Volume 16, issue N. Union Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80909

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1 NEWSLETTER Volume 16, issue Colorado Springs, CO HOW CROSSFIRE BEGAN Crossfire Ministries began in 1992, almost 18 years ago, as a result of several strong convictions from the Lord given to the founder John Miller. The Millers owned and operated a successful Christian bookstore and floral shop here in Colorado Springs. In addition, for several years they sponsored and took evangelic mime and puppet teams of young adults on short term mission trips to Mexico. They lacked for nothing and could even assist with participant s trip expenses, if needed. One day John felt the Lord saying to him, You care about people in Mexico but what are you doing about those in your own home town? But Lord, I am doing your work, aren t I? No answer. A short time later John felt the Lord telling him to get completely out of debt. But Lord,. why didn t you tell me that before I borrowed thousands of dollars to start and expand my successful business? I told you John, in the Word, Owe no man anything but your love. What should I do now, Lord? John heard no immediate answer. It was not long afterwards, however, that John felt the Lord saying, John, you don t trust me. What do you mean Lord, I have given my life to you, I am going on mission trips for you to Mexico, I have a Christian bookstore. But do you really trust me? Would you give up your successful business for me? Well, I m not quite sure about that Lord. CROSSFIRE MINISTRIES INC. Outreach to the Needy Local and Foreign Missions Women s and Men s Outreach Christian Outreach OPERATIONS MANAGER John Miller BOARD OF DIRECTORS *Pastor Bob Wachtler, President *Chip Shaw, Vice President *Michelle Dickerson, Treasurer Debra O Toole, Secretary Daurene Crider David Miller Leslie Miller *Trustees Peggy Shaw, Data Entry A few weeks later out of the blue a man came into the flower shop and stated that he wanted to buy the business. John responded, Sorry, it s not for sale. Two weeks later the same man returned and said, I really think I am supposed to buy your business. John wondered, is God trying to speak to me?...to sell my business, get completely out of debt, and work full time for the Lord? As a result, the Millers stepped out in faith to open Crossfire Ministries. They sold their business, paid off all their loans and mortgages, and started working full time for the Lord. They put their trust in God for their life and daily provision. Although times have not always been easy, they do not regret their decision. John s wife Leslie adds, As a result of our experience, I can now truly identify with and walk in the shoes of those we serve. NEWSLETTER MANAGING EDITOR Leslie Miller MINISTRY HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 10:00-4:00 CHECK FOR PERIODIC CLOSURES

2 WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS!!! OUR MATCHMAKER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN As you may know, Crossfire Ministries has been involved in a campaign to finish paying off our present property. We desire to be debt free when we start making final plans for a new building which will be located at our present location. The dream is to build a building at our current location with a basement and two stories high with 4600 square feet on each floor. This is about five times the space that we currently have in the old house built in 1906 which we currently occupy. It is our goal to finish paying off the debt by the end the end of 2009 with a matching donation for funds donated by you. We so very much appreciate each one of you for helping us with our goal. Thank you for partnering to help the needy. OUR GENERAL FUND We are so thankful for all the donations and financial support coming into our General Fund. The finances needed to help us with our operating expenses, purchase of food, toiletries and supplies is always our most critical need. We are also grateful for all the people who have brought in food and toiletry donations. These donations are a vital in helping the people we serve. Debt Retirement Goal $225,000 Amount needed to meet our goal $16,000 Amount Raised by September, 2009 $209,000 ENTERPRISE ZONE We are also approaching the end of the year and tax time. As you may know, Crossfire Ministries was granted special status as an El Paso County Enterprise Zone. In helping us with our General Fund and food expenses, we can also help you. For every donation of $ or more, you can obtain a tax credit of $62.50 directly off your Colorado tax liability. You can acquire this tax credit amounting to 25% for any amount that you give of $ or more. However, donations to our Matchmaker fund do not apply. If you wish to participate in the Enterprise Zone you may donate to our General Fund by 1. Making checks payable to El Paso County Enterprise Zone. 2. In the memo space on your check write in Crossfire Ministries. 3. Send the check to: Crossfire Ministries Colorado Springs, CO HELPING THE NEEDY THIS YEAR SO FAR January to September, 2009 Average people served per month: 1820 Average number of new people per day: 35 Food given out: 366,000 pounds Clothes given out 209,800 pounds Toiletries valued at: $9,600 2

3 Crossfire Ministries presents 2009 Christmas Benefit Bazaar Quilts, Treasures, Crafts & Baked Goods November 6 & 7, :00-4:00 At Holy Cross Lutheran Church 4125 Constitution Ave. quilts, gifts, crafts, treasures, collectibles baked goods, plush toys, dolls, & much more To benefit the needy of Colorado Springs Admission: A can of food (or donation) 3

4 Crossfire Needs: 2009 THANKSGIVING OUTREACH NOVEMBER 24 & 25 TURKEYS & TRIMMINGS FOR OUR OUTREACH TO THE NEEDY Please drop your donations off at Crossfire, between 10:00 and 4:00, Tuesday -Thursday Nov if possible (or call to make other arrangements) OTHER WAYS TO HELP: We need a few frozen turkeys to be precooked for our single clients. We need help boxing food on November 21. We need people to help pass out food and supervise traffic on November 24 and 25. Sign up now by calling: or Turkeys Mashed Potatoes Canned Gravy Cranberry Sauce Pies & Cakes Rolls, Jams & Jellies Butter or Margarine (600 cubes) Green Beans and Corn Boxed Stuffing Canned Sweet Potatoes Financial Donations 2009 CHRISTMAS OUTREACH DECEMBER 8, 9, 10 AND 15, 16, 17, GIFTS FOR CHILDREN OTHER WAYS TO HELP: We need help setting up on December 1, 2, and 3, 10:00-4:00. We also need people to help pass out Christmas gifts on December 8, 9, 10 and 15, 16, and 17, 10:00-4:00. Sign up now by calling: or Please drop your donations off at Crossfire, between 10:00 and 4:00, Tuesday -Thursday December 1-3 if possible (or call to make other arrangements) WE NEED: Christmas stockings, bows, and wrap New or near new gifts for all age children, but especially teen boys and babies Family games Cookies, candy canes and other sweet treats Financial donations 4

5 When you are driving around town, you are now able to see Crossfire s newly designed and painted truck. We thank God and you for the generous provision to make this possible. Notice also the new sign on our Compassion House We have secured the equipment for a greatly needed larger walk in freezer. We still need to have the funding for installation of it and the necessary electrical. Photos courtesy of Three Alarm Productions Annual Women s Christmas Tea The Gift of Friends December 12, :00 P.M. Holy Cross Lutheran Church 4125 Constitution Ave. Cost $5.00 Space is limited and reservations are required for the tea. Call Leslie at for reservations. The Comforters The Comforters meet the 2nd Friday of the month from 9:o0 to 2:00 to sew quilts for give-away and benefit.. We also have a group of ladies who crochet and knit afghans, hats, and other yarn projects. If you are interested in participating in either of these groups, please call Leslie Miller at or for directions and more information. We would appreciate any donations of your excess yarn, batting and cotton fabric. 5 Recycling for Bucks Please help Crossfire by donating these items to recycle: Cell telephones Printer Ink cartridges Metal and aluminum cans

6 Crossfire Ministries Colorado Springs, CO (719) Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Colorado Springs, CO Permit 367 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29 OUR TWO FUNDS: Matchmaker General Fund Please help! Any amount will be a blessing, no gift is too small nor too large. All gifts are tax deductible and will be recorded in your end of the year statement. Make checks payable to Crossfire Ministries Inc. and specify which fund. Stocks can be transferred through T. Rowe Price. Call John Miller at or for additional information. AS THE LORD MIGHT LEAD YOU Please fill out, detach, and return with your check. NAME PHONE ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP General Fund Giving Opportunity General Fund one time gift amount Monthly pledge PLEASE HELP US HELP OTHERS! Crossfire Ministries is a non-profit, tax exempt corporation devoted to helping the needy and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Crossfire is financially and spiritually accountable to a board of directors made up of members of the community in good standing. We stand in faith that God will provide our needs and will also provide enough for us to help others. Crossfire appreciates your consideration in making a contribution to our work as we help those less fortunate. Matchmaker Fund Opportunity Enclosed gift: Doubled becomes: $1.00 $2.00 $10.00 $20.00 $25.00 $50.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ Matchmaker one time gift amount Monthly pledge