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November 2009
Looking out the window, I see the leaves growing again
on the trees, the blooming flowers and elk standing
proudly across the road. Spring is in the air and there
are signs of new life everywhere, including here at
CrossRidge Baptist Church as new souls are born again.
God be praised! The first three weeks of April, we have
seen 14 saved and 14 brand new visitors as well as many
returning visitors. Our current average is 47.6 people
attending CRBC. Each week is exciting!
I would like to share with you the testimony of the
Preston family. They visited our church because of a
simple invitation shortly before our revival began. The
revival speaker, Pastor George Bell and I, visited their
home and Herbert Preston received Christ as his personal
Savior. He was baptized on Easter morning! What better
day to be baptized than the day we think of the
resurrection of Jesus Christ? His wife had already
received Christ but had not followed in believer's
baptism but she made that decision on April 19th and
their son, Robert will be baptized on April 26. They
are excited about what God is doing in their lives and
have been bringing friends and family to church with
them. It is a joy to see God work in their family.
Pastor George Bell of Anchor Baptist Church in Columbus,
Ohio, was our revival speaker in April and he did a
wonderful job. The Lord moved in the hearts of our
people as the altars were full and many decisions were
made. It was time of growth for our young congregation.
We had a unique opportunity on April 4 at Minnie Ball
Park, which is near our church. A group that we have
been making some call-backs for was having an Easter Egg
Hunt. They wanted the girls to sing and myself to bring
a short message on the true meaning of Easter and the
plan of salvation. Five hundred people heard the gospel
of Christ and ten accepted Christ as Savior.
It's hard to believe but May 17th we will celebrate
our second anniversary here in Minnie, Kentucky. The
Lord used so many people in so many different ways that
is hard to remember all of them. We are so thankful God
has called us here and that we are witness to His
wonderful provision. All He has done here has not been
in human strength but in His own power and might. I am
thankful everyday.
When I speak with other pastors, they tell me that their
attendance is low and about the many problems they are
encountering. I think of the joy I have in seeing God
work every day here in the mountains of Southeastern
Kentucky. That doesn't mean Satan is leaving us alone
here. He is not happy with the work God is doing at our
church and he is always after the young christians and
our ministry. But God continues to show us how powerful
He is. Please continue to pray for us as we push forth
in God's calling and as we continue to see the new life
grow around us.
March 2009
As I look out my window this morning, I see a ground covered
with snow. It is beautiful but I know spring is around
the corner and then new growth will be evident all around
us. It is good to know that we serve a living God who
can bring life from death, who is still on the throne and
who loves us very much.
We here at CrossRidge Baptist Church count it a privilege to
see God working. For ten weeks we had averaged over 50 in
attendance before two precious families moved away and
difficult weather came to the area. Schools were out
in our county for three weeks and cold weather has affected
our bus route but we have seen some new families and friends
visit and souls have been saved for the glory of God!
Though our numbers have been down lately, our drive-in crowd
continues to grow and has greatly encouraged us during this
long winter. I love serving our Lord and it is an
honor to be His servant.
As in many places in our country, the ecomony here is
challenging. This is not a new condition here in the
mountains of Kentucky. But though times are hard, we have
seen God work and we rejoice in it. We converted two Sunday
School rooms into one large room so our Junior Church could
have more space. We expanded our nursery, added a coat
rack and continue to try to improve the general appearance
of our church grounds. I believe that the church and its
facility should be an example in the community.
One of the exciting things here at CrossRidge is watching
the people take steps to serve God in different areas of the
ministry. The theme for our church this year is "Families
Reaching Families". Most "mountain people", as many call us,
are slow to move or make decisions. More families are
becoming very faithful in their attendance and in looking
for ways to serve. Please pray for them as they grow
in Christ.
Many of you are aware that I have struggled recently with
severe pain in my neck.
My general doctor had shown some concern and sent me to
Lexington to see a Neurosurgeon, Dr. Tibbs. He has concluded
that it is likely a herniated disc pushing on the spinal
cord. He said he could do surgery but since it
appeared to be healing on its own, he recommended instead
rest and allowing more time for healing. This is a great
answer to prayer! I am thankful that my father-in-law was
able to cover for me with my job these past three weeks.
That was such a blessing. I do appreciate the many prayers
that I know were lifted up on my behalf.
Please continue to pray for souls to be saved, lives to be
changed and for God to be praised here in the mountains of
east Kentucky. It is a great blessing to be a co-worker with
you!
November 2008
Dear supporting friends,
We serve a loving and wonderful
God and it is easy to be thankful at this time of the year.
It is a great blessing to see God working in the lives of
men, women, boys and girls. Sometimes the work is slow in
the mountains of eastern Kentucky, but God, who has called
us to this work, is faithful.
 Many things continue to happen here at
CrossRidge Baptist Church. We are still seeing souls saved!
Below are pictures of three men who accepted Christ as
Savior on October 7. They are Bill Bell, who is going
through some health issues, Mitch Crum, who has attended
here for awhile and a young man named Erie Spriggs. I also
had the privilege of leading Steve and Jill, parents of our
bus children, to the Lord. Please pray for the people we
serve here in Kentucky, as they are very religious but very
lost.
.jpg) The Public School System here is a hard
place for our children. Starting a Christian school was not
something in our immediate plans but the need is
overwhelming. The Lord opened a door to provide, as He
always does when it is according to His will. On September
2, 2008, we started CrossRidge Christian School. Our initial
thoughts were to start with a small number. We have six
girls. God seems to always bless me with
girls! :) Many in the community and church have inquired
about our school but we would need more workers to grow. We
ask for your prayers as we seek God's will in this matter.
We have much more going on at CrossRidge
Baptist Church. We purchased a twelve passenger van. This is
a blessing as it does not require a CDL licenses to drive.
Brother Stevie Hall has been driving our bus the last 3
weeks. Praise the Lord! My middle daughter, Renae, is the
Bus Captain and is now averaging 21 on her bus. Our teen
attendance is up the past few weeks! When my daughter,
Leeanna, went to college this fall, we lost another Sunday
School teacher, leaving a great need. Some of our adults
are praying about being helpers. This is all so new to these
good folks but it is a joy seeing people grow in the Lord.
Last week we took some of our teens to
Lexington to visit Commonwealth Baptist College. We had a
GREAT time. Some of the teens asked if they could go to the
mall because they had never been to a mall before. Erie
Spriggs, the boy who had gotten saved, asked if he could
ride the escalator because he had never seen one before. I
love serving God! Please continue to pray for the Richardson
family and CrossRidge Baptist Church. We need His guidance
and His power. Thank you.
July 2008
Dear supporting friends,
We just recently celebrated our one year anniversary! The year
has flown by. God worked in so many different ways that it is
hard to remember all of them. He provided a beautiful
building, housing, auditorium chairs, song books, a pulpit, a
piano, a baptistery and changing rooms. There was also a paved
parking lot, a 66 passenger bus, an 18 passenger shuttle bus,
a 1997 Ford pickup, flags, a front porch, a steeple, Sunday
School chairs and tables, a sound system...the list just goes
on and on.
It is such a blessing to reflect back on our first year and
see all that God did for us. What a wonderful God we serve! He
is the one who brought the 365 first time visitors that walked
through our doors ! And God is the one who brought the 85
precious souls who asked Jesus Christ to come into their
lives. We could never thank Him enough!
It is exciting that we now have seven faithful families
attending regularly who are all young in Christ. And how could
I not mention the blessing my family has been as they
faithfully serve Christ at my side? We have many other
projects in our plan to reach Appalachia. Pease continue to
pray for us as we shine the Gospel Light to reach Appalachia
for Christ.
I will close with an invitation to our Eastern Kentucky
Mountain Tent Meeting on September 6th-11th. Pastor Jeff
Fugate, Russell Anderson and Brother David Frazie are this
year's speakers. We would love to have you attend and see with
your own eyes what the Lord is doing here. God bless you.
August 2007
Dear supporting friends,
It is time again for another update on CrossRidge Baptist
Church. I am happy to report that CrossRidge Baptist Church is
right under the spout where God's blessings are pouring out!
Every day God seems to bless in so many different ways. Here
are some of the wonderful things going on:
* In our three months of ministry there have been 63 precious
souls saved! If only we could hear those angels singing!
* We have had 186 first time visitors.
* Since sharing our need for a baptistery, the need has been
met and more! We will soon have it ready to use!
* Our first teen activity saw fifteen teenagers attend with 3
coming to Christ!
* Twelve teens accepted Christ and walked the isle this last
month!
* Average attendance over the last month
27 Sunday School
33 Sunday Morning Service (high day of 57)
30 Sunday Evening Service
26 Wednesday Evening Service
13 Visitors a week
I know you rejoice with me as you read what God is doing here
in this new work in the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky!
I ask you to pray with us over a need that has come up. Our
family heads three different directions before each service,
filling up our vehicles with those who need a ride to church.
We need bigger means of transportation. We do have a 66
passenger bus but it cannot make it up the tiny mountain
roads. We are in need of a van or shuttle bus to be more
effective. We know that God will fill that need, just as He
has in every circumstance thus far.
Would you also please pray for our three youngest girls as
they start a new school this fall? This will be a change for
them as they have been homeschooled in the past. Also pray for
Sindi who will help teach at this same school. One of my
dreams for the future is to start our own christian school.
There is much potential and need here in our area. Thank you
for your prayers for our ministry. God is faithful!
Steve & Sindi Richardson
July 2007
Hello to all our friends and supporters! CrossRidge
Baptist Church is nine weeks old and many exciting
things have happened since our last newsletter. We
have had 116 first time visitors come to our new
church. We are averaging 27 on Sunday mornings and in
the last four weeks, we have averaged 19 on Sunday
evenings. At our first Junior Activity, 18 children
came! But, the best news has been saved for last: 40
souls have come to know Christ!! Please pray for them
to attend church and grow in Him.
There has been work done around our beautiful property
as well. We had our parking lot paved to make it more
convenient to park our cars. Madison Baptist Church
in Minford, Ohio donated the funds for our pulpit
which Bro. Jerry Smith from Clays Mill Road Baptist
Church in Lexington built us a beautiful wood pulpit.
We purchased a water cooler for our auditorium and
plans are being made for a front porch with a
steeple. CrossRidge Baptist Church is becoming a
beautiful place to visit and we are so thankful for
the Lord's provision.
We still have need for a new Baptistery. With the
tank, water heater, paneling and four changing rooms,
the cost is $800. Please pray that God will supply
this need just as He done all along.
Our family is doing well. Leeanna graduated from high
school in June and we had a wonderful time of sharing
with our family and our friends. We are very proud of
her as she works toward becoming a secretary. Renae
had an 8th grade promotion the same day. Lacey
continues to make plans for her December wedding and
Nicole and Katie are enjoying their summer off.
We know that God has a purpose and a plan for
CrossRidge Baptist Church and it is a privilege to
watch the Lord work here in Southeastern Kentucky.
Please keep us in your prayers as we serve Him.
Pastor
Steven K. Richardson
May 2007
Dear
supporting churches and friends,
Praise the Lord! As of April
16, 2007, our new building is sitting on its
foundation! It had a rocky beginning as the foundation
was put in wrong and it took them some time to correct
the problem. They finally had to get two cranes to lift
the units into place. They now have finished the
interior, skirting, plumbing and septic system.
The electrical work should be completed in the next few
weeks. Lord willing, our first Sunday will be May 20th. The
Lord has answered so many of our prayers. Pastor Kevin
Gullian and Madison Baptist Church of Minford, Ohio, is
now one of our new supporting churches. They also were
kind enough to donate funds for a pulpit.
Our first Annual
Mountain Memorial Tent
Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 28th thru
Friday, June 1st. It will also double as our Grand
Opening Revival. We want to invite each and everyone of
you to come and be a part of this special occasion. We
have three speakers: myself, Dr. Jeff Fugate and
Dr. Russell Anderson. Dr. Fugate, pastor of Clays Mill
Road Baptist Church, will speak Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday evening at 7:00 pm. Dr. Anderson, born and
raised in McDowell, will speak each evening and I also
will speak on Wednesday evening.
We are so thrilled to have
these men come and be a part of our meetings. Both Dr.
Fugate and Dr. Anderson helped to make CrossRidge Baptist
Church a reality. Dr. Anderson has donated much of the
funds to start our church. He has donated over $35
million to the Lord's work, helped start over 700
churches and 10 Bible colleges and has seen over 8
million souls saved both here in the states and many
countries abroad.
Dr. Fugate has had a goal of
starting 50 churches in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
CrossRidge Baptist Church is number 13 and number 14 is
starting May 20th as well.
We do have family news.
Lacey, our oldest daughter, is now engaged to Brent
Schuck. They met last year at Commonwealth Baptist
College. He is from Evansville, Indiana. They are to be
married December 29th of this year. Leeanna is
graduating from high school on June 9th and is praying
about which college to attend. Her graduation ceremony
will be at Willow Valley with her friend, Michelle
Treadway. Also at Willow Valley, I will be hosting the
4th Annual Pastor’s Encouragement Conference on June 4th
and 5th.
We are excited about what God
is doing here in Floyd County, Kentucky. Please keep us
in your prayers. We are looking forward to beginning the
ministry of CrossRidge Baptist Church.
Pastor
Steven K. Richardson
February 2007
Dear Brothers & Sisters in
Christ,
It a
wonderful thing to serve such a great and awesome God. We
would like to share with you how God has answered prayer
since the last newsletter.
* Auditorium chairs (80 total) $3,840
* Baptistery and heater (Horse Troth decorated) $1,200
* Gospel Tracts (quantity of 10,000) $800 ******
Clays Mill Road Baptist Church
* Piano $600 ******
Donated by Hardin Community
* Pulpit
* Porch for front of modular $2000
* Landscaping $800
* Church Sign $500 *******
Clays Mill Road Baptist Church
As
you can see, there are still some needed items but the Lord
is supplying, for which we are truly thankful.
This
week, we are traveling to Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church in
Gray, Tennessee, to pick up a 1984 Chevy bus which they have
graciously given us. It will be a great bus to get us
started in our ministry.
Many of
you have been asking about the house that was for
sale across the street from our property. We did talk with
the owners again and they are pretty firm on selling
for $270,000. Please pray for wisdom and discernment and
that God’s will and work will be accomplished whether it is
this home or another for us. We are still asking God to give
us this house. The persons that were interested in our
double wide at Willow Valley will now not be able to
purchase it. Again, we ask for your prayer that the double
wide will sell so that we can focus fully in Kentucky.
We took
advantage of the time before our Church begins and went to
Newports News, Virginia, to visit my sister and her family
and watch my niece play with her basketball team. We had a
great time! February 8th and 9th we
will be singing at a Revival Fires Conference at
Resurrection Baptist Church with Pastor Blakeman in
Circleville, Ohio. During this time we will be able to visit
with our family in Grove City.
Again, thank you for your prayers, concern and support for
our ministry. We have a web site under construction
www.CrossRidge.org and we hope you will keep up
with our progress. My brother-in-law, Steve Fletcher, from
Newport News, Virginia, has worked very hard on this site
and is doing a great job!
CrossRidge Baptist Church
9239 Kentucky Route 122
McDowell, Kentucky 41647
www.CrossRidge.org
Home and Church (606) 377-2560
Cell (606) 791-3164
January 2007
Dear Partners in Christ,
We write with excitement as we begin this new ministry in
which God has led us. As we look back over the past years, we
can see His working in our lives as He used people and
situations to bring us to this point. We know that there is
much ahead of us and we know that it can not be accomplished
in our own power. We rely on the work of Jesus Christ and
understand that it is only through HIM that the Holy Spirit
will begin a work here. We ask for your prayers for our family
and for CrossRidge Baptist Church as we seek to begin a church
in McDowell, Kentucky.
We would like to share with you all that God has accomplished
so far:
* Land purchased ($75,000 from Clays Mill Road Baptist Church
of Lexington, Kentucky)
* Land Survey ($2,500 from Clays Mill Road Baptist Church of
Lexington, Kentucky)
* Property clearing (first time in many years)
*Entrance Way Permit by the State of Kentucky
* 74 x42 Modular purchase to use for church auditorium
($85,000 from Clays Mill Road Baptist Church, Lexington, Ky)
*Hymnals donated by Bible Baptist Church of Grove City, Ohio
* Septic System approval by Kentucky Health Department
* Accepted bid for septic system ($3,530 from Clays Mill Road
Baptist Church of Lexington, Kentucky)
* Redirection and repair of gas line ($500 from Clays Mill
Road Baptist Church of Lexington, Kentucky)
* Relocation of creek, removal of brush and parking lot
readiness which allowed for twice the room for parking ($700
from Clays Mill Road Baptist Church of Lexington, Kentucky)
* 160 tons of Gravel #2 (base) and bobcat rental ($2163 from
Clays Mill Road Baptist Church of Lexington, Kentucky)
We want to express our deep appreciation for our monthly
supporters and for those who keep us before the Lord in
prayer. As you can see, Pastor Jeff Fugate and Clays Mill
Baptist Church has done so much for us. We are so thankful for
them. Though we did lose a supporting church recently, God has
given us new supporters through Bible Baptist Church in Grove
City, Ohio and Central Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky.
Here are some still much needed items for our new church:
* Auditorium chairs (80 total) $3,840
* Baptistery and heater (Horse Troth decorated) $1,200
* Gospel Tracts (quantity of 10,000) $800
* Piano $600
* Pulpit
* Porch for front of modular $2000
* Landscaping $800
* Church Sign $500
We have an urgent need in the area of our housing situation.
There is a house on the property, built in 1924. As we worked
on the house in the hopes of moving our family in, it became
obvious it would not be wise to continue putting money into
it. It could possibly be used for Sunday School rooms, but not
for every day use. We have done much searching in the area
around McDowell for a rental accommodating a family of seven,
but we have not had much success. Due to the coal mines, the
cost of housing is very high.
There is a house across the street from the property that is
for sale. It is a large home of 5023 square feet and 56 acres
which is mostly mountainside. I have included a picture of it.
It has five bedrooms, 4 baths, living room, dining room,
livable basement and free gas heating. Not only would it be a
good size for my family but would be convenient for church use
as well, being so close. We talked the owners down from
$340,000 to possibly $225,000. It is still a great deal of
money and we do not want to have a great burden on us. We
would like to work full time for the church and not have to
work outside of the ministry. Please pray for wisdom and
discernment and that God’s will be accomplished whether it is
this home or another for us.
Again, thank you for your prayers, concern and support for our
ministry. We have a website under construction which we will
share with you. Our new address and phone numbers are:
CrossRidge Baptist Church
9239 Kentucky Route 122
McDowell, Kentucky 41647
www.CrossRidge.org
Home and Church (606) 377-2560
Cell (606) 791-3164
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