Waiting is the Hardest Part
Have you ever planned an event and waited in anticipation for the day to finally arrive? Maybe it was your wedding, a birthday or anniversary party. Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part because you are sooo excited for the time to come- almost like a little kid at Christmas!
This is the excitement and anticipation I feel every year planning our annual banquets! (And, we literally start planning for the next one just two weeks after the event! It’s a whole YEAR of anticipation!) These banquets mean so much to the ministry AND to our staff. It’s not just a fundraising event; it’s a reunion with our Crossroads family! It’s a time we get to see, talk to, and hug the individuals who lift us up in prayer 365 days a year. The people who call and offer words of encouragement and who drop off diapers/wipes/clothes. People and businesses who financially support the work that we do at Crossroads. This is our family that stands behind and beside us, lifting up our arms so we can continue to battle on the front lines day in and day out for families in our community. Without this Crossroads family, we couldn’t do what we do and we couldn’t serve families the way that we have done the last 40 years. This family of ours keeps us going… and getting to see and spend time all together is truly an amazing thing!!
There are currently 13 of us that work throughout the 5 offices of Crossroads. Sometimes the battles we face are hard and it can feel like we are on an island just the 13 of us. But, then we go to a banquet. We know people will be there, but it hits differently when you realize THESE are the people who stand with us. That we aren’t on an island, but rather we are part of this massive community throughout 4 counties (and other counties join us at banquet too!!) who have our backs and who also love and support the families we serve. They (YOU!!) are in it with us!! Goodness, that’s a good feeling!! It’s an encouraging, empowering and uplifting feeling- not just for the staff but for all those who attend as well! Like-minded believers from all backgrounds coming together to support life and to support families in our community through the work of Crossroads.
And this year, I’m even MORE excited than normal! This year is our 40th birthday! So this will be a banquet AND a birthday celebration for Crossroads- all in one!! Think about it- 40 years working together as the body of believers to offer help, hope and healing in Jesus’ name. 40 years of being a first trusted option for women facing pregnancy related decisions. 40 years standing together… for mom. For dad. For the baby. For family. And for LIFE… that’s a BIG deal! We’d love to meet you, see you, hug you and celebrate with you ALL that God has done the last 40 years! You don’t wanna miss this! I can’t wait to see you there!
-Stephanie Dye
Development Director