Crossroads Farms banquet highlights youth center’s growth

Wallace Lodge at Sally Buffalo Park hosted the third annual Crossroads Farms banquet April 18. Crossroads Farms is the group that operates Cadiz’s Christian youth center. The center continues to grow in attendance and is making plans to move to a larger location.

Carrie Olsen, administrative director of the youth center, served as master of ceremonies. Attendees included members of the Crossroads board of directors, local pastors, supporters and students who attend the center. Some guests traveled from as far as Michigan, New York and West Virginia.

“Welcome to this, our third opportunity to hold this informative and friendly gathering,” Olsen said. “We are fortunate to have the support of the community of churches and the pastors from around the surrounding area.”

Several videos were shown featuring comments from students who attend the youth center. They spoke about the programs offered, learning about God, the camaraderie among students and the guidance provided by staff and volunteers. Many of the students also said the current space is too small.

“Well, you heard it straight from the kids,” Olsen said. “When we first opened the youth center, it seemed large enough, but the attendance continued to grow. We met with our landlord and asked if we could remove a wall to open and create more space. He agreed. We expanded, but it would take no time to experience the same problem — lack of space.”

Olsen said the students continue to enjoy the trips, training and Sunday night gatherings. She said they especially enjoy learning about God and listening to Assistant Director Luke Marshall during devotions.

Marshall, who was unable to attend because he and his family were sick, prepared a presentation for the banquet titled “Grow With Us.” The presentation was read by Seth Routledge, chairman of the local advisory board at Crossroads.

“When Raegan and I moved back here and began canvassing the area for our training year, meeting pastors, Christians, community members and a few students,” Routledge read from Marshall’s remarks, “I really questioned how fast we would actually grow. We looked at a couple spaces and one of my concerns was that I didn’t want to have too big of a space, because what if we stayed small for a number of years?

“I wanted the space to feel right for the number of students. So, when a national board member told me the building that I showed him could hold about 30 people comfortably and 60 uncomfortably, that felt right. We took on a large remodeling project to make the space excellent for students.”

Marshall’s remarks continued by noting that by the second year, the number of students and adult leaders made the space uncomfortable, leading to the removal of a wall to double the available room.

“That space could hold about 50 people comfortably and 75 uncomfortably,” Routledge read. “Over the year we have been averaging 37 students and sometimes over 50 in the building. This is just incredible. When you add the amazing coaches and volunteers who come each week, the area was full.”

Marshall’s remarks credited God for providing what the ministry has needed as it has grown.

“God chooses to operate differently,” Routledge read. “He loves us and wants us to be part of his plan. He fills us with his power and Holy Spirit and helps us make this happen. He lets us do more than we could ever imagine.”

Brunch was catered by Christy Holmes of Homestead, and flowers were donated by Bouquets and Gifts of Cadiz.