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April 2008 Updates

  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S NOTE:

  • The Word of God makes it clear...

  • Ephesians 6:12

  • "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

  • We realize how true this is here at Crossroads Community Center. We are on the frontlines of a battle for the souls of people in the Fairhill community. We know first hand that this warfare is real and intense, but verse 13 it says, "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to take your stand." This lets us know that God has given us everything we need to be successful in this battle and surrender is never an option. Verse 18 tells us "pray in the Spirit on all occasions." We must never allow ourselves to get so busy that our prayer life lacks because busyness can become a tool of the enemy. The great prayer author E.M. Bounds said this, "Jesus Christ was always a busy man with his work, but never too busy to pray. The divinest of business filled his heart and filled his hands, consumed his time, exhausted his nerves. But with him, even God's work must not crowd out praying. Saving people from sin and suffering must not, even with Christ, be substituted for praying, nor abate in the least the time or the intensity of these holiest of seasons. He filled the day with working for God; He employed the night with praying to God. The day-working made the night-praying a necessity. The night-praying sanctified and made successful the day-working. Too busy to pray gives religion Christian burial, it is true, but kills it nevertheless." We ask that all of our partners continue to pray for and with us in this season of warfare. We also ask that you would please send us your financial contributions because we are now in great need.

  • The Apostle Paul said "Not that I am looking for a hand out, but I am looking for what will be accredited to your account." We want partners who support God's ministry here in the Fairhill sections of the city where the needs are great.

  • I would like to thank Sister Ruth for holding down the fort here at Crossroads for so many years. We truly praise God for her faithful service and all that she has meant to the community over the years. In Christ's Service,

  • In Christ's service, Juan Marrero

  • ARE YOUR TAXES DONE YET?

  • We have processed over 25 tax applications so far this year for individuals and families in the neighborhood. If you still need to file yours, please stop in as soon as possible...don't wait until the last minute. Supporters, you too can file your state and federal taxes on your own for free at

  • www.thebenefitbank.com

  • Many people have commented on how helpful the service has been to them and how friendly Jessenia Marrero has been in helping them file their taxes and applying for other services.

  • Thanks Jessenia!

  • 4-H/GOOD NEWS CLUB

  • FOR LO THE WINTER IS GONE

  • Where has it gone? Ladies in sewing continue working on projects and several are supplementing  their income by selling the items they are making, i.e. kitchen/apron sets, jean bags, boxers, burp pads and bibs. They continue to share concerns-especially family problems, so I uphold them in prayer which they appreciate.

  • Good News/ 4-H Club went sledding again this year –without snow. We were desperate. So Mark, Tracy, Ruth and I  pulled the children on sleds down the hill in Fairmount Park.  The children also enjoyed rolling down the hills and just running around in a safe open grassy place. God has truly given us a beautiful world and it was wonderful to see the children enjoying it. However, we did miss the snow this year.  We have just finished studying 6 lessons on the tabernacle, showing how in many aspects it is a picture of Christ. The children ask thoughtful questions and several children have started coming regularly to Second Mennonite church and one whole family is coming too. On the flip side one family from Second Mennonite is making the effort to bring their child from Northeast Philadelphia to Good News Club, what a wonderful ministry opportunity!

  • Do you need a friend? Ruth is an example of a best friend. She shares her time, possessions, and suggestions. She is willing to lovingly confront when needed. She gives of herself to help you and checks back to make sure you received what you needed in case she couldn't provide it herself. I'm thankful to have Ruth for a friend. I'm glad she continues to volunteer and hope she never quits.

  • ~ Darlene Mumbauer, Youth Worker

  • MIDDLE SCHOOL/TEEN CLUB

  • LET ME HEAR YOUR BATTLECRY!

  • Battlecry was quite an adventure, from getting lost on public transit in NY city to losing their voices praising God and swimming in the hotel pool, the teens had an excellent time. They heard from Nicky Cruz and others who challenged them to Stand True!

  • The students continue to have excellent attendance in club and we see both numerical and spiritual growth. It's been the a highlight of my week to have children coming to club knowing their Bible Verses and excited to hear more about Jesus. Recently we have been integrating more intentional times of musical worship with the youth. We get a chance to use our projector, laptop, and iWorship materials to share the Good News with the youth. We recently erected a net in the backyard for more fun games like volleyball and badminton, and with two Temple students, the afterschool program is once again up and thriving.

  • I thank God for Ms. Ruth and her tireless spirit and time of service spent here at Crossroads. She has been a great encouragement and wonderful friend to me. I look forward to what adventures the Lord has in store for her. All the best blessings to you Ruth!

  • ~Mark Mumbauer-Dir of Operations

  • STAFF PROFILE-RUTH SEW-ELL

  • Ruth Sewell has officially resigned as Prison Coordinator of Crossroads Community Center. We honor Ruth in her continual commitment to the Crossroads Community Center and the Prison ministry for 20+ years.

  • Ruth over the years has become a memorial of hope in a community of despair. Ruth's legacy of faith, hope, and love is well documented in the lives of the people she has encountered over the years in the Fairhill section of Philadelphia. Ruth will continue to volunteer at Crossroads Community Center, but is anticipating being more involved in her husband's ministry.

  • There is a hole in my heart now that Ruth is leaving us. I have been working with Ruth since 1958 and I pray we will keep in touch with each other.

  • ~Sister Laura Rogers

  • Ms. Ruth,

  • May God richly bless you in your

  • future endeavors.

  • IT'S EASTER, LET'S CELEBRATE!

  • No, it's not all about the Easter Bunny and time off from work and school. The Crossroads youth have been learning there is more to Easter than what the media and stores all around are telling them. The real reason to party is that Jesus is risen, yes, He is risen indeed!

  • This year the students went to two supporting churches for Easter celebrations. The Middles School kids went four rounds of bowling (Thanks Earl Bowl!) and of course had an egg hunt, but the best times were making new friends and watching Mr. Mark get drug along in the mud by his kite! The elementary kids had a great time hearing the stories of Jesus and his saving work done for all of us, both young and old.

  • FLOUR, SUGAR, EGGS, & OATS

  • Cookie sales have started again to raise money for the children to attend  Camp Men-O-Lan. All baking contribution are welcome.  This project allows expenses for Crossroads kids to go to Men-O-Lan and gives the local community the opportunity to support the ministry. Several times a year, people have given extra $ just to help the children, and we praise God for their help.

  • We've started a new project this year, adopt-a-month! If you or your group is looking for a direct way to become involved in the ministry here at Crossroads, won't you consider taking one month a year and using your collective buying power? We need 6 groups to each pick a month to purchase ingredients for our cookie making adventures. The students here make all cookies from scratch and sell them to neighborhood residents for a $1 donation per bag of eight, with proceeds going towards to cost of going to camp in the summer. This is all done during the first week of the spring and fall months. Darlene faithfully heads up this project, and if you come to help, the first question you'll be asked is, "Did you wash your hands?"

  • A list of ingredients and their amounts can be found under the "project" link on our website, Cookie Ingredients

  • Wish list
      -Four new computers and a server for the community lab (~$5,500)
      -Scholarships for summer helpers in the reading and fun days programs (10 @ $200 each)
      -A toboggan for winter fun
      -cookie ingredients (see projects page)



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2916-18 North 6th St
Philadelphia, PA 19133
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