In Acts 1:8 Jesus, before He went back to heaven, gave His followers instructions on how he wanted to spread the Gospel throughout the world. First, they were to begin in Jerusalem where they lived. After that, they were to move out to the surrounding area of Judea and then cross-culturally to Samaria. Finally, Jesus wanted them to go to the remotest parts of the earth to tell people the Good News of the gospel. Jesus' words now leave us with the mandate to reach the whole world. Further, it is important to note that Jesus intends a simultaneous process to witness where we live and among all peoples wherever they are, whether in our communities or on the other side of the planet (see To the Ends of the Earth, Jerry Rankin, International Mission Board, 2005). In the the National arena, Crossroads gives substantial financial resources to Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT). The BGCT is focused on Missions, Evangelism, Education, Witnessing, Teaching, Helping Human Hurts----plus hundreds of other ministries that Baptists are committed to and do. The emphasis is on PEOPLE! People helped and People served particularly at a national level through the cooperative program. Also, If you know of opportunities with a national focus (perhaps in another state) where Crossroads can make a difference, please let us know and we will see if it is a good fit for Crossroads. Adopt An Annuitant: A special ministry established by GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, helps retired pastors or their widows who have faithfully served the Lord Jesus Christ in smaller churches or at a time when little attention was given to retirement.Nearly 10,000 retired ministers and their widows receive less than $200 a month in retirement benefits. Many struggle to pay for basic living expenses. Adopt An Annuitant provides a wonderful opportunity for you, your family or your Bible Fellowship class to significantly assist a retired pastor or his widow by providing a $75 monthly supplement to help pay for food, utilities and medical care. For more information, visit the Guidestone website. The Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT): The Cooperative Program is indeed the LIFELINE of support to missions and ministries of the BGCT in TEXAS--and around the WORLD! The constitution of the BGCT states, "The Cooperative Program shall be the chief means through which this body shall support its missionary endeavors." Millions of people in Texas are lost and unchurched, and our population continues to grow rapidly. We can take the message of Christ to TEXAS---and the WORLD---through the BGCT Cooperative Program. In light of the world situation today, the need to share the good news of Christ is getting greater! Christ has given the missions mandate: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20b). The BGCT Cooperative Program…doing together what we can’t do alone! For more information, visit the BGCT website. John Lewis Mission