Changed Lives

https://soundcloud.com/mybridgeradio/god-at-work-crossroads-bev

 https://soundcloud.com/mybridgeradio/god-at-work-crossroads-alena

Danny spent a lot of time in his ’84 Dodge pickup truck.  He loved that truck, and practically lived in it.  And he almost died in it – twice.

He slept in the truck once when temperatures hit a record 30-below zero – more than cold enough to kill a man – and yet he somehow survived.

Another time, he had a massive heart attack in the truck, an attack so severe he turned blue and stopped breathing several times.

By divine providence, Danny just happened to be right outside Crossroads Mission Avenue when his heart failed.  Someone saw him slumped forward over the steering wheel, ran inside and yelled, “Call 9-1-1!”

Daniel Buller, the executive director at the Mission, ran outside, round Danny lying on the ground and started CPR….and kept it up till the ambulance arrived.  Paramedics told Buller that he had certainly saved Danny’s life.

Danny, who had a long battle with intermittent homelessness and has been in and out of Crossroads for years, was grateful for the Mission’s unconditional love and support despite his ongoing struggles.

After every setback, he kept returning to Crossroads, “because I think there’s some reason I’m supposed to be here,” he said.  “I feel God has something more for me, and it’s here at Crossroads.”

Danny was saving his money to someday buy a trailer and drive across America.

“But,” he said with a laugh, “I think maybe I ought to get a newer truck.”

In the spring of 2021, we received the sad news that Danny had passed away.  We continue to share his story to honor his life and to encourage others.

Listen to Charles’ story at https://soundcloud.com/mybridgeradio/god-at-work-crossroads-3

A Nebraska winter is no time to be living on the streets. But that’s just where Kevin found himself when he lost his housing situation.

With a history of substance abuse and nowhere else to turn, he decided to give Crossroads Mission Avenue a try. He waked in, filled out an application, and wondered just how things would turn out.

Turns out, better than he could’ve imagined.

Today, Kevin is clean, responsible and excited about the path he’s on. It’s a road to better things, compared to the road to ruin he once walked.

“I don’t know where I’d be today without Crossroads,” he says. “I’m pretty sure I would have ended up going down that bad road and I wouldn’t get back again. Crossroads has really made a difference in my life.”

Kevin has taken on more responsibilities and leadership at the Mission. He helps maintain the house, supervises nightly bed checks, and holds his fellow residents accountable.

“I just try to help the other guys out,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity, and good experience.”

Kevin’s hopes for the future include getting closer to God, staying sober, and serving those who are in need. ” I’d like to become part of the staff at Crossroads,” he says.

“They’ve helped me out, and I’d like to do the same for others.”

If he could, Kevin would thank you personally for supporting the mission.

“I believe in Crossroads,” he says. “There’s not much out there that gives people hope and faith, but Crossroads has given me all that.”

Thank you for being a source of hope and faith to Kevin and so many others!

My name is Nick. Coming to Crossroads was the best decision I ever made. Because of my former related activities – things like burglaries, car thefts and possessions of drugs – I did eight years in prison. I kept thinking I would always get away with it. I figured I was both invisible and invincible. But when you’re on drugs you think you can get away with anything. Now I know how wrong-headed I was about all that, but that’s how I lived for way too long. The only time I was sober was when I was sitting in county jail or some prison.

Over the years my family tried to help me, but they finally gave up….and why not? I stole from them, and did whatever I had to do to support my habit. Then one day, God directed my steps to Crossroads Mission Avenue. As you read this it’s my prayer that I’m still walking the straight and narrow. But I know it will always be a challenge to do the right thing.

Here I’m learning more about the Christian Life

At the Mission, I have the opportunity to know what the Christian life is all about. The thing I enjoy most is the morning devotions. It’s like listening to what the Lord has to say to me every day. In the old days I would get up, look for my fix, and then decide what criminal activity I would engage in that day. Now, my thoughts each morning are focused on the Lord and the plan. He has a plan for my life today.

Finally, I want to thank you for the time, money and influence that you provided to help keep the doors of Crossroads open for someone like me. I will always be in your debt, so I hope you accept my heartfelt gratitude for helping me get back on my feet.

When I came to Crossroads back in September, I had nowhere else to go with my husband and kids. I was in such a deep depression with losing my job, our house, giving up our two wonderful dogs and losing three of my closest family members in the past year.

Crossroads Mission Center has brought me so far in so little time. They have given me the resources for personal counseling and classes to better my life when my family and I get out on our own again. All the staff is wonderful to us.

Devotion time is very spiritual to me. It lifts my spirits and gets me motivated in the morning. Also, since I have been here I have found Jesus again. On January 10th of 2010 my family and I went to church for the first time in 6 years at the North Shore Assembly of God Church. I had a spiritual, uplifting, emotional experience. I was able to finally let go of the ones I lost a year ago. I knew they were fine and doing wonderful in God’s world.

Crossroads Mission Center is a wonderful place to come and find yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. Thank you for all you have done for my family and I and for all the services you have provided.

I grew up in Columbus, NE. I was always a good kid up until I graduated high school. I joined the Marine Corps when I was 17 and was kicked out for smoking marijuana the night before I left for boot camp. After that my life was a disaster.

I began using drugs and drinking alcohol like water. I had no goals. I had no relationship with God. I spent about 2 years in jail and the night before I was to be released a buddy of mine that I met in jail told me about Crossroads.

It is an AMAZING place. I since have accepted Jesus Christ into my life and things couldn’t be better. With Jesus anything is possible.

I am a full-time college student and will earn a degree in about 2 years. It’s amazing how when you finally get saved by our Lord God, the doors and possibilities that are available to you. I never planned for my life to be like what it has. It has been tough and I now look forward to the challenges that await me. I owe this to God and to Crossroads.

When I first came to Crossroads, I was broken; financially, physically, emotionally, but mostly spiritually. The staff and volunteers at Crossroads have guided me back onto the right path, shown and taught me new skills and have treated me with the utmost respect and dignity. The Christian atmosphere and faith-based programs have not only brought me back to the Lord, but have taken me to a higher level of Christianity. God bless Crossroads and staff. They will forever be in my prayers. The community and surrounding areas are so blessed to have such an incredible facility available.

From a Case Manger:  I have had a wide variety of different types of work throughout my life. Not one of those jobs compares to the satisfaction I feel daily from working for Crossroads. My favorite part is working for the guests. Being able to help them, encourage them, support them, talk to them, lead them on the right path is priceless.  Reality of it is, Crossroads pushes me to be a better person daily and I am extremely Grateful and blessed to be apart of a Wonderfull team.

From a Guest Advocate: I enjoy working for crossroads because I love being able to help people. I have always wanted a job that actually contributes to peoples lives, instead of just being around them all day. As a GA, I get to interact with all kinds of people on many different levels. I feel my job is important because the GA’s at crossroads work hand in hand with the case managers and all staff members to help make things happen for people who previously haven’t had the same chances.

From our Executive Director: For me, working at Crossroads is both and honor and a privilege. The Bible tells us that when we stand before Jesus, he will take note of the way we have taken care of the less fortunate around us. The homeless in our communities hold a special place in the heart of Jesus, and in my heart as well. Matthew 25 says that he will say, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This makes my job at Crossroads exciting, an honor, and a privilege because I have the opportunity to serve the Lord by serving those in our community that are needing help at this time in their life. Time after time I have met and become friends with some of the coolest people I know!

From a House Manager: It is an opportunity to help other’s. It is what I enjoy most!

Maintenance Team: Daniel lets me do what I love to do. That’s why I work so many hours. It is all work that relates to the outside world. Every day is different. We have all the proper tools and if not they will get what I need. It is an opportunity to help others.

From a Program Director:  The most fulfilling work at Crossroads is to help guests appreciate what they’ve been through, accept where they’re at, and realize their future, with some effort, is going to be positive.

Kearney Thrift Store Manager: Being able to help those in need like I was helped when I first came to Crossroads. I feel like I’m making a positive difference with our community.

From our Finance Coordinator: First, unlike my former job in industry, the focus is not on squeezing out more profit. It is much more satisfying knowing Crossroads is helping those less fortunate and spreading the gospel. Second, meeting weekly with the staff to share a devotion and prayers builds the team up and gives us direction. Crossroads is supported by so many generous donors. It is important that Crossroads is a good steward of those donations. That is where I fit in, helping Crossroads be a good steward.

From our Administrative Assistant:  My passion is to serve others, I could not think of a more gratifying, rewarding job and life. I’m so grateful to our guests and to Crossroads. We really are like a family here. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12

God bless our Team!!