This farmer scatters the seed, rather indiscriminately, in order to make sure every part of the field is covered. We are later told that the seed he is scattering is the word of God, namely Jesus. It is a picture of Jesus-seeds being lavishly sprinkled into every corner of our world. What an incredible mission to be a part of! Just as in the parable, CrossRoads’ Missions’ efforts have quite a broad scattering. Let me highlight a few of them for you:
Outreach Partnerships
We resource five global partnerships involved with evangelism to unreached people, equipping local pastors and supporting persecuted believers. Here are three highlights:
Pakistan (Partners International)
We support local evangelists, and the harvest is ripe. Just under 4000 people responded to the Good News of Jesus through their ministry this year. Many have been baptized, and thousands have received copies of the New Testament. The work is dangerous. In talking to our on-the-ground partners, we expressed concern to them that our financial support of their ministry might ultimately put them at risk of imprisonment or risk of violence. Their response was powerful and humbling.
"Tell the church—we are willing to put our lives on the line for Jesus either way. Your support just increases our opportunity to be fruitful.”
Please pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal Christ in powerful ways.
Ethiopia (Empower Ministries)
We continue to receive responses that are truly “overwhelming, with hundreds of thousands of people accepting Jesus this year alone through underground church planting networks.” We help support these church planters financially, but please remember to pray that God would equip them to disciple and nurture these planted seeds.
Lebanon (Bridges of Love)
Our partners have been actively involved in crisis relief work due to the recent earthquake in Syria and Turkey. The money we sent them enabled them to support some of the most vulnerable through the love of Christ. They said, “Please thank the church for their prayers and support. It feels like we have five loaves of bread and two fish and are trying to feed all these people… but God is good… Please continue to pray with us!” Stay tuned this summer as Gaby and Samia from Bridges of Love will be joining us here in Central Alberta for the month of July.
For more on outreach partnerships, see crossroadschurch.ca/onmission.
Global Compassion Partners
Another scattering of seeds falls on the soil of Haiti, Uganda, and Rwanda through our three long-term Global Compassion Partners.
Haiti (Haiti Arise)
While almost every NGO has had to pull out of Haiti due to ongoing violence and anarchy, incredibly, we recently had the opportunity to have first-hand information that our partner—Haiti Arise—is thriving! The technical school is full as people are fleeing the capital city and desperately need practical training to escape poverty. Kids are being rescued from slavery and trafficking and are being placed in loving homes in the children’s village. Please pray for Haiti Arise. God is using them as light on a hill in a very dark place. We have the privilege to stand with and support our brothers and sisters in Haiti!
Uganda (International Needs)
In March, we had a team on the ground in Uganda, and they came back overflowing with stories of the bountiful harvest being produced through our partnership in gospel-centred education. Most recently, our partnership with International Needs Uganda enabled the Buikwe Secondary School to construct housing for female staff, allowing the school to increase their quality of education. To follow up on these stories, visit crossroadschurch.ca/missionsblog.
Rwanda (World Relief) 
World Relief desires that the local church be stronger and healthier so that they can reach out into their community. Last summer, a small team from CrossRoads was in Rwanda to see the progress of the great ministry happening there and then together with several other partners, they participated in the annual staff retreat with all of the WR Rwanda staff. We are awaiting dates for another short-term outreach trip to Rwanda, potentially in February. Maybe you will join us!
Missionaries
Our global and local missionaries are themselves tiny seeds whom God has planted around the world. What a gift to have many of them join us here in May this year. Every three years, we gather our missionaries for a retreat to hear what God is doing in and through them and to provide them with a space for refreshing and fellowship. If you haven’t met or connected with our 22 missionary units, take a moment to check out their bios at crossroadschurch.ca/missionaries or pick up their prayer cards in the café by the missions kiosk.
Local Equipping
Lastly, if the parable picture is that every part of the field is scattered with Jesus-seeds, that includes right here in Central Alberta. A few local outreach highlights are:
The Bako Family
Our current sponsored refugees from Syria recently had a baby girl! They have now been with us for nearly a year. Pray for them as they continue to learn English, find work, and transition to life here.
Missions Spotlight During Soup’s On
If you’ve never popped in the chapel to hear from our missionaries or outreach partners during Soup’s On, you are missing out! This last year we hosted several of our missionaries and partners—keep your eyes out for more to come! You won’t regret taking the time to hear what God is doing around the world.
Impact of Short-term Outreach
In October, we sent a second team to Moldova to work with those displaced by the war in Ukraine. By watching how the church was mobilizing to meet the needs, our teams felt equipped and inspired about how WE can be salt and light to the displaced people coming to Central Alberta. You can read more here: crossroadschurch.ca/blog/3553/moldova-after-camp
What seeds does God want you to plant?
There are countless ways to be on mission, from the neighbours on our street to our partners around the world. However, the busyness of life can easily crowd out our heart for mission. If you need a boost in passion for global and local mission, sign up for the Kairos course. This short course will teach, inspire and equip you to see where God is on the move, planting seeds, and how you can join Him! simplymobilizing.outreach.ca/courses/kairos
