We cannot begin to express how eager we are to begin this journey with the faith family at Crosspoint. From both of our perspectives, the idea of serving as a pastor with Crosspoint is something we would have never thought of stepping into. With that in mind we are amazed at how God has woven this opportunity to serve Him together as a family and look forward to how he will further his Kingdom in Eureka through Crosspoint’s youth ministry.

Sarah and I come from very different backgrounds. She grew up in a family that went to church every Sunday and on Wednesday’s she went to Hype. For awhile she thought that was enough. She figured if she attended church, prayed before meals and in the evenings, and lived as a “good person” it would be enough to win God’s affection and favor. Sarah came to a saving faith in 2011 around the same time she went on a missions trip to Mississippi with Hype where she was baptized.  I grew up with a mentality that God didn’t exist. I despised any idea of organized religion and thought faith was foolish. After six years of struggling with heavy drug addiction and identity issues, I came to a saving faith in Christ in March 2012 while in drug and alcohol treatment in Bloomington, IL.

In July 2012, Erik Johnson asked me and my friend Dan to share our stories at Crosspoint over three weeks. It would be during the first of these I would meet Sarah. After a week, we thought it wise to begin dating and are very grateful for the friends that guided us through the process. In February 2014, I asked Sarah to marry me (she said yes!) and we were married on August 30, 2014. Marriage has been hard. We are just getting started and God has continually displayed his grace and faithfulness as we continue to pursue Christlikeness together. As of February 2016, we have been parents. Wow. This is crazy. Having a son (Leon) has been both incredible and tough, but it’s in the tough times where we have seen the faithfulness of God more and more.

As we consider what it looks like to serve as Crosspoint, there is one word that comes to mind; flourish. As we serve, we want to flourish in Jesus. We want to see the Hype leaders, parents, and students flourish in Jesus. Honestly, we would love to see this community flourish in Jesus to the point where the walls of apathy fall and we see an authentic community of people from all walks of life where Christ is lifted up as King. We look forward to joining you in the commission Christ has for us.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts”  – Colossians 3:15-16

Serving with you,

Jon Watts