Bluewater Bay Campus eLetter
From Shawnea Tallman
Knowing and Doing
There’s no doubt that Crosspoint has a long-standing tradition of being a missional church. We believe the Great Commission calls us to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. But beyond evangelism, we also believe our calling includes discipleship — simply put, to "teach them to do good."
Canton Morales is a small Mayan village in the remote northwest of Guatemala. Nearly a decade ago, Crosspoint began a Community-to-Community partnership with Food for the Hungry to help develop and disciple this village. Bonnie Benshoof and I have been leading an annual short-term mission team that meets with sponsored children and supports community development projects, such as nutrition programs, agriculture, a health clinic, and education for women and children.
We also host a Vacation Bible School (VBS) every year. Each time, the Lord reveals a theme that speaks to the community’s discipleship needs. Although VBS is designed for youth, it’s clear that the entire village is impacted. One especially memorable VBS on Forgiveness marked a turning point in our relationship with the community. We saw the VBS banners in nearly every home, and we truly felt a spiritual shift in the village.
This year’s theme is Peace. Since I write the VBS curriculum, people kept asking during last year’s trip, “What will next year’s theme be?” My answer was always the same: “The Lord hasn’t revealed that yet.” Then, on the drive back to the Guatemala City airport, He brought the word Peace to my mind. Just around the next bend, we saw a giant billboard reading, “Islam: is Peace!” But the gospel truth is this: Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The Lord wants the truth to be proclaimed. So this year’s theme is Paz de Jesús — Peace of Jesus. Chill bumps... right?
The Lord calls us. He sends us. He is with us. He directs our steps. The village is expected to graduate in 2027. We have just two more years to be the feet of Jesus to this precious community — to do what is right and to disciple what is right.
In His missionary service,
-Shawnea Tallman, CEO, The Soul Care Project
My Christian brothers, you say that you believe in God. Then you must show this in the things that you do. If not, your faith will not help you. It will not save you. -James 2:14 (EASY)
Those who bring peace to other people help them to live together in peace. As a result, people choose to do what is right and good. -James 3:18 (EASY)
