CrossPoint Goes Downtown

Recently, we at CrossPoint had the opportunity to go out into downtown La Crosse and serve people experiencing homelessness. Our goal was simple: to show the love of Jesus through acts of kindness, conversation, and compassion. We believe ministry is about more than staying inside church walls; it is about meeting people where they are and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us in everyday moments.

Before going downtown, our group came together to prepare homemade lunches filled with nutritious foods. We wanted the meals to feel personal and intentional, to convey that we truly cared about the people receiving them. Before leaving, we gathered together and prayed over every meal, asking God to bless the food, protect the people we would meet, and allow us to reflect His love through our actions and conversations.

As we walked throughout downtown La Crosse, we encountered many unhoused individuals. Some accepted the meals right away with gratitude, while others were hesitant or unsure. About 70% of the people we approached accepted a meal, while around 30% declined. Even when someone chose not to take a meal, we still wanted every interaction to be filled with respect and kindness. Many of these people have experienced disappointment, hardship, and isolation, and we never wanted anyone to feel judged or pressured by our team.

One of the most meaningful parts of the outreach was simply talking with people. We were able to have conversations with several individuals and hear parts of their stories. Those moments reminded us that every person has value, every person matters, and sometimes being willing to stop and listen can mean more than we realize. During these conversations, we also shared information about the Emergency Closet at church and explained how people could find us if they needed support or resources in the future.

This outreach was never about recognition or praise. At the heart of everything we did was a desire to serve our community and spread the presence of the Holy Spirit through love in action. We believe Jesus called us to care for people, especially those who are hurting or overlooked, and we wanted to reflect that in a practical way. Sometimes the smallest acts, a meal, a conversation, a prayer, or simply acknowledging someone’s humanity can have a lasting impact.

Because of this experience, we also started a donation drop site at the La Crosse Seventh-day Adventist Church. Through this donation site, we hope members of the community can come together to provide clothing, hygiene products, food, and other essentials for future outreach efforts. Our prayer is that this ministry continues to grow and becomes an ongoing way for us to support and connect with people in need throughout the La Crosse area.

This experience reminded us that ministry is not always about having all the answers. Sometimes it is simply about showing up, serving others with humility, and allowing God to work through willing hearts. As CrossPoint continues to serve, we hope that people not only receive physical help but also feel seen, valued, and are reminded that they are loved by both God and their community.

If you or anyone you know is able to donate clothes, non-perishable foods, hygiene products, and shoes, please contact CrossPoint at this email crosspoint.youthministrysda@gmail.com.