April Monthly Mission

Dear friends at St. Paul’s,

I will share the two most recent changes at Crossfire.  When the food stamps shut down, our growth at Crossfire grew, averaging 30 new families daily.  It became apparent that we must look for a solution to be able to keep up with the growing needs.  Our parking lot was always overfilled, with people riding around trying to find a place to park, even though our volunteers park off site, and take a shuttle.

We explored various options, such as opening a second grocery pantry in another part of town.  We tried to work something out with District 20 but discovered that they did not want to partner with us because we are faith based.  When that deal collapsed, we asked God to show us what to do. It was two days later that we saw the old Family Dollar Store, only a mile east on Austin Bluffs, had gone on the market for sale, way below the market value.  If we moved the clothing and thrift store items out of our current building, it would not only free up parking spots but would also enlarge our current space for groceries and our growing educational needs.  We purchased that building and after doing the needed permits, stocking and setting up, we are scheduled to open it up on March 21.  Our hours there will be Tuesday through Saturdays from 10:00 to 4:00.  We hope to keep the missional emphasis there in various ways.  The proceeds will help offset the $30,000 per month food purchases that we are currently making.  It has a prayer center.  We are trying to keep the prices affordable.  We hope to reach out with educational craft demonstrations.  Guests facing tragedy situations may apply for help for their clothing and household needs.  And it is very different that your average thrift store, come and see.

The second big change is our educational outreach.  We are currently offering these educational programs with several classes in each series—Super Saver Saturday Frugal Living Series, Putting your Best Foot Forward Series for Career Development, Cooking Series for Frugal and Nutritional Living, Financial Management Series, and Sewing Workshops.  We offer sampling with recipes on Wednesdays to show our guests ways to use the food resources available and we do a written outreach Thrifty Tips for Trying Times.  We will eventually be able to use the old thrift store area for our increased class size.
Blessings to you all and thank you again for your prayers and support.

Leslie Miller, Co-Founder
Crossfire Ministries