Changed Lives

Robert, 55, has lost count of how many times he’s been to Crossroads Mission Avenue over the last 10 years or so.

Each time, it’s been for the same reason. “Drinking,” he says. And each time he’s left, same reason: “Drinking.” And never in moderation.

“When I drink, I take it to the max,” he admits. “I’ve lost friends, I’ve lost jobs, I’ve been kicked out of bars, all from drinking too much and acting stupid.”

Robert has recently come to believe he’s been repressing anger and trauma from his childhood. He vividly remembers his father abusing his mother when he was just 3. And he recalls his mom saying cruel things to him during his teenage years.

“But when I drink, all that goes away,” he says. “No cares, nothing.”

Robert likes coming to the Mission because, he says, “They always give you a chance to redeem yourself.” Each time he returns, he builds on his experience and gets a little closer to victory over his past.

This time, he’s been here for nine months and has worked his way up to a position of leadership. He makes out the list of daily chores and serves as an on-call worker at night. He also has the gift of empathy, especially for those with mental health issues. And he has a calming manner.

This Christmas season, Robert particularly embraces the gift of grace he’s found at the Mission, and he’s more committed than ever to remaining sober. He’s almost 200 days clean!

“I don’t want to let the Mission down,” he says, “because they’ve been so good to me.”

You inspire positive change for folks in recovery. Thank you for showing them the compassion they need.

I grew up in a family that used drugs and alcohol. That’s all I really knew. My family rarely talked about God. I’d used drugs and alcohol since I was 14 years old and I was dependent upon it somewhere around the age of 20.

My addiction has put me in the hospital several times. I’ve spent 2 solid years homeless at the age of 26. Ever since then, I’ve bounced in and out of treatment centers and never been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I came to Hastings to try to find a fresh start and something new. I found Crossroads.

Crossroads has taken a different approach to deal with my addictions and sin nature. They’re teaching me now to think different, be responsible and change old habits. But most important, they’re helping me gain a connection with Jesus Christ. Truthfully, I haven’t been this happy in a long time. For the first time in a very long time, I have hope again, and a joy that no drug can replace.

Deborah had always felt accomplished. After all, she’d raised two fine children in Hastings. And as a fully degreed accountant, she’d enjoyed a successful career for over 30 years. But everything changed in an instant when Deborah suffered a stroke and subsequently lost her job and home.

Having also lost her voice from the stroke, Deborah was placed in a nursing home, where she underwent intensive voice therapy for several months. When she finally completed her treatment, she came to Crossroads Mission Avenue because she could no longer afford a place of her own.

Through the support of friends like you, Deborah was welcomed with safe shelter and nutritious meals. But just as important to her is the emotional support and community she’s found. “Here, I have a sense of purpose,” she says. “I am a viable person.”

Looking to pour her energy into something, Deborah was thrilled for the opportunity to help out in our Thrift Store. And our staff helped her plug into a government program that pays her for the hours she works.

With her Thrift Store job and social security income, Deborah was recently able to move into her own apartment a few blocks away. She continues to work at the Mission Avenue Thrift store, which she loves and takes great pride in. And she is eternally grateful for the love and support she’s received, amid her unique circumstances.

“That’s what Crossroads is all about,” Deborah says. “All walks of life… different walks of life… and we’ve all got a story.”

https://soundcloud.com/mybridgeradio/god-at-work-crossroads-bev

 https://soundcloud.com/mybridgeradio/god-at-work-crossroads-alena

Danny spent a lot of time in his ’84 Dodge pickup truck.  He loved that truck, and practically lived in it.  And he almost died in it – twice.

He slept in the truck once when temperatures hit a record 30-below zero – more than cold enough to kill a man – and yet he somehow survived.

Another time, he had a massive heart attack in the truck, an attack so severe he turned blue and stopped breathing several times.

By divine providence, Danny just happened to be right outside Crossroads Mission Avenue when his heart failed.  Someone saw him slumped forward over the steering wheel, ran inside and yelled, “Call 9-1-1!”

Daniel Buller, the executive director at the Mission, ran outside, round Danny lying on the ground and started CPR….and kept it up till the ambulance arrived.  Paramedics told Buller that he had certainly saved Danny’s life.

Danny, who had a long battle with intermittent homelessness and has been in and out of Crossroads for years, was grateful for the Mission’s unconditional love and support despite his ongoing struggles.

After every setback, he kept returning to Crossroads, “because I think there’s some reason I’m supposed to be here,” he said.  “I feel God has something more for me, and it’s here at Crossroads.”

Danny was saving his money to someday buy a trailer and drive across America.

“But,” he said with a laugh, “I think maybe I ought to get a newer truck.”

In the spring of 2021, we received the sad news that Danny had passed away.  We continue to share his story to honor his life and to encourage others.

Listen to Charles’ story at https://soundcloud.com/mybridgeradio/god-at-work-crossroads-3

A Nebraska winter is no time to be living on the streets. But that’s just where Kevin found himself when he lost his housing situation.

With a history of substance abuse and nowhere else to turn, he decided to give Crossroads Mission Avenue a try. He waked in, filled out an application, and wondered just how things would turn out.

Turns out, better than he could’ve imagined.

Today, Kevin is clean, responsible and excited about the path he’s on. It’s a road to better things, compared to the road to ruin he once walked.

“I don’t know where I’d be today without Crossroads,” he says. “I’m pretty sure I would have ended up going down that bad road and I wouldn’t get back again. Crossroads has really made a difference in my life.”

Kevin has taken on more responsibilities and leadership at the Mission. He helps maintain the house, supervises nightly bed checks, and holds his fellow residents accountable.

“I just try to help the other guys out,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity, and good experience.”

Kevin’s hopes for the future include getting closer to God, staying sober, and serving those who are in need. ” I’d like to become part of the staff at Crossroads,” he says.

“They’ve helped me out, and I’d like to do the same for others.”

If he could, Kevin would thank you personally for supporting the mission.

“I believe in Crossroads,” he says. “There’s not much out there that gives people hope and faith, but Crossroads has given me all that.”

Thank you for being a source of hope and faith to Kevin and so many others!

My name is Nick. Coming to Crossroads was the best decision I ever made. Because of my former related activities – things like burglaries, car thefts and possessions of drugs – I did eight years in prison. I kept thinking I would always get away with it. I figured I was both invisible and invincible. But when you’re on drugs you think you can get away with anything. Now I know how wrong-headed I was about all that, but that’s how I lived for way too long. The only time I was sober was when I was sitting in county jail or some prison.

Over the years my family tried to help me, but they finally gave up….and why not? I stole from them, and did whatever I had to do to support my habit. Then one day, God directed my steps to Crossroads Mission Avenue. As you read this it’s my prayer that I’m still walking the straight and narrow. But I know it will always be a challenge to do the right thing.

Here I’m learning more about the Christian Life

At the Mission, I have the opportunity to know what the Christian life is all about. The thing I enjoy most is the morning devotions. It’s like listening to what the Lord has to say to me every day. In the old days I would get up, look for my fix, and then decide what criminal activity I would engage in that day. Now, my thoughts each morning are focused on the Lord and the plan. He has a plan for my life today.

Finally, I want to thank you for the time, money and influence that you provided to help keep the doors of Crossroads open for someone like me. I will always be in your debt, so I hope you accept my heartfelt gratitude for helping me get back on my feet.