Crossing Missions began at North Village in 2004, when Pastor McKeown went to Kenya, Africa and firsthand was able to see the effects of AIDS to children.  Crossing Missions is the short-term missionary outreach of North Village Baptist Church.  North Village is committed to impact community, cultures and the world for the Kingdom of God.   

The following year (2005) six men went back to Kenya to build a chicken house which would allow the Mayatima Project to become somewhat self-supporting to help with food and medicine for the orphans.  Approximately 80% of the orphans are HIV positive. 

 

In 2006, a team went to Poland.  A portion of the ministry included projects to help in feeding and clothing the homeless in Poznan.  Another part of the trip helped in the “refitting” center at Bread of Life.  This center is a converted home in the Polish countryside where people are given the message of salvation as well as help in breaking addictions.  They are also given an opportunity to make their lives productive.  The team also helped in making repairs to the church building.

 

In 2007, two teams were sent out.  The first team went to Hungary and ran a week long baseball camp encouraging the kids to get involved in sports as well as the church there in Hungary.  The second week was running a Vacation Bible School. 

 

The second team went to India to help with Shining Stars, a ministry to street children in Hyderabad and to the Haven of Hope Orphanage which provides for over 400 orphaned children.  The team also ministered in a Pastor’s training workshop at the New Life Compound in Peddipalli.

 

In 2008 a team went back to Kenya to work with a school that provides education for orphan children with AIDS.  There were three projects involved.  The first was a building project to give the children a safe area for play.  The game court was made from a concrete slab and also included posts for volleyball and basketball.  The children were able to use the court the second week of the trip.  THEY WERE VERY EXCITED!  Pastor Phil McKeown spent a week teaching Pastors using SALT materials from VCLI and doing doctrinal studies.  Our ladies worked with the children with crafts and games as well as ministering to the care-givers to the children.  The team also visited the homes of the orphan children to encourage the children and care-givers, who have a difficult time simply surviving. 

 

In 2009 a team went to North Wales to work with a missionary couple who is pastoring a church that is located at the heart of where the Great Welsh Revival took place in 1904.  The churches were packed and thousands came to Christ during that revival, but things have changed in Wales and it is one of the least spiritual places in the world.  The people are pleasant, but have no spiritual appetite at all.  While in Wales, the team helped to do some repairs on the church and to run a Holiday Bible Club. The team then worked with Upney Baptist Church in North London during a children's Bible Club.

 

This year, we have a team of men going back to Kenya to help build housing for the Mayatima Project.  These men will be leaving on Thursday, June 17, 2010, and returning on Saturday, July 3, 2010.  Please pray for their safety and that all will be accomplish for God's glory.