When Joshua lost his father shortly after graduating from high school, his early experimentation with drugs and alcohol spiraled out of control. By his early twenties, his life was in chaos. “I was lost, desperate, and hopeless—I was in need of a Savior,” Joshua shared. A series of robberies and high-speed chases led to a 19-year prison sentence, where his life took a radical turn.
In 2017, Joshua was introduced to Crossroads by a friend in prison. “The Crossroads courses have meant a lot to me, impacted my life, and my mentor has been incredibly helpful,” he said. “When I started my first Crossroads course, I had a thirst for God. The lessons guided me through the Bible and brought me great joy.”
Through these studies, Joshua met people who shaped his faith. Dave, a Crossroads graduate at his facility, was particularly influential. “He sat down with me and taught me deeper truths from the Bible. He showed me how a man of God is supposed to live within the walls of prison,” he said. In 2018, he was baptized alongside the friend who had referred him to Crossroads, publicly declaring his new life in Christ.
Crossroads provided more than Bible lessons—it brought community and purpose. Joshua shared, “These lessons have brought me to good brothers in Christ, which has changed my outlook on life.” As he dug deeper into the Scriptures, his love for God’s Word grew. “I memorized verses, chapters, and even books of the Bible. For some lessons, I could answer the questions from memory,” he said.
Today, Joshua is a new creation in Christ. “He has freed me from all my addictions,” he declared. Reflecting on his journey, Joshua said, “I would not be where I am today without Crossroads. It has led me to many good friends and impacted my life for the better. My ultimate goal is giving God the glory!”
Did you know that Crossroads students are our biggest referral source? Students like Dave and Joshua are sharing their faith and inviting others to join the Crossroads program through tools like Spread the Word enrollment cards (included alongside each lesson).
Joshua’s story demonstrates the power of discipleship. It reminds us that God not only transforms lives but also calls His followers to share that transformation with others. Join thousands of Crossroads mentors in answering God’s call to remember those who are incarcerated by making disciples and being part of His transformative work behind bars. Through Christ-centered relationships, God transforms lives, prisons, and churches, multiplying His Kingdom as disciples make more disciples.
You can help by:
- Giving. Your support enables students to share their faith with others in their facilities and distribute Spread the Word enrollment cards to those who may benefit from Crossroads’ mentorship program.
- Becoming a Mentor. Walk alongside students like Joshua as they grow in their faith and help extend the reach of the Gospel.
Support Crossroads today and be part of God’s mission to bring hope and freedom in Christ to those who need it most!
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).