Living a Life of Truth

Crossover Kids

Our After-School and Summer Enrichment STEAM-based Program at Hawthorne Elementary School.

Pictures above: (Left) Crossover Kids reveal the Lego Model they built during their summer program. (Right) Elizabeth and Avarice Holman

Ifirst heard of Crossover in 2017, when my husband and I attended Kids Across America, an urban youth sports camp in Missouri. We were there with his job and while retreating in the camp’s library we met Jeremy, Crossover’s StreetLeader Coordinator. I don’t remember how we started talking, but I do recall Jeremy excitedly telling us about Crossover! by Elizabeth Holman Living a Life of Truth!

A year and a half later, Philip Abode approached my husband to ask if I would be interested in being the Crossover Kids Director. Crossover wanted to make a few changes to the After-School Program, and Philip and Justin believed I would be a good fit. My husband smiled, and politely told him “I don’t think so, but I will ask her.” When he told me about this conversation, I was surprised that he assumed that I would not want to even consider the job. I was happy with my job and wasn’t looking for a change, but I emailed Philip and set up a time to discuss the job, nonetheless. I learned that Philip initially considered my husband, Avarice, for the position but thought I could be a good fit too. That still makes

me laugh to this day! I thanked him for his time but did not feel I should apply. As I got up to leave his office, he told me to keep it on my prayer radar. So, I did. Several months later, I decided to apply and interview for the position, but upon receiving the job offer, I still had no idea what to do. For 3 weeks, I prayed,

Pictures above: Elizabeth with College Interns (Left), Elizabeth Holman (Right)

and God used a little tub of Play-Doh (random, I know) to help me come to a decision. The container has the word, “Risk” handwritten on it. I remember thinking this job would be risky. This was a leadership position that I did not believe I was prepared for. What if I did not have what it takes to be a good leader? What if I mess up? What if I end up hating the job? I finally decided to say “Yes!” even though I was terrified.

In these 5 short months of being part of the Crossover family, my life has already been impacted. The biggest change has been my personal development as a leader. Through accepting this role, I have felt my need for God more than ever before. It has caused me to seek Him deeper, ask Him for help more often, and have a sweet dependence upon Him. My supervisor, Chasten Hendricks, has been instrumental in my leadership development as well. He has modeled godly leadership to me in a way that I have not seen. Lastly, this job has served as an ever-present reminder that the next generation needs godly leaders and mentors to love, support, and believe in them. Crossover is a community that is doing everything we can to be the church in a broken world. -Elizabeth H. Crossover is a community that is doing everything we can to be the Church in a hurting and broken world. We recognize that God is the one who can truly restore a community, but He has called the Church to do so in practical ways. I am honored to have a role in these efforts. Before starting at Crossover, I watched a Chronicles of Narnia movie. There is a quote from the movie that gave me the courage I needed to accept this position. Prince Caspian was young, like me, and was about to enter a position of leadership. He said to Aslan, “I do not think I am ready,” to which Aslan responds, “It’s for that very reason you are.”

God has taught me that it is not those who are dependent on themselves that do big things. It is those who believe God is big enough to do those things through them. Another way of saying this is, “God does the heavy lifting”, as Pastor Philip often says. I have been learning what it means to take that to heart and live a life unto Him believing that truth. Even when it seems scary.

Elizabeth Holman serves as the Crossover Kids and StreetLeader Director. She is married to Avarice Holman, Jr. and recently celebrated her 5th wedding anniversary. She is originally from New York but enjoys the sunsets of the Midwest. She loves chocolate, trying new recipes, and likes to pretend to be a professional runner. Elizabeth craves to see God’s hand at work daily in her life and in the lives of the people around her. She is growing to be a leader who loves people while making a huge IMPACT in their lives.

To learn more about our STEAM-based After-School and Summer Day Camp at Hawthorne Elementary School, please go to: http://crossoverimpact.org/crossover-kids/.