Home from India by Ian Stevenson

Well we made it back. The traveling went well, however the trip took somewhat of toll. A few of us were struggling with some congestion and flu like symptoms upon return and one of us spent Sunday throwing up, but I believe we would all say it was worth it.

The team was incredible working together, encouraging each other and staying focused on our purpose throughout. Each person brought perspective, and insight to the various things we were involved with:

As I reflect on the time spent in Raxaul, playing with and encouraging the orphans, praying over, connecting and working with the young men Albert is training, praying over the lepers and talking about our partnership with Albert, it wasn’t necessarily easy and fun all the time, but God was clearly working. I will always remember the smiles and laughter. I will never forget, the looks in the eyes of the lepers just longing for us to pray for them. The time in Raxaul has a huge ripple affect as these folks all know we came half way around the world to show and share God’s love with them in very real and practical ways.

The time in Delhi at the Compassion International project in the slum was inspiring to us all. Pastor Abraham, Sundandita, the leader of the project, all the staff, the microfinance work and the 299 children in the project showed us how hope and empowerment is made possible through the local church, even in the most dire of circumstances, like we saw in that slum. I kid you not the smell, fly’s and living conditions there are indescribable, unforgettable and deplorable yet it is all these people know and it is amazing how God is working in the middle of it all.

Coming back after having had the opportunity to see and experience these things is always unique. You are always more grateful for our country and all God has blessed us with, good roads, order in the traffic system, systems for dealing with trash, water, electricity, housing … WE ARE SO BLESSED. So as we are reminded of how blessed we are the logical next question you tend to ask yourself is what am I/we doing with all I/we are blessed with? We can make such a difference in the life of a child, sponsoring them. We can share our heart, resources and things with others so they to can feel blessed. This team was a blessing on this trip and will continue to figure out how to be even more of a blessing.

Thanks to each one of you who were part of this trip with us! YOU ALSO WERE A BLESSING, and it was our honor to be the ones to deliver that to our friends in India.

ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 23, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on the church campus we will be having out INDIA CELEBRATION. Join us bring your friends and family, see the pictures, hear the stories!

Mexico Trip

This last weekend we had 30 people from the Crossing GO to show and share God’s love across the border in the poverty stricken hills between Tijuana & Tecate.

Not only was another house built for a family in need, over 70 people accepted Christ and signed up to be in a Bible study to help establish their faith!

We saw God answer prayers and our team did an awesome job of building, sharing their testimonies, and loving on the people.

The Children’s team worked with over 100 kids making crafts, playing, sharing, the cook team made AWESOME authentic taco lunches for the team and community on Friday & Saturday!

It was an amazing experience. If you are interested in GOing down for a day trip or the next build trip, contact Ian Stevenson at istevenson@thecrossing.com.

GO Update by Ian Stevenson

GO is ready and excited about all God has been and is doing through the people of The Crossing!
Our goal is to update anyone interested in what’s GOing on with our Outreach efforts.
(If you want to receive these updates do nothing, if you don’t want to receive them hit reply and say “Please Take me off the List” and we will.)

PERSONAL GO:
We are officially starting the PERSONAL GO NETWORK – If you are willing to share the names of 3 people you are personally reaching out to and would like to receive monthly encouragement and ideas of events, resources and things you could do or share to help reach them then... REPLY TO THIS E-MAIL with the three names and you will officially be a part of the network!

LOCAL GO:Here are some Local Outreach Opportunities for Oct:
Day in the Park (10/31)- Help serve the homeless at Lion’s Park. Play games and do crafts with kids! You can help set up, serve food, and pray for people who attend. Set up starts at 9:30am. Lunch is provided for volunteers. Contact Carol at cwilsonhbusa@yahoo.com to find out how you can help.
Looking ahead.....
Elementary School Clean Up! (11/14)- All in one day, we are going to do 4 elementary school clean ups in Costa Mesa from 8am-12pm! Bring your family, your small group, and get ready to be part of something HUGE in one day. For more information or to help out, contact Michelle at myeun@thecrossing.com.
Christmas Outreach Dinner (12/18)- Every year, we serve a turkey dinner to 800 people at The Crossing. We also give out clothes, toys, and medical help. We are starting now to plan for this holiday event. If you want to help make this event a success, contact Andy at goirish67@yahoo.com.

GLOBAL GO
We have a team of 30 GOing down to Mexico this weekend Oct. 9-11 to reach out to the poor and build a home for a family there.
Oct. 21 -31 there is a team of 6 GOing to India – Pray for God to use them with the orphans, ministry students, staff and people in the community they will be interfacing with.
For anyone interested in GOing on a trip to engage in ministry with one of our five partners, on TUEDAY nights in November from 6:30 – 8 will be GO University held on the campus of The Crossing. For information contact istevenson@thecrossing.com or to attend Register Here!
UPCOMING TRIPS: January 5-15 – Vietnam, Early March – El Salvador, May – Mexico, End of June – Vietnam, July – Uganda, August – El Salvador
We are starting ongoing Spanish classes for anyone interested in impacting the Hispanic community locally, or globally. They will be on Wednesday nights from 6:30 – 8 starting in November. For information contact Jim Borgman at jimbenterprises@yahoo.com

Thanks for all you either have done, are doing or will do to GO show and share God’s love with others in very real and relevant ways. Let’s continue to be conduits of His love!

In His Strength,
Ian Stevenson
Pastor of GO Ministries
(949) 764-1521