In four years, Crossover Ministry in Opp has given 120 men the opportunity for a new life — in more ways than one.
With its headquarters in a former funeral home, Crossover goes beyond most drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs to provide men not only the keys to a new life free from addiction but also a new life in Christ free from sin.
“People don’t have addiction problems. They have sin problems,” said Todd Sasser, Crossover executive director.
“If you get rid of the sin problem, the drug and alcohol problems vanish.”
Staff and volunteers use employment; education; counseling; partnerships with local churches like Southside Baptist, Andalusia; and the truth of Jesus Christ to help Crossover’s “clients.” And according to Sasser, they follow Jesus’ example of love.
“Love is so vital in drawing someone to Christ,” he said. “When Jesus confronted the woman at the well, He approached her with love, and it changed her whole life.”
Clients come from all backgrounds. About one-third come from prison.
Most are from Covington and Coffee counties, but some have traveled from as far as Louisiana and New York.
Upon entering the program, clients move into the Crossover facility for four months and agree to four months of “aftercare,” which can be completed off-site.
While living at the Crossover facility, they maintain cemetery grounds located behind the ministry building, work various odd jobs in the community and cultivate a garden to sell produce to help fund the ministry and provide food for the group.
In addition, clients are taught life skills, including GED preparation. They and their spouses have the opportunity to participate in family support group meetings.
Clients participate in daily Bible studies and classes that present scriptural principles for overcoming their addictions.
Three days before graduation, Crossover helps each client look for a job and secure a place to live, as well as settle details regarding court proceedings like parole or probation if necessary.
Gerald Hartley spends several nights a week at Crossover, acting as a counselor and managing the garden work.
He said the most difficult and important part of his job is building relationships with clients so they are free to share their needs.
“People could graduate from every rehab in existence, but no program or anything we could do can change their hearts,” Hartley said. “We point them to the realization that the only eternal recovery is through Jesus Christ.”
Several Crossover staff members are living examples of that recovery.
“I know what it’s like,” Sasser said. “I was an addict. I had no peace in my heart, and my life was falling apart.”
But Aug. 16, 1999, after losing his family and spending time in jail, Sasser’s life changed forever.
“I remember the night I called out to God. He took me out of my miry pit, clothed me with a white robe and I am no longer a slave to sin,” Sasser said. “There’s always hope.”
Now he sees miracles performed every day in others’ lives — families restored, marriages mended and new lives beginning. Many times, a client coming to know the Lord results in his wife and children coming to know Him as well.
Within a year, Crossover hopes to open another facility and extend its services to women.
The support of local companies, individuals and churches makes the ministry possible since it receives no government funding.
Covington County is “known for substance abuse and being involved with Crossover Ministry is an opportunity for us to be a part of something God is doing in a big way,” said Bill Pritchett, Southside Baptist’s senior pastor.
Pritchett shares a devotional with Crossover’s clients every Friday, and this year, Crossover’s graduation ceremony was held at the Covington Baptist Association church Sept. 6.
“We’re excited we get to be a part,” Pritchett said. “It’s inspiring and motivating. Crossover not only helps people individually but also reconnects them to their families, back to the community and to a local church.”
For more information, call 334-493-1030 or e-mail crossover@oppcatv.com.
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