I know what you’re thinking: “Why should I participate in the Southern Baptist Convention’s Crossover 2009 in Louisville? Is it just another event to add to my already busy calendar? Can I really make a difference? What’s in it for me? I only want to invest my time and resources in things that I can measure in a visible return.”
Stop. Let me challenge you to be a part of something with eternal consequences and is an eternal investment. From my personal experience of Crossover involvement, I can convince you that it is not a waste of your time. Here’s why:
Lives will be saved. Two weeks ago in Indianapolis, approximately 500 volunteers participated in Crossover 2008. Their work resulted in 759 salvations—what a return on their investment.
Communities will be engaged. In two days of relation-building activities, personal bonds are formed between believers and their communities. When those relationships are continued and strengthened, individuals are more open to receive the gospel.
You will be personally renewed. I guarantee that if you participate in Crossover 2009, you will experience spiritual renewal.
For those of you who will be first-time Crossover participants, let me describe this opportunity for you.
What? Crossover is an evangelistic event that offers opportunities for individuals and church groups to engage their communities with the gospel.
There are several ways to get involved. You can:
- Host a block party, a car and bike show, an arts and crafts fair, a 5K walk/run, etc. The possibilities are endless—be creative.
- Become a prayer warrior by praying for the volunteer teams, evangelistic events and/or prayerwalk designated communities.
- Get trained and participate in door-to-door surveys and personal evangelism.
- Be a servant. Many opportunities for service to the community will be made available to demonstrate compassion in a tangible way.
When? The Crossover Louisville weekend will be June 19-20, 2009, prior to the SBC’s annual meeting. However, additional activities can be planned at your convenience in the weeks leading up to Crossover.
How? Get involved by getting informed. Use the following resources to find out more about Crossover:
There are people all around you who are lost without a relationship with Jesus Christ. They need you to tell them. In his book, “3:16 The Numbers of Hope,” author Max Lucado shares a memoir that describes the “whoever” mentioned in John 3:16. He writes:
“I love to hear my wife say ‘whoever.’ Sometimes I detect my favorite fragrance wafting from the kitchen: strawberry cake. I follow the smell like a bird dog follows a trail until I’m standing over the just-baked, just-iced pan of pure pleasure. Yet I’ve learned to still my fork until Denalyn gives clearance.
“‘Who is it for?’ I ask.
“She might break my heart. ‘It’s for a birthday party, Max. Don’t touch it.’ Or, ‘For a friend. Stay away.’ Or she might throw open the door of delight, ‘Whoever.’ And since I qualify as a ‘whoever,’ I say ‘yes.’
“I hope you will too. Not to the cake, but to God. No status too low. No hour too late. No place too far. However. Whenever. Wherever. Whoever includes you … forever.”
Don’t miss the opportunity.
Ross Bauscher is evangelism growth team leader for the Kentucky Baptist Convention
Western Recorder issue date: June 24, 2008
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