Mars Hill Opportunities

Please pray with us for continued church growth

God has uniquely positioned our church among a growing community of families from India. Many of these neighbors come from a Hindu background, and you have faithfully prayed with us for opportunities to reach them with the gospel.

We are rejoicing that God has already answered in part by bringing two strong Christian families from India into our church, along with others who are visiting and considering making Crossroads their home.

In December, we had the privilege of hosting an outreach in a neighborhood park primarily used by the Indian community. This is a place where large Hindu festivals are often held, complete with idols and extended public worship. Earlier in the month, a Christian family opened their home to teach biblical Christmas carols to their neighbors. Later, we rented that same park and hosted a Christmas outreach for the community. We clearly shared the story of Jesus’ birth and presented the gospel, and had a concert about Jesus birth on the very stage where idol worship had previously taken place.

In February, we returned to the park for a Valentine’s outreach, teaching John 3:16 to neighborhood children through crafts and activities.
Our next outreach is scheduled for March 28, when we will show The Case for Christ on a large outdoor screen. Please pray that many from the community will attend and seriously consider the evidence for Christ’s resurrection. Many in this group are highly educated professionals who believe science has disproven the gospel. Pray that God’s Word would powerfully penetrate hearts and minds.

A Season of Prayer

On January 11, Crossroads began a focused season of prayer with Marty and Susan Bassinger from Baptist Church Planters. Families committed to praying in 30-minute time slots each Saturday for six weeks. This was coupled with Sunday classes on the Spiritual Starting Blocks. Our families saw much spiritual opposition during this season, but also saw God work in significant spiritual growth.

During this time, some of our families had family members abroad stranded or in dangerous situations due to the war in the Middle East. There were some emotional prayer sessions where we gathered as a body to pray for loved ones’ safety.

After the last week of the season of prayer, we asked the church to give a testimony about what it meant in their life.

“I started the first week at like 40 minutes but now over the weeks I’m praying an hour at least”

“Throughout the week I can feel how your prayer impacted us as well as we’re praying for each other and I can feel those prayer throughout the week how they definitely have helped us”

“I feel the corporate nature of the prayer.  I don’t want it to stop… I’ve noticed a big spiritual battle coming as we’re praying and it kind of signals that we are doing the right thing.”

“It helped focus prayer away from the ‘please, please, please'”

“I’ve noticed a difference in praying with the kids and it tells me that the parents are teaching them to pray”

“It reminded me to pray to God His words.”

“I has reminded me to adore God, to remember who God is to us and not just to always bring Him our requests.  It has made prayer more meaningful and helped me to get to know God more”

“One thing I struggled with was keeping prayers for others in mind, and this has helped me to start to build that habit.”

Family Updates

• Tim continues his work with the California Association of Regular Baptist Churches Council. Alongside Pastor Charlie Eldred, he is helping develop an initiative to identify, equip, and deploy men called to pastoral ministry across California, Nevada, and Southern Oregon. This remains a significant burden—your prayers are deeply appreciated.

• Susan is enjoying opportunities to speak at ladies’ retreats and banquets. Please pray for her as she speaks at a ladies’ luncheon on April 11 in Hayward.

• Janae has begun a new role as a Teacher on Special Assignment, mentoring new teachers within the Tracy Unified School District.

• Samantha was recently laid off and is seeking God’s direction for her next opportunity as she finishes maternity leave. Zach is continuing his studies through Liberty University in preparation for ministry. Baby Cameron, now four months old, is healthy and thriving—praise the Lord!

• Alyssa and Zac are searching for a larger living space as they transition out of their current situation. Please also pray for Zac’s health, as he has been facing ongoing challenges but is gradually improving.

• Talitha will soon begin online studies at Purdue University to complete her degree, followed by plans to pursue a Special Education teaching credential.

Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and partnership in the gospel. We are grateful to be part of what God is doing—for His glory and our good.