Crossroads Together: A Personal Perspective
by Chelsea Foster
The psalmist declares, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 ESV). I gained a new understanding of this verse on Sunday, September 7 at Crossroads Together, our first all-day, all-church event at Bear River High School. ! 
I was amazed and encouraged to see the same unity and fellowship described in this passage being lived out in our very own church. It was truly a remarkable event… but not just because of the great music, the fun activities, the yummy food, or the joy of being with friends. Crossroads Together was incredible because we got a glimpse of the fruit of the work that God is doing in this community at the crossroads of Auburn and Grass Valley. How faithful He has been to bring us together in fellowship with one another in His son Jesus Christ!
My specific assignment was to document the events of the day in photographs. I soon discovered that being behind the lens of a camera provided a very unique and interesting perspective. I felt particularly attentive – more “in-tune” with what was going on around me – because I was constantly on the lookout for moments to capture on film. I didn’t want to miss a thing! 
Stepping back during the stadium service to take in the whole picture, I saw a body of believers beyond what I could have imagined, lifting their voices in praise. It was staggering to see so many people gathered together to worship the Lord and study His Word. There were so many of us! I had no idea so many people fellowshipped at Crossroads Church! What’s more, the fellowship was so genuine, so encouraging and familial. People pitched their “EZ-ups” on the football field, sharing their shade and sunscreen with those around them as we all tried make the best of the 100-degree heat. Faithful servants set up chairs, handed out bulletins, directed parking, put up sound equipment, served food, supervised children, and made the day enjoyable for all. It seemed everyone was willing to help out. During the 3-on-3 basketball tournament, I saw teams working together toward a common goal. Not just a sweaty gym full of basketball fans, this became the stage for the very kind of cooperation and teamwork Todd described during the morning’s message (with a healthy dose of competition, of course). 
At the climbing wall I looked up to see people cheering on their friends as they rose to the challenge before them. As I moved from place to place on the Bear River High School campus, I witnessed impromptu prayer meetings between friends. I watched faithful supporters of the home run derby participants trek out to the softball field on the far side of the school to root for their heavy hitters. I enjoyed the giddiness of children splashing in the pool and sliding on the waterslides.
Zooming in to capture some of the more intimate moments, I saw men, women and children declaring their dedication to Jesus through baptism. In the supporting crowd, I observed smiling faces, clapping hands, spontaneous cheers, and congratulatory hugs. It was such a blessing to take in these warm expressions of togetherness and love. It reminded me of Paul’s prayer for the Philippians: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9 ESV). I felt like I was seeing this prayer being answered before my very eyes!
As wonderful as these moments behind the camera were, perhaps the most beautiful times of the day were those I didn’t capture on camera – the poignant moments I shared with you – my brothers and sisters in the Lord. Embracing a dear missionary friend as we 
promised to hold each other up in prayer from opposite ends of the globe. Cheering for my dad during a basketball game, proud of his immaculate 3-point shot. Hugging a young girl who declared her faith in Jesus at the baptism, wet through-and-through and smiling with pure joy. Setting my camera down to raise my voice in song as we opened the day in praise to our glorious Creator. These moments made Crossroads Together so wonderful and memorable. What a privilege to be part of the multitude of saints, and what a blessing to connect with the precious people around us! This kind of fellowship, this togetherness, is not something to be limited to a single day. We may not be all-together in one place until the next Crossroads Together event; but in the meantime we can glory in the work our Lord is accomplishing in so many lives, enjoy the time we do get to spend together every week, and sense God’s pleasure as we come together to praise His holy Name. For “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 ESV). He is deserving of our praise!
