Crossroads Experience

It was a typical speaking invitation and I gladly accepted. One of the joys in my life these days is to speak to churches concerning poverty ministry; with particular emphasis on looking down the street and getting involved in our own neighborhoods. As I prepared for my visit to Crossroads Baptist Fellowship, I began to learn more about the congregation. I learned that the location of the congregation was in a small North Carolina town, Weldon, NC. I also learned that I would be their fifth anniversary speaker and that the congregation met in the home of their pastor, Rev. Ida Mae Hays.

The Sunday of my visit arrived and I drove to the fellowship’s location with great anticipation. Getting out of my car I noticed Rev. Hays standing on the side porch of a beautiful old home. As I entered the living room area the room was set up for Sunday School. Sitting in the designated area were three ladies and soon the teacher arrived. Six of us enjoyed studying the lesson for the day and then it was time for worship. In one quick maneuver the teaching table was replaced by the speaker’s podium adorned with the liturgical color of the day.

I anxiously awaited others to arrive but pretty soon noted that there were no other congregants to arrive. The prelude began and my thoughts turned toward the worship of God. Looking around the room and experiencing this fellowship of believers seemed very familiar to me; I have felt this before and how I was enjoying being in worship today. Ah, I remembered this feeling. I last felt it in worship in the southern African bush some two years ago. Hearing the music, singing the hymns, hearing the Holy words read from the scriptures, and preaching to people prepared to worship transcends any culture. Here we were, six believers practicing worship in what I have decided was a rather ancient style of worship; all in agreement with who we are and why we were present. There were no political agendas that brought us together; no reason to be present except for worship. I had met a couple of the members of the fellowship briefly some months ago but really didn’t know anything about them and they didn’t really know much about me. There was an instant family connection as we gathered together to worship God.

Following worship my wife and future son-in-law arrived from a previous engagement. We sat down in the dining room of CBF to a wonderful meal. Not a heavy calorie covered dish meal like many churches have on their anniversary; but a simple and delicious meal thoughtfully prepared by Rev. Hays. During the meal I learned of the 31 years Rev. Hays had served as a missionary in Brazil. I learned of the many things Crossroads Baptist Fellowship is involved in the community and was thankful to be sitting in the midst of Christians who were not mission-minded, but rather, mission-action Christians. We sang “Happy Birthday” to CBF, and had birthday cake and ice cream. I must tell you I wanted to linger at this gathering longer than usual.

Thank you CBF (Crossroads Baptist Fellowship) for sharing your life with me and my family. I have been encouraged on my walk and my journey to be the “Presence of Christ” in our community.