2007 Honorable Mention
Crossroads Community Church
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Recognized for their long-standing partnership with an African church (Charity and Faith Mission) in the fight against AIDS and for building relationships between the two congregations that are mutually beneficial. |
Name and location: Crossroads Community Church, Cincinnati, Ohio
Denomination: Interdenominational
Pastor: Brian Tome
Date Founded: 1996
Total Church Membership: 6,500
Website: www.crossroadscommunity.net/go/
Outstanding Involvement and Effectiveness in the Fight Against AIDS:
A meeting between Pastor Tome and the leader of a church in Mamelodi, South Africa, during the 1998 Willow Creek Leadership Summit has spawned an extraordinary partnership, leading Crossroads Community Church to devote nearly $4 million toward helping turn the tide against AIDS. Their collaboration has included the development of a hospice and micro-enterprise programs, as well as funding educational initiatives in local schools, and medical and nursing staff at public clinics. In addition, since July 2005, the church has dispatched medical teams to the community five times and, in partnership with a Cincinnati-based hospice, has developed grant proposals for a hospice in Mamelodi, as well as funding for a home for orphans and vulnerable children.
Impact on the Congregation:
In addition to sending 300 people from Crossroads Community Church to Mamelodi in April 2006 to construct homes, plant gardens and minister to children and adults, the church was planning during the summer of 2007 to send an additional 600 people from 11 states representing more than 50 U.S. churches. One member of Crossroads Community is the voluntary executive director a micro-enterprise program in Mamelodi, and another has launched a non-profit in Tanzania caring for people affected by AIDS. Church representatives also have participated in meetings in South Africa with local church staff and officials with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the South African Department of Health and Social Development in an endeavor to secure additional funding for AIDS-related programs. Moreover, in May of 2007, the church was planning to bring 35 Mamelodi residents to Cincinnati to work alongside Crossroads Community members in serving the urban poor.
 
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Pastor's Quote: "In this post-Apartheid township, we bear witness to the camaraderie of brothers and sisters from different continents, different cultures and different social-economic strata-brothers and sisters of one faith, one hope and one love."
Comment from the Judges: "Your demonstration of passion and relevance in the delivery of your message and activity for your members has resulted in thousands of others being awakened and engaged in this health emergency. All who read your application were also delighted to see the instigation of this movement, a relationship born out of two pastors meeting at the Leadership Summit and sharing each other's burdens."
