CrossPoint Newsletter

Thirty Ninth Edition 7/4/2026

This year’s Fourth of July will be one of the most memorable celebrations in our nation’s history as we mark 250 years of American independence.

I have to admit, when it comes to the Fourth of July and being an American, I’m all in. I love hot dogs, baseball, fireworks, and gathering with family and friends. There is much about our country that I deeply appreciate.

But there is one aspect of being an American that I value more than all the others combined: religious freedom.

The ability to gather when and where we choose, to worship according to our convictions, and to share the message of our faith without fear of government interference or persecution is a remarkable gift. May this always remain true of America.

For Christians, patriotism can sometimes be complicated. There is often pressure to choose between being a committed Christian and a proud American. I don’t believe those two things are mutually exclusive. I love my country and am grateful for the freedoms it provides. But my highest allegiance belongs to a greater Kingdom – the Kingdom of Christ.

There is a danger, however, in confusing faith in God with faith in America. When that happens, Christianity can become little more than patriotism with a little Jesus sprinkled on top. We begin to elevate our democracy, our history, and our freedoms to a place they were never meant to occupy.

The founding documents of the United States are important and worthy of study. One of the most famous lines in the Declaration of Independence affirms our rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Those are wonderful principles for a nation. But they are not the pillars upon which the Church of Jesus Christ is built.

I am grateful to live in a country that values life, yet Jesus calls me to die to myself. He reminds us that unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.

I enjoy the liberty we possess as Americans, yet I willingly surrender my life to Christ. Scripture describes believers as servants of Jesus, and I gladly place my life in His hands and in His service.

And while happiness is a wonderful blessing, it is not my ultimate pursuit. Happiness rises and falls with circumstances. Joy is different. Joy is rooted in the unchanging reality that I am known and loved by God. It is the confidence that no matter what happens in this life, my future is secure in Him.

So while I love our country, I am wholly devoted to Christ. I am thankful that America allows me the freedom to live out the faith God has called me to follow. But my Christianity must always shape my patriotism – not the other way around.

So this Fourth of July, enjoy the fireworks. Eat a hot dog. Sing the songs. Celebrate the blessings of our nation.

And as we say, “God bless America,” may we genuinely pray that God would bless our country – and that our country would seek His blessing.

Andy Addis | Lead Pastor

Summer has been an exciting season at CrossPoint Hays, highlighted by one of our most impactful Vacation Bible School events. Under the leadership of Tana Day and volunteers, many hours were invested in creating a Christ-centered experience for children and families in our community. Attendance increased, exceeding our average weekly attendance. The greater celebration was the spiritual impact. Children grew in understanding of God’s Word and asked questions about salvation, faith, and baptism. Seeing young hearts engage the Gospel reminds us why this ministry matters.

This season highlighted leadership development. During Pastor Micah’s three-week sabbatical, many stepped forward to serve, teach, lead, and use their gifts, reflecting a healthy discipleship culture. Pastor Cameron Brandenburg faithfully filled the pulpit with an excellent message, demonstrating leadership within our congregation. Since returning, Pastor Micah delivered a powerful sermon and is spearheading CrossPoint’s upcoming Denver mission trip.

We are grateful for Randy and Sabrina Adkins’ investment in Student Ministry. Their leadership alongside some amazing volunteers has helped grow student attendance beyond CrossPoint families and built meaningful relationships across our community. Their leadership of Kids Camp in Salina was another example of servant-hearted commitment and a blessing to our network of churches and beyond.

One of the most encouraging moments came after VBS concluded when CrossPoint Liberal Location Pastor Jonathan Zamora and his wife Veronica traveled to Hays to load decorations and supplies for their upcoming VBS. It was a reminder that we are one church in many places. What began locally quickly extended into a larger network effort, allowing Gospel impact to reach beyond a single community.

God continues to work through the people of CrossPoint Hays, and we are grateful for every volunteer, leader, parent, and child who helped make this season such a success.

Prayer Requests

1. Pray for the children and families who attended VBS, that seeds planted during the week would continue to grow and lead many to a lasting relationship with Christ.

2. Pray for our local staff and church leaders as they continue to equip and develop disciples who make disciples.

3. Pray for Pastor Micah as he leads CrossPoint’s Denver mission trip made up of 14 individuals from across 4 of our locations in the network.

Billy Day | CrossPoint Hays Deacon

One of the most formative moments of my life happened at a missions meeting I never intended to attend.

As a newer follower of Jesus, I was at a church camp when a speaker stood up and asked, "Have you ever wondered, What is God's will for my life?"

Then he paused.

"I think we're asking the wrong question," he said. "The better question is, What is God's will?"

That has struck me. So many Christians spend their lives trying to discover some hidden, mysterious plan for their future. But when it comes to God's mission, His will isn't hidden at all. Jesus made it abundantly clear:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:19–20)

The question isn't whether you've been called. The question is where.

If you belong to Jesus, you are saved by grace, purchased by His blood, filled with His Spirit, and sent on His mission. You are to Live Sent. Right now, God has placed you where you live, work, learn, and play as His ambassador. That's why we talk so often about being an Everyday Missionary at CrossPoint. 

Whether God sends you across the street or across the world, you are called.

And while God deeply loves your neighbors, His heart also beats for the nations.

As I write this, I just finished spending two hours of worship and prayer with nearly 600 middle and high school students crying out to God for people they've never met. This week at camp I watched students preparing to serve in Japan and New York stand before their peers and plead with God to move in those places. It reminded me that God's desire has always been for people from every tribe, tongue, nation, and language to know the good news of Jesus Christ.

That is why, this year, more than 40 CrossPointers from six CrossPoint locations are serving on mission trips to St. Louis, Denver, and Puerto Rico. And by God's grace, we're praying that number grows to more than 150 people by 2027.

Here's what I've seen over and over again: when someone says "yes" to giving one week of their year to God's global mission, He often changes the other fifty-one weeks as well.

A short-term mission trip doesn't simply change the people you serve. God uses it to change you. So if you've been wondering where to begin, don't spend another year waiting for perfect clarity.

Just take the next step. Pray. Explore. Apply. Go. 

Learn more about upcoming mission opportunities at crosspointchurch.com/missions.

Jason Waller | Lead Pastor