, and we’d love it if you would invite someone to one of our Christmas Services with you. You can find the times and locations, here.  Let’s celebrate the One who came to change everything.  Can’t wait to see you!

Lisa Adams
Director of Missions

International Justice System

It’s that time of year when Crossroads kicks off our annual mug sales. We sell gorgeous, handmade mugs made right here in St. Paul! Each year, we use the profits of these sales to support one of our Mission Partners. Last year, it was World Vision. This year, the money is going to support International Justice Mission!

We are excited to announce a new partnership with an IJM office in Uganda! The money from these mugs will help the IJM staff in Uganda provide a year of after care support for widows, and orphans affected by property grabbing as well as train 150 police officers to strengthen the already existing justice system in Uganda. To read more about our new partnership and the mugs, click here.

We are so excited for you to see these mugs. They are gorgeous, and they’ll make a great gift for someone you love….or for yourself. The money supports a local, family owned company andsupports the amazing work of the staff of IJM who seek justice for the world’s most vulnerable people. To read more about International Justice Mission, click here. 

Lisa Adams
Director of Missions and Care