Welcome to the fall 2025 issue of the Crossroads Chronicles; our focus this time is on our mission statement:

“The people of Crossroads exist to show absolutely everyone that God is good.”

How do you show people around you that God is good? That question prompts this issue’s flash testimonies.

Darrell Donnelly (pastor to Camino de Gracia) started something with the message he delivered on Pentecost Sunday. He suggested a new twist to the different languages (“tongues”) spoken on that day. When Jesus brought his message to the people, he employed language and told stories that related to that agrarian society. When St. Paul took the message to the cities, he used language familiar to the urbanites and philosophers of the day. Likewise, today, different demographic groups use different vocabularies within their respective identities. Just try to join a conversation with a group of medical doctors or civil engineers! Darrell’s article states that God can use all languages for His glory.

And, following the theme of languages, here are several translations of the Crossroads mission statement.

From somewhere in my past comes this phrase: “I think you think you understand what I meant by what I just said.” When it comes to speaking across generations, what you think you (or they) understand might be mistaken.

• Greatest: 1901-1927

• Silent: 1928-1945

• Boomer: 1956-1964

• Gen X: 1965-1980

• Millennial: 1981-1996

• Gen Z: 1997-2012

• Alpha: 2013-present

Words are alive, and meanings change over time. Confused? Read Judy Roberts’ article “IYKYK, IDK, LOL” where she gives us the skinny.

Athletes tend to have their own language, such as “High-Fivers.” The round-table discussion between them reveals why it is so satisfying to serve as cheerleaders and devotion leaders.

Zack Christie shares a story of three stones, a Bible, and the countless ways God has protected him on the frightening battlefront and throughout the years of his life.

How does one overcome the painful memories of a difficult childhood and the transgressions of young adult years? When Daniel Tate held his newborn daughter in his arms, it ignited in him a powerful desire to be a good father. That desire led him to Crossroads and a spiritual transformation.

Try to understand the Gen Z language used by Elias Reyes when he describes the role David and Hannah Parker play in leading Crossroad’s young adult ministry.

Have you ever thought of roasting your own coffee beans? Hannah gives you step-by-step instructions on how to do it.

What are you doing at 9:00 on Sunday mornings? Leave for church a little earlier and take advantage of Rich Jacob’s lifelong habit of in-depth Bible studies. He is beginning now to take his Bible class on a journey through the Book of Exodus. He facilitates a deeper understanding of what happened to the Israelites after they left Egypt.

So . . . here is another issue with great reading!