In 2017, we began sharing in our Sunday program, evidences of God’s grace and work in the life of Crosspoint and our community.  Below, are the evidences (July-September 2019) collected into one post.  May these lead us to an attitude of thankfulness to and worship of our God who is at work, not only through us, but in us.  You can read past evidences here.

 

9/29

This year, we’re seeking to multiply our community group options.  One new option that we’re trying out is groups of 3-4 people, who are meet bi-weekly, and read and discuss a book together.  These smaller groups provide flexibility in scheduling, and greater interaction and sharing.  We are encouraged that 7 new men’s groups (with a total of 25 men) have started, and are engaged in studying the book ‘The Shepherd Leader at Home.’  In early 2020, we’ll be launching new groups again.

9/22

We’re in a message series right now called, Freedom, which is through the book of Galatians.  Earlier this year, we received this testimony from a Crosspointer, who was celebrating 30 days (and counting) of sobriety.  They wrote, “I’m back in step. It feels good.  Every day the moment I wake up I get on my knees and ask for His help to surrender it all.”  Thank you Lord, for how the one true Gospel brings freedom from both the penalty of sin, and the power of sin.  He is able!

9/15

This morning, we are living an evidence of God’s grace.  Today, we are praying for and commissioning the launch team for a new church plant in Minonk, called Redeemer Community Church.  Over 16 years ago, Crosspoint launched its first Sunday service.  And we prayed that one day, we might be a ‘church planting church.’  The Lord has answered that prayer, through a greater Kingdom partnership with fellow churches.  The Lord has been faithful and His timing is perfect.  All glory to Him alone!

9/8

This past Sunday, we began a new safety plan at Crosspoint.  As God’s people, we are not to be a people ruled or driven by the fear of ‘what if’, and yet we also want to be wise, prudent, and loving in insuring that we are proactive in our planning and preparation, and specifically, our protection of children.  We are thankful for the leadership of Crosspointers like Bill Lapp, Sam Amick, and many other servants who have both led and gone through training to help us grow in this area

9/1

It is deeply encouraging to catch wind of how brothers and sisters in the family of God are quietly and faithfully (without looking for fanfare or the praise of man), serving one another.  Preparing meals, writing notes and cards, lending physical help, offering their presence to encourage and lift up.  Church family, let’s continue to grow in our love and dedication to one another.  May it reflect Jesus’ love toward us and be a God-glorifying witness to the world.  Galatians 6:9-10.

8/25

In our Sunday service on August 11, those gathered spent time in small groups, asking for prayer, confessing sin, bearing each other’s burdens, and praying with one another.  We are thankful for how the Lord was leading that day, and how He is at work, deepening our fellowship in the Gospel of God’s grace.  Let’s continue to express our prayerful dependence with one another, not only on Sunday mornings, but as a way of life.  He is able and He is good!  James 5:16.

8/18

Thank you Lord, for the SonChasers team of leaders and servants!  This team of disciplemakers are committing to join in the mission of making disciples of Jesus who live devoted to Jesus, dedicated to one another, and driven to reach people.  We love to see their joy, endurance, and passion to see the reach and prepare the next generation.  Father, continue to raise up your people to join in this mission, and may you cause the growth, as they plant and water in the year ahead.

8/11

We love to see God’s people walking by faith.  This summer, we’ve had several leaders and members taking a step of faith, by preaching a Sunday morning message.  Ben Martin, Steven Sauder, Joel Zehr, Brad Leman, and Phil Cooper have all been willing to walk by faith and prepare and preach a message from the book of James.  We have been encouraged, by not only their teaching, but their faithfulness to the Word and to the Lord.  Father, thank you for how you equip the Body of Christ to minister to the Body of Christ.

8/4

Over the summer, several Hype students have engaged to both Ascend summer camp and Mission Peoria.  For each of those students, Crosspoint households have put together care packages to demonstrate love and support for them.  Most students have been joyfully surprised by these gifts of love.  Thank you Crosspoint family for your generosity, and desire to be dedicated to one another in the faith family!

7/28

This past week, 9 Hype students and 5 Hype leaders served at a week-long mission experience called Mission Peoria.  We love to see how the next generation and its leaders are desiring to give of their time and energy to show and tell of the Good News of Jesus Christ!  May the love of Christ that we have experienced as His people, continue to compel us to live as Christ’s ambassadors.  May we live as witnesses for Him, from our hometowns to the ends of the earth, and everywhere in between.

7/21

Recently Hype Student Ministry launched back into meeting and gathering on a regular basis.  After their kick-off event, we got this testimony from a household newer to Crosspoint, “My cousin’s daughter invited my daughter to Hype last night. She had a lot of fun! She wants to start going now, which I am thankful for. It’s just another sign that we are where God wants us to be.”  Thank you Lord for how students are reaching out to students.  May you do great work in and through the next generation, in the year ahead.

7/14

We rejoice at the Lord providing a home for Erik and Bree and the Johnson family.  The Johnson family is moving to Minonk this summer, as they, and others, prepare to launch a new church called ‘Redeemer Community Church.’  We love to see the Lord’s faithfulness unfold in the lives of others, and how He is leading, as they are walking by faith.  Thank you Father for your continued provision and shepherding.

7/7

On Sunday, June 23, we prayed over and commissioned Mike Troth as a new elder at Crosspoint.  Mike is joining the existing team of Brad Leman, Ben Martin, Dave Steinbeck, and Joel Zehr.  We are grateful to see the Lord call Mike to be a fellow shepherd and overseer for the faith family at Crosspoint.  We are encouraged by his commitment to both sound doctrine and allowing the truth of Scripture to shape his way of life in Christ.