Crossover Scholarship Fund

Major Gift Offerings by Derrick Hill

God’s timing is everything! Who would have ever thought at the start of a global pandemic I would be joining forces with a great team of people, to me, known as the “Crossover Family”. Fifteen years ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the pastors of Crossover Bible Church, Pastor Marshall Gordan and Co-Pastor Philip Abode. We were discussing the dynamics of north Tulsa and effective ministry outreach to high school kids, never knowing our paths would cross again.

I grew up in a home where service to the community and to your fellow man were paramount and preached from the crib to the grave. I saw my parents love people unconditionally and choose to see the best in people even when they did not see it in themselves. I was always amazed how “love” could transform a situation, person, or an outcome. It would have been awesome if I had only seen it once, but I saw the power of love work repeatedly in my parents’ ministry for over 43 years. I also saw it in action while working with YoungLife, an outreach ministry to high school students. It does not take a rocket scientist to see love’s transformational power at work, when God is at the center of it all.

I WAS HUNGRY, AND YOU GAVE me MEAT, I WAS THIRSTY, AND YOU GAVE ME DRINK, I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU TOOK ME IN....

-MATTHEW 25:35

Over a year ago, through a mutual friend, I was invited to come and see a convocation at Crossover Prep. I was amazed at what I saw and experienced. I saw young men leading the charge! They were sharing announcements, speaking on current events, singing praise and worship songs, encouraging each other to be great, and proclaiming “I am my brothers’ keeper”! I thought, “This is amazing!” I wished others could see and feel what I felt that day.

Mr . Hill engaging with Mr. Taylor.

Fifteen years later, Philip, now the Senior Pastor at Crossover Bible Church and the Executive Director for Crossover Prep, and my paths crossed again. We had lunch one day and he shared the vision he had for the north Tulsa community and Crossover Preparatory Academy. He asked me if I’d be interested in being a Prom King candidate in an Adult Prom fundraiser that would benefit the young men. I told him that was not my cup of tea, but I would love to serve in some other capacity. Months later, there was a need for someone to help raise money for the Crossover Scholarship Fund in a full time capacity, so that no student, despite their family’s financial circumstances, would be prevented from obtaining an impeccable private school education.

Today, I am the Major Gifts Officer for Crossover Prep with an emphasis on raising ample money for the scholarship fund ensuring the young men (and soon the young women of north Tulsa) receive a quality education. Earlier I mentioned God has a way of orchestrating things. My wife and I are two years in as empty nesters and there’s no greater joy than to give back to my community. I am reminded of the scripture found in Matthew 25: 35- 40. “I was hungry, and you gave me meat, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in”. It goes on to say when you do it to the least of these you have done it unto me.

I am looking forward to seeing all the exciting things God has in store for Crossover Prep this year and the years to come as we seek to serve Him through this work!

Derrick Hill is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, with a bachelor’s degree in Business. He’s been married to his sweetheart, Tia, who is his daily inspiration and his always future “expectation,” for 23 years! They are the parents of two incredible sons, Justice and Daxton “Dax” Hill, 22 and 19 years old, who are active in professional and collegiate sports. He enjoys attending his sons’ games, exploring the outdoors, hanging out with his wife and playing musical instruments. Most recently, he has become the Major Gifts Officer for Crossover Prep. He’s been involved in ministry all his life, and he enjoys witnessing God’s hands at work in the lives of His beautiful creation.

To learn more about the Crossover Scholarship Fund and the most IMPACTful state tax credits available, please go to http://crossoverscholarshipfund.org/.