"...GOD WORKS FOR THE GOOD..." Romans 8:28

Yes, "And we KNOW that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

God works in ALL things,  the good, the bad, and the ugly, and right now it's pretty ugly with this Covid-19 Pandemic upending lives, and causing fear and uncertainty worldwide. We are not exempt from the impact here at Cross Roads, but have watched God work amazingly in our midst so that we are in very good shape to weather this storm.  It is a storm and it will pass.

The year began with the need to hire a new camp director.  Never fear, God had been working on the camp's upcoming need for over two years. It took literally five (5) minutes from the time I posted the job opening on Facebook to receiving a response from Joy Rogers.  We've known Joy and her husband Les, for many years. What we didn't know was that their heart and desire to go into retreat ministry had been growing steadily over the preceding two years. Duh!  Knowing them, and hearing their story and desire to come to Cross Roads made the decision easy.  And they jumped right in and began serving that very day.

This last year Cross Roads was blessed with an over abundance of new and old guests which allowed us to be on the best financial footing ever, and with guidance from board member Pat Baker's financial and business sense we had "stored up grain in case of a famine".

The famine came only a week or so after Joy started, in the form of the Covid-19 Pandemic.  Amid warnings to stay at home, shelter in place, social distancing, no gatherings of more than10, churches going to podcasts, etc...our bookings began to fade away until our entire Spring event schedule was wiped out.  Gratefully, many just rescheduled for later in the summer.

But, God always takes care of Cross Roads. We are OK, and we will be OK, in this pause, because it is just a pause, God is working for the good. We are excited to be in a time of preparation for the new season that is coming.  We are using this time to finish our new camp laundry and supply building, maintain the trail system, roadwork,  new signage and much more.  Cross Roads will be ready and better than ever for a new season of blessings and we can't wait to see everyone back at this special place.

May God Bless and Keep You Safe and Healthy during this time of trial... See ya' soon!

Hilda Baker

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN!

 

When Cross Roads Retreat was founded, I knew that living onsite was part of the deal and, that's the way it's "technically" been for the last 20 years.

The camp sits on 20.49 acres of it's own property, and my home is 1/4 mile up the private road on my personal property. When you have 20, 40, 60 or more guests on most weekends, somebody has to be here to take care of them at all times. I have been blessed to always be here. 

But, the Cross Road's Board of Directors realizes that it can't work like this forever, anymore than I could run the camp forever.  Jeremy Hellums, the new director, is a Godsend, but while...

He can have my job, he needs his own residence!  

A house for the current and future directors, on camp property, is required to meet the industry standard for liability, care taking, and compensation purposes. All camps have a member of management live onsite. Plus, the house will free up the tiny cabin for use by our larger guest groups.
 

We believe you'll enjoy this short VIDEO that Jeremy prepared fully explaining how God orchestrated his plan in the past, present and for the future of the Cross Roads Retreat.  

Please join us in thanking God for what He has done in so many lives through the Cross Roads Retreat and in claiming his provision for all He still intends to do through Cross Roads way into the future.

Thank you, for prayerfully considering how God may be calling you to take part in this exciting step into the future! 

The Cross Roads Retreat, 255 Cross Road, Caldwell, TX 77836 or click on this link  to make an on-line Donations .  

WOO HOO GOD!

The end of April, and Carol's retirement date of July 31st was rushing toward us. Cross Roads Retreat was once again in the position of finding a person to continue the ministry.

The position was placed with an employment agency, to no avail.  Internet searches didn't turn up anyone with the wide assortment of skills needed for the opportunity being offered. We joined the Christian Camping and Conference Association in hopes of finding someone through their Staff Recruiting Center, but once again, lots of folks, but, no one with all the qualifications, or interest in, the multi-faceted job at Cross Roads.

I was quite literally paralyzed.  I didn't even know where to look at that point and had no choice but to just wait upon the Lord.

Interminably long weeks passed before my daughter, Nina, called and told me that she felt like God was telling her to tell me that we needed to pray over the camp.  That through the years thousands of people had passed through the gates of Cross Roads, and many had left their emotional baggage on these grounds.  That baggage needed to be prayed over and tossed out.  We needed to start over - clean.

One Sunday, Nina, my husband Pat, and our friend Erica from our church, Area 3:16; gathered at the camp and we prayed.  We anointed every building, the walls, windows, doors, grounds, we prayed over it all to renew, purify, rededicate and reclaim Cross Roads for Christ. We asked that any evil baggage that might have been lingering here to be laid at the foot of the cross and covered by the blood of Christ.  We welcomed the Holy Spirit back in full force to Cross Roads.

The next morning I received an unsolicited email.  It was from a man who had heard about the opportunity at Cross Roads through a mutual friend.  He did not say who that friend was.  He was currently serving as a Student Minister, had served twelve (12) summers in the camping ministry, and of those he had been full time staff for three (3) years.  He stated he had a heart for camp and retreat ministry. He assisted with website, marketing and community outreach. He represented the camp at conventions, job fairs, recruiting and other public events. He is gifted in the area of relationship building and likes to cook.

As I read this, my excitement grew and I struggled to maintain a professional, cautiously optimistic objectivity. Then I saw his signature.  His name was Jeremy Hellums.  No, I did not know him. Yes, my maiden name is Hellums.  I nearly fell off my chair.  I turned to husband, Pat, who is a statistician and asked him what the odds were...he replied, "there are none."  We sat in awe - speechless wonder - at what God seemed to be doing.

I contacted Jeremy immediately and set up a meeting for that very afternoon with him and his wife, Kari.  While walking the trails I told him that my maiden name was Hellums, and as it turns out, we share the same Great-great-grandfather. 

A memory flashed through my mind. A few weeks before all of this came about, the leader of a women's group at the camp came up to me saying she had a word from the Lord for me.  She said, "The Lord told me to tell you that because of your faithfulness many generations of your family will be blessed."  

As if I needed any more confirmation, Jeremy's wife, Kari, is a 3rd grade teacher. Their family was already in the process of moving to Kari's hometown of Milano, which is a few miles up the road from Cross Roads.  Her parents still live there, and she hoped to secure a position with the school district. 

God had a plan for Cross Roads Retreat generations ago.   

On August 1st, the Reverend Jeremy Hellums will answer God's call to become the new Director of Cross Roads Retreat.  

All glory to God.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

They say build it and they will come. Well “they” are coming more than ever before! So far, 15 Churches are bringing approximately 700 souls to Cross Roads Retreat during the first 6 months of 2015, making this the strongest start of any year – ever.

Unbelievable, right?  Well, check out this link to the Cross Roads calendar.http://crossroadsretreat.org/booking#calendar  Catholics, Episcopals, Non-D’s, Interdenominational Organizations, Bible Churches, men’s ministries, women’s ministries, mixed ministries,  youth ministries and others are lined up and headed our way.

Yep, we’ve “got a tiger by the tail; it’s plain to see”. It’s a good thing that we know that the Holy Spirit is out in front of us on this one. He has shown us time and time again that He sends us the people we need. We thank Him for their gifts of service and pray that you, too,  will consider serving here.

If so, we’ll make it easier than ever, and more fun! The Baker’s Cottage, a cute little three-bedroom house, is now available at no charge for kitchen helpers to stay in or to take breaks in. It has Wi-fi, satellite TV, and comfy beds. If you want any more info on how this opportunity

Most of all, Cross Roads needs your prayers. Please pull up the Cross Roads calendar, read the names of the churches that are coming, and pray about whether or not God is calling you to help serve those He is sending here. Ours is a supporting role to the Holy Spirit, who is the main character. We pray that you feel His call to serve by helping prepare just one meal or two, or that you and your friends want to spend a weekend here in His service.

We pray that you will make serving the Lord through the Cross Roads Retreat a part of your New Year’s Resolution!

Praying for you to join us in a making 2015 a memory making, miracle filled NEW YEAR!

Thank you, we love you and God bless you from all of us at the Cross Roads! 

works, drop us a line, or gives us a call! (979) 567-7974 

 

Introducing...

The Board of Directors of the Cross Roads Christian Retreat is pleased to announce Sherri Carsner as the new Camp Manager. Sherri moved to the Caldwell area several years ago from Paris, Texas and is proud to let you know that she is 100% Navajo, a champion barrel racer, and the mother of three wonderful grown children.

She has associate degrees in both business and science, an extensive background in office management, experience volunteering, recruiting helpers, and supervising kitchens, plus, general maintenance skills learned while growing up on a ranch.  A range of experience uniquely qualifying Sherri for the Camp Manager position.

Multi-talented, energetic, and versatile, Sherri is a real go-getter, and feels like God has used all of the things she's done throughout her life to prepare her for her role at Cross Roads and we do, too! 

As a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, Cross Roads operates primarily with volunteers. Our volunteers are the heart (and face) of the Cross Roads ministry and that will never change.  These dedicated folks will continue working side by side with Sherri as they witness Christ's love to each of the over 1,500 yearly guests who come here from churches throughout central Texas. 

If you think you might like to join our volunteer program, pray about it, check the online calendar to see if there is a weekend you'd like to come out to help with one or more meals, then shoot us an email and let us know.  It's that easy to be a blessing and be blessed in return!

For those of you who know Hilda Baker and may be concerned about rumors of her retiring, relax!  Hilda has no intention of retiring, but is looking forward to having more time with her children and grandchildren, as Sherri transitions into handling the majority of the day-to-day operations at Cross Roads. 

We humbly ask that you pray for Sherri Carsner, as she boldly steps into her new role as Camp Manager, for Hilda as she and Sherri work to find a good balance, for Carol Moreland our beloved Minister Of Meals (MOM) who anticipates retiring at the end of July 2015, for the Cross Roads ministry as a whole, and for those still to come along side of us on the next leg of this amazing, Spirit led, journey!  

WE ARE HIRING!

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Camp Manager

Reports to: Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board

Position Summary:

If  you love the outdoors,  working with your hands, radical hospitality, believe food is LOVE, and you have the talent to build a team of like-minded dynamic people to work with, then look no more!  This is not just a job, but a lifestyle, requiring someone passionate about helping people encounter Christ. (An ideal ministry for a couple)

Essential Functions

• Site, grounds, building & equipment maintenance
• Oversee Camp rentals and build relationships with customers
• Supervise Food Services and recruit, and lead a dynamic volunteer  kitchen team
• Be the face of the camp - modeling radical hospitality
• Communication and Reporting to the Camp Board and the Chairman of the Board
• Recruit and lead volunteer project teams

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma required, with some college or technical school training preferred.

Experience:

• Proven leadership in a volunteer led organization.
• Proven experience recruiting and managing volunteers.
• Proven ability to problem solve quickly and must have excellent customer service skills.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Must be detail-oriented with strong administrative, organizational, and management skills.
• Outstanding leadership, relational, communication skills and must be able to relate well with all ages.
• Ability to be a team player with a positive attitude who enjoys and adapts well to change.
• Must be a self-starter with a basic knowledge & skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, mechanics, general maintenance repairs and food service.
• Have basic computer skills and be familiar with Microsoft Word, Email and the Internet.
• Excel experience though not required, would be an asset.
• Must possess valid Texas driver's license, reliable transportation
• Be capable of operating a range of equipment.

Other Certifications Needed Include:

• Food Handler's Certificate
• First Aid Training
• CPR Certification

Spiritual:

• Mature Christ followers with a calling to full time ministry
• Willing and able to spiritually care for and develop others
• Be able to share your faith stories in a way to inspire others to know and follow Jesus
• Desire and commitment to growing in your walk with Christ

Compensation

• Salary negotiated based on respective responsibilities of each individual
• A one bedroom cabin, on site, with all utilities and internet for weekend use or to live on site
• Travel reimbursement for work related tasks
• Paid vacation time available
  
  

Email Resume to:    info@crossroadsretreat.org 

or

USPS: 

Cross Roads Retreat 

Attn: Hilda Baker 

255 Cross Road 

Caldwell, TX 77836

No phone calls please.

Silence Is Golden

30 College kids chose to attend a 5 day SILENT spiritual retreat on their Spring Break.
What an amazing testimony!


Made possible by volunteers:

Zahra & Jesse Brown
Mary Stevens
Jerry & Stephanie Ashlock
Sally Miller and
Pat Baker

You ARE the hands and feet of Christ. You ARE the ministry of Cross Roads and you ARE appreciated!