As Many of you know Paul and I were heavily involved with the addictive lifestyle before we came to Jesus in 1980.  Since that time God has allowed us to work with those who struggle with addictions, introduce them to Jesus Christ and help them get their life on the right track.  We attended the Bible Institute at Hillcrest Baptist Church and went to Tennessee to work for the Nashville Rescue Mission.  Paul directed Mission Acres, a men's rehab in Tennessee for 14 years.  He then worked as head Chaplain at the Mission for a year.  We received excellent training in Nashville for the work we have been doing here in Richmond. In 2000 we returned to Richmond and to our home church, Hillcrest Baptist.  In 2002 we formed The Shepherd's Way.  Paul worked with 288 men with 30 graduating until its close in 2013.  Since the Victory House opened in 2007 and Cross Road opened in 2010 we have served over 200 women.  The number of children indirectly served is documented at 407.  Many of the people we have had the privilege of working with are clean and living for the Lord today. We have been part of a host of people who have done the needed work by donating, volunteering and praying for this ministry.  Together we formed a team with a common  mission. 

     Due to health issues Paul and I have moved to a supporting/advisory position at Cross Road and the Victory Program for women as of April 1st, 2014.  It was our desire when we purchased Cross Road to be instrumental in setting up the program and finding a couple who could carry on the mission of helping people recover from addiction.  About a year and a half ago, I saw Wendy and Tom at a church function in Centerville and felt at that time that God had orchestrated the meeting.  I told Paul after that meeting that she was capable of directing Cross Road.  I have known Wendy for 14 years and have always respected and admired her for her work ethic, sweet spirit and her concern for others.  As we got to know Tom we found him to be a man of God with high standards and common sense.  Several months later Wendy began volunteering and fell in love with the women and the work of Christian recovery.  The board of directors, including Paul and myself, voted unanimously to accept both of them as the current leadership of the ministry as of April 1st of 2014.  We are thrilled to be working with them and helping where we can.

     As Tom and Wendy build on the foundation we have helped to build they will need your prayers and support.  Only eternity will reveal what God will accomplish with all our efforts.  "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice toether. And herein is that say true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no Labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours." KJV John 4:35-38.  Paul and I would like to thank all the people who have helped this work in any way.  It is exciting to see what God will do as we all labor together for Him! ~ Karon Rose, April-May Newsletter 2014

Top photo:

Founders, Paul & Karon

Bottom photo:

New Directors, Tom & Wendy