We noticed while we were there working that people would pull up to the gate outside of Miriam’s home, and they would ask us “Como es Papo?” How is Papo? Is he ok? They were concerned. But no one asked if they could visit for awhile or if they could see Papo. No one asked Miriam how she was doing. She informed us that the family all around them rarely, if ever, came to visit after Papo’s health started to decline.

“In August 2018, my baby sister Katie, at the age of 22, was diagnosed with cancer.”

These are words we all fear hearing and no one expects to hear. Katie was young and still growing, it seemed her life was just beginning. News like this will stop you in your tracks. Everything we are working towards, looking forward to, and expect to happen all just stops.

I recently had the privilege to meet Faye. Faye has been a member of Church at the Cross for 44 years and has led a Life Group for 23 years, from age 50-73 called the GRACE Class. This women’s Life Group has been serving Jesus for over half a century. I had the opportunity to hear a little bit more from Faye about the history of service these women graciously gave in Jesus’ name.

When Amy was just a little girl, she traveled on a family mission trip to Mexico with Memorial Baptist Church, later called Church at the Cross. Her parents prioritized mission opportunities for their family. They made it clear that nothing they owned was theirs, but it was God’s. It was then that God developed Amy’s heart toward missions and toward people.

Last week, one of our Sunday morning Life Groups, “The Pros Class,” met for the first time together in over a year. Jason, the group’s leader, took some creative approaches to continue to care and connect to the 30+ members of the group through the pandemic.

“It was about three years ago now that I was sent to a place called Cenikor, a long-term rehab program. Charlyn, my girlfriend at the time, dropped me off. When we were saying goodbye, I honestly thought it was our last. Making the long 100ft walk to the doors is when it hit me. It’s just me now.”

“It really wasn’t a decision we had to weigh. There was a need and we were able to meet it, so we offered,” said Gayle and Duane when asked what compelled them to open their homes. “It is our responsibility to care for our community and we are thrilled that God has blessed us with a home where we are easily able to do this. It’s certainly no five-star hotel, but it’s warm and filled with love and care for each other.”

“The Holy Spirit moved in me and told me to love others because I was once like them in foster care. I feel happy to have an opportunity to share my toys with other kids who don't have any, and I want to make other kids happy.”