A condensed story appears in the Foundation’s newly published Annual Report …and God Does the Rest. The theme alludes to doing our part with the full assurance that faith brings.
Cross Connection is taking bold steps in its mission to help young people encounter God and love their neighbors. The organization (formerly Carolina Cross Connection) has added programs and partners as part of a vision to become the leading mission trip experience for ages 12–25 from United Methodist and like-minded faith backgrounds.
With a perpetual income stream managed by the Foundation, Cross Connection will move toward an equitable pay model for college-age staff — without placing the full financial burden on participating churches.
“When we began exploring the idea of starting an endowment, we did our research,” said executive director Brittany Bethel (pictured below). “The Foundation stood out not only for offering the most competitive rates, but also for being an organization we already knew and trusted to manage our investment wisely.”
Hammers, lumber and inspiration
Founded in 1987 at First UMC Lincolnton, Cross Connection is best-known for sending youth groups to rural parts of North Carolina to build wheelchair ramps, stairs and handrails for elderly folks. When the workday ends, youth return to camp for worship and reflection on what they learned. Then it’s up at 7 a.m. to do it all again.
The idea is for students to practice being the hands and feet of Jesus — and return home inspired to work for justice in their own communities.
Cross Connection runs an urban ministry in Asheville in partnership with Haywood Street Congregation and a site in Central America to support children’s homes in Honduran villages.
How Cross Connection plans to grow
The work has taken on resonance in the post-pandemic era. More young people are struggling with mental health. Many have lost a meaningful connection with the church. At the same time, needs of folks on the margins have only increased. New or expanded programming includes:
Campers have traveled from as far as Texas, Florida and New Jersey for Cross Connection experiences. However, 90 percent of youth groups represent United Methodist churches in North Carolina. It’s time, ministry leaders say, to make more room at the table.
“The heart of Cross Connection is the same,” Brittany said. “We’re still rooted in Christ—and growing into a fuller vision of the Church.”
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