Dear CrossNet Ministries’ Supporters,

As I sit down to write this year’s end-of-year appeal, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection. For the past 9½ years, it has been one of my greatest honors to serve alongside you through the ministry of CrossNet. Together, we have seen God’s faithfulness time and time again, lives changed, needs met, and hope shared in the name of Jesus.

Writing this letter is bittersweet, as I will be transitioning out of my role at CrossNet at the end of the year. While it is difficult to step away from a ministry and community I love, I am filled with joy and confidence for what lies ahead. The future of CrossNet is bright because of this community and the way you continue to rally around your neighbors with compassion, generosity, and embracing a God-sized vision.

This year has been another testament to God’s provision and the power of collaboration. Through your support, CrossNet has continued to offer help and hope in the name of Jesus by empowering people in the ELANCO community. Our mission is lived out daily through four program areas:

Social Services: Offering case management, housing support, and opportunities for individuals and families to take next steps toward stability and independence. Programs like Pathways to Housing continue to help families secure safe and sustainable homes.

Youth Programs: Providing safe and supportive spaces for students in birth – graduating seniors to build relationships, learn life skills, and hear the Gospel. Mentoring, after-school programs, and leadership opportunities help local youth grow spiritually, emotionally, and academically.

Community Programs: Meeting tangible needs through efforts like the Backpack, Winter Coat, and Christmas Programs. Each of these creates opportunities for relationships and connections within our community.

Food & Nutrition Programs: Providing access to nutritious food through our Food Pantry, Student Pantry, free summer lunch program, and weekend food solutions, ensuring that no one in ELANCO goes hungry.

When I think about CrossNet, I am drawn to and reminded of the decades of life-change that is taking place in our community. Recently, we had a conversation with a participant that shared her family’s experience with  CrossNet as she moved to New Holland 12 years ago. She shared that CrossNet has been a place of stability and where they have found community. All four of her children have been a part of our programs and have grown in their walks with Jesus. She concluded our conversation by saying, “I hope my children will break generational curses and grow up knowing that joy and faith, in Jesus, can lead to a different kind of life.”

As we reflected this year and looked to the horizon, we were reminded again of God’s faithfulness. In September, CrossNet moved into our new office space! This significant step allows us to better serve the ELANCO community. This move has already strengthened collaboration among staff, volunteers, and community partners while providing a welcoming place for individuals and families to connect with resources and care. What started as a dream years ago is now a reality! We are praising God for His provision in making this move possible, and we continue to trust Him for what remains. We still have a need of $350,000 to be completely debt-free. To learn more about renovation costs or the project, please visit elancocross.org!

As we close out this year, we are praying expectantly for 2026. CrossNet’s annual budget for 2025 is $1,590,303, and we are trusting God to provide the resources needed to sustain and grow ministry impact. Our remaining need for the 2025 budget is $310,000. Would you prayerfully consider making a year-end contribution to help us finish this year strong and step confidently into the next season of ministry?

Your gift makes it possible for youth to hear about Jesus, for families to find housing stability, for neighbors to experience care and connection, and for our community to flourish in hope. Thank you for believing in this mission and for partnering with CrossNet in such meaningful ways.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your years of support, encouragement, and faithfulness. It has been an incredible privilege to serve with you. As I transition, I do so knowing that the ministry is in good hands and that God’s work in ELANCO will continue to grow and thrive.

With gratitude and hope,
Carl Edwards, Jr.
Executive Director
CrossNet Ministries

Click here to view our 2025 Stats and Ways To Get Involved Flyer

Please Save the Date for our Annual Banquet on Tuesday, March 24, 2026!