Every week, volunteers gather at Crossroads’ office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to process and prepare lessons for distribution. They sort through an average of eight tubs of mail weekly, handling thousands of completed lessons, enrollment cards, and letters from our students. These dedicated individuals record lessons in our database and prepare Bibles and lessons for mailing.
Each month, we feature one of these volunteers in our front office. In January and April, we introduced the first seven volunteers in this spotlight series. Today, we are excited to introduce three more individuals who play crucial roles behind the scenes, making our ministry possible.
We are deeply grateful for each volunteer who has answered God’s call to care for those in prison. Our community of volunteers is vital to our mission, and we are privileged to work alongside them.
Dave W., Crossroads volunteer since 2017
Dave W., Crossroads volunteer since 2017
What brought you to Crossroads?
I came to Crossroads to find an opportunity to “give back.” After working a career that lasted over forty-five years, I wanted to become active in a ministry setting that serves a vital role in benefiting society. I was drawn to Crossroads after conversations with a relative who had served as a volunteer at Crossroads for over twenty years.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Volunteering here has been an enlightening experience that opened my eyes to the great need to reach the incarcerated members of our world with the love of Christ.
What are some of your interests/hobbies?
I have a woodshop in my basement that keeps me busy making woodcraft items. I make small furniture items and other various household décor. I donate almost everything I make to auction fundraisers that are held annually at the local Christian school where my grandchildren attend. I also enjoy golfing, biking, and taking walks with my wife. I also am committed to a local food pantry called Streams of Hope where I volunteer two days a week.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38–39
Bill O., a Crossroads volunteer since 2024
Bill O., a Crossroads volunteer since 2024
What brought you to Crossroads?
My friend Deb invited me to volunteer. My mom also used to be a mentor and volunteered in the office, so I’m following in her footsteps.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
I enjoy the staff and other volunteers at Crossroads, and I love knowing that I can play a small part in God’s plan for all the prisoners we are serving.
What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Learning Spanish through the Duolingo app. I took a summer course in Mexico while in college in the eighties and am trying to pick it back up. I also enjoy gardening and various household projects.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
The glorious mystery of we in Christ is Christ in us—the reality we can grow into more and more until we meet Him face-to-face.
Anita B., a Crossroads volunteer since 2019
Anita B., a Crossroads volunteer since 2019
What brought you to Crossroads?
Many years ago, I invited Dr. David Schuringa to speak at our church (North Hills CRC, Troy, MI) after reading his Today devotionals. Several of us became mentors that day, and I myself have served as a mentor since 2003. I love this ministry, so it seemed natural when we moved to Grand Rapids to become an in-office volunteer too.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
I want to serve Kingdom causes, and ministry to incarcerated people is one of Christ’s concerns. He gave His people hearts to help however we are able. Working with the great and dedicated staff is a real joy. I’m blessed to be able to volunteer.
What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Reading, church involvement (leading Bible studies, serving on council, ministry teams, etc.), and serving on the HOA board.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Psalm 16:
“Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.’
I say of the holy people who are in the land,
‘They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.’
Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
If you live in West Michigan and are interested in joining the team of volunteers at our Grand Rapids office, please contact us for more information. Interested in mentoring through Crossroads? Learn more here.