Year: 2019

Here is a note to any who over the years have been supporters of the winter “shoebox mission trip” by Crossing Borders, and to any folks who want to know how they can help now.

Did you know this December 6-9 will be CB’s 14th winter trip (and 28th mission trip overall)? Some of you have been a part of that ride for many years, and we thank you very much. As always, we need the support of folks like you to make these trips actually happen, and to be able to share blessings from God with the folks we go to serve in Mexico.

We need:

Shoebox gifts – Boxes filled with necessities and fun stuff for children. Last year we had a decrease in the number of shoeboxes donated, so we had to ration the number of boxes we could share with each ministry partner and event. I pray that this winter we can increase the number of shoeboxes we can give away to those cute kids made in God’s image, and who actually NEED and appreciate the items in the boxes. If you or your group can provide shoebox gifts, that’s wonderful. If you know of some other group that could help with this, please let them know about the need and the blessing, and point them to our website for details. Go to: www.cbmission.org and click on the Shoebox Ministry tab. Boxes can be shipped directly to our housing facility on the border, and they need to arrive there no later than December 5.

Prayers – We are in the midst of our detailed planning for the upcoming trip. There are multiple contacts to be made (often through difficult communication channels), safety and financial issues to consider, an events schedule to be decided upon, applications flowing in, the health and spiritual challenges of our Mexico ministry partners, travel plans to arrange, shoeboxes to prepare, ship and receive, and more. We solicit your prayers as this final month fills up with preparation and then the actual event happens on December 6-9 when up to 28 CB missionaries spend two days reflecting the love of God, the joy of Jesus, and the hope of the Spirit to hundreds of adults and children in some very needy places in Mexico.

Other miscellaneous items – People also make or purchase blankets (adult-size and baby-size), quilts, scarves, homemade toys, heavy cloth totes with handles (great for moms of infants), baby items such as powder, lotion, pacifier, onesies, rattles, baby bottles, diapers etc. (which we pack up onsite in the totes). Be creative; it’s all good! (NO clothes or shoes, please [except for the baby items]).

If you have questions, feel free to call either Lee Berger, director (903-746-4463) or Steve Solari, assistant director (615-480-0826).

Save the Date!

 

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Jim Kissee, Pastor of the GCI church in Springfield, Missouri. After a long fight with cancer, Jim passed away Saturday, October 19. The following is his obituary which was first published on his tribute page at Adams Funeral Home.

Jim loved and he lived. He was a kind and caring person who valued faith and family above all else. He believed in forgiveness, had immense biblical knowledge, and wanted people to know hope and love through Jesus Christ.

James Everett Kissee was born on June 29, 1943 to Sherman Everett and Goldie Katherine Kissee. He grew up on a farm with four brothers in Marshfield, Missouri. Jim married Kaye Pyle on June 7, 1969 and they had three children – Jim, Janna, and Joe.

Jim was interested in sports from a very young age and had a particular fondness and aptitude for basketball. He excelled as an athlete and continued to put high importance on discipline, mental strength, and physical activity throughout his entire life.

After high school, Jim played basketball for two years at Arkansas City Junior College in Kansas and then for two years at the University of Arkansas where he earned his first Bachelor’s Degree. After graduation he moved to Big Sandy, Texas to attend Ambassador University, where he earned his second Bachelor’s Degree. It was there that he met Kaye and found his calling in life to minister and teach. Education was a lifelong passion for Jim. During his time as a professor at Ambassador, he earned both a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate from Texas A&M Commerce.

Jim’s love of helping others through education and counseling made a lasting impact on countless lives. Some of his fondest memories were of the years he spent teaching, counseling, and working with students at Ambassador University. He encouraged us and others to embrace and love one another, to share knowledge unashamedly and without fear, and to strive to reach our highest potential.

Jim was a pastor, faithfully served the Lord, exemplified positivity and always had a hopeful outlook on the future, even in the face of adversity. He loved his family and got great joy from his grandchildren.

Jim’s earthly body succumbed to cancer Saturday, October 19, 2019 but he continues to inspire. He will be remembered by family and those close to him as a caring intellectual that exhibited great strength and grace.

Jim is survived by his wife Kaye; son Jim Kissee; daughter and son-in-law Janna and Nate Jones, grandchildren Zander and Lilah; son and daughter-in-law Joe and Rachel Kissee, grandsons Andrew, Evan, and Isaac; and brothers Archie, Les, and Bob Kissee; and many beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Sherman and Goldie Kissee, his brother John Kissee, and numerous other loved ones.

 

Cards and letters may be sent to:

Mrs. Kaye Kissee
601 N 36th St
Nixa, MO 65714-7558

On Sunday, October 6th, the Charles and Dyann Clark family were joined by members of GCI Memphis along with family and friends at the annual “Step-Up for Down Syndrome” event, which draws thousands of people to mid-town Memphis each year. The Clarke’s daughter Ebonee, a committee member, spearheaded a fundraising drive that helped her place second in her division for the second year in a row.

This event came on the heels of the local church sponsoring an Information Booth at the local Bartlett Fair in Bartlett, TN, and the church’s move to a new location with six weeks’ notice in July. We thankfully acknowledge the Lord’s blessing as we look back to say “Missions Accomplished.”

September 20-22, forty women gathered in Cullman, Alabama, for the Fall Women’s Retreat. They met at the St. Bernard Retreat Center for a wonderful weekend of spiritual renewal, relaxation and recreation. The theme for the weekend was Our Journey with Jesus.

Speakers included Gerrie Bayley, Becki Brown, Barbara Dahlgren, Pat Halford, Ruth Miller, Ginny Rice and Tammy Tkach. Singer/songwriters Ann Hartmann and Tammy Vice provided wonderful special music. Mary Jo Leaver shared her special ministry of Music to the Eyes, which utilizes American Sign Language and lyrical dance to bring music to life to those who are hearing impaired.

Friday and Saturday evenings were devoted to free time for board games, fellowship, and “downtime” – much needed in our fast-paced lives today. The retreat concluded Sunday morning with a communion service.

The dates for next year’s retreat are October 9-11, 2020. For more information, please email Ruth Miller at ruth.miller@gci.org.