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Here are 3 new stories we have received:

Jeff says:

Before coming to The Crossing my life was a mess. I had a 20 yr addiction to drugs. In 1997 my wife started attending CCNM (The Crossing) and she was asking me every Sunday morning “Are you coming to church with me?" Most of the time I would be just coming in from partying from the night before so my answer was no. One morning I got up to go with her to see what this church she was attending was all about. Of course she sat front row so I was like, "Man what did I get my self into?" I met Ian that day and I thought to myself that she probably told him everything about me and what I was going through, but hey I made it to church and she was happy and I won’t have to come back for a while now. She asked, I came and that was that.

Well a few months went by and I didn’t go back and then 1 day I was arrested for drugs and put in jail for the night. That night God was tugging at me and made me realize I didn’t want to do this anymore. My life was a mess and the only thing that was going to get my life back was God. So after I was released and I was on my way home, I stopped at Fairview Park and prayed to God that if you’re real, take this addiction from me and I will do anything for you. It was a miracle because he released me from the addiction and I gave my life to him on April 9th, 1999. I have never looked back to that life since then. If it wasn’t for my wife’s prayers and prayers from the people she had met from CCNM (The Crossing) I would not be where I am today.

The Crossing has been a major part of our lives. In many many ways I think the way it has influenced my life the most is through my men’s groups and the couple's groups that I have been a part of. There’s something about accountability that keeps me focused and on track and knowing I have someone, or a group of brothers and sisters, I can come to when I have a problem or situation in my life that I can rely on and share with makes all the difference.

Pamela says:

We all have a story. Those experiences in life that make us who we are today. Some of us are just now beginning to understand this. I understood this on Easter of 2002 when I accepted Jesus Christ into my life and heart. This was the end of a long journey and the beginning of my new life in Christ.

I was born on August 5, 1954 in Rapid City, South Dakota. We moved when I was a year old which was the beginning of many moves since my Dad was in the Air Force. I grew up in a home filled with love and a Dad who did not know the meaning of a stranger. He talked to everyone and was one of those people that you never forgot. My Dad also enjoyed parties and what I now see was a social alcoholic. I never remember him drinking unless he was around other people. However, we always had liquor in the house.

I probably took my first drink at a young age at one of these parties. I do know that I got drunk for the first time when I was fourteen and did not take my last drink until June 18th, 1981 when I was 26. During this time I also experimented with marijuana and LSD. I was arrested when I was 18 for disturbing the peace and assaulting a police officer. It was also at this age that I lost my virginity during a black out. At 23 I was arrested for a DUI. My DUI landed me in a court required AA meeting for the first time. I still had not yet admitted that I had a problem though and just got my cards signed and counted the days when I didn’t have to go anymore. I was sure that I could control my drinking.

During this time I also got married and after a couple of years we decided that it was time to have a baby. After nine months of trying I was beginning to think that I would never be able to get pregnant. On June 18th I went to a party and someone that I spoke with that night told me that if I continued to live the way I was living I would not get pregnant. For some reason that was when I accepted that I was an alcoholic and made the decision to stop drinking and three months later got the wonderful news that I was pregnant. A year later on June 22nd, 1982 my son Robert was born.

Although I had quit drinking, I had never returned to those AA meetings and I never dealt with the reasons for my addiction. I still wanted to party and found another addiction in the attention of other men. My marriage ended in divorce and I was a single mother at the age of 30.

My mother-in-law asked me when I met her at 19 “Are you a Christian?” I said yes, after all I grew up celebrating Christmas and Easter so what else would I be. I did not understand what she was trying to share with me. This beautiful woman continued to pray for my salvation for 29 years.

I was taught by Mom and Dad about doing ‘good’ things and about being ‘good’. I also learned somehow about Heaven and Hell and that when we die we go to one or the other. Whenever someone died I would hear “At least they are in a better place”. It was when my Dad died in early 2000 that I started questioning this because I had never talked to my Dad about who gets into Heaven and who goes to Hell. I wondered where my Dad was because I know he was not always good and who decided what was good and what was bad anyway? I sure knew that I had not always been good and that I probably never would be.

In October 2001 I made a half-hearted attempt to take my life by swallowing some pills and ended up in College Hospital for three days. I was ordered to go to counseling and through this was led to a grief support group. A friend of my sons was struggling with alcohol and asked for my help. He and I started going to Recovery at The Crossing. Thus began my journey to find out just what Christianity was all about. It was there on Easter 2002 that I learned about who Jesus is and why he was born human (Christmas). That it was so he could die for my sins and rise again (Easter). I learned that I was not a Christian unless I chose to be. I was not a Christian just because my family celebrated Christmas and Easter. So I started studying the Bible and made my choice.

I know now without a doubt in my mind that I will be going to Heaven when I die and my son will never have to question that. He and I took classes and attended The Crossing together. We learned about Christianity and we both made the decision to accept Christ into our hearts and were baptized.
I began attending a women’s small group and living a life in accordance with God’s will not my own. Each woman accepted me even after learning about my past. I was able to open up and share without any condemnation because they all understand that through there is no condemnation.

My life today is still not perfect however it is filled with the peace of the Holy Spirit. And that beautiful woman Ruth who prayed for me all these years is now in Heaven with our Father. In 2002 she was still with us and I called her the night that I accepted Jesus as my Savior and thanked her for her prayers and told her that I know understood and that “Yes, I am a Christian”.


Michelle says:

I have gone to church what seems like all my life and was raised in a Christian home, but certainly have not had the picture perfect life or one you will ever read about in fairy tales. Sometimes I think my life should be made into a "Lifetime Movie of the Week". My parents got divorced at age 7, and although my mother continued to take me to church, I strayed and went my own way around age 15 or so.

I was distant from God and didn't care much. I was hurting inside looking for love and acceptance thru friends, partying, relationships, you name it. Nothing filled the void; I always came up empty no matter what. I kept God only in my back pocket in case of emergencies. I ended up having my first child, my daughter, at age 20 and got married to her father about a year later. Shortly after, I realized I was with a very abusive man who was an alcoholic. I attempted to leave him a couple years into it when I realized I was pregnant with my first son. I stayed hoping things would change. When it didn't and I found myself in a situation involving the police and a terrible incident which led to me having to file a restraining order against the father of my two small children, I finally fell on my face and turned to God.

He was there waiting ever so patiently and picked me up off the ground and it wasn't until then at around age 25 that I surrendered my life over to God. I actually reconciled with their father who had given his life to Christ after a short stint in jail and rehab and we renewed our vows and had two more beautiful children. Our marriage was a testimony to share with other couples in crisis and we were able to offer them the same hope that God gave to us.

After about 5 years, my husband what seemed like out of no where, left me. I knew we had problems but him wanting a divorce was shocking. I then thought my life was a joke and that I was no good. I was humiliated, hurt, confused and thought I was an embarrassment and I went into about a year or so of deep, dark depression. I managed to pull myself out of it with a good church and support group but mostly it was my quiet time just reading my Bible and praying to God, my Healer, my Husband and my Best Friend.

After several years of healing, I met someone at my church in a Divorce Recovery Group, whom I ended up quickly falling in love with. For the first time I felt I had met someone with the same desires spiritually and that I had found my soul mate. We moved very fast, eager to get our lives started but realized that with all the excitement we we're getting ahead of God's plans and made a lot of mistakes while dating. We didn't do things according to God's will and it caused problems.

He moved to Costa Mesa while we were dating and decided to go to this "cool church" down the street from him. It was on a Saturday night the first week of January ‘08 that he went. He had me and my kids come the next Sunday and we have been attending every Sunday since. We got involved right away knowing we had found our "home church" and that there was something special about this church and what God wanted to do in and thru our lives like we had always dreamed. We got married on Valentines Day in 2009 and I thank God everyday for leading me to The Crossing.

I may still have plenty of problems and issues as God continues to shape and mold me from poor choices and as I work on a still stubborn will, but to have the love and support from my church family and the amazing worship and teaching, I know God will continue to write my story and the ending will be perfected in Heaven when I am face to face with my One and Only- My God. I can say with all confidence no matter what my circumstances are at the time that He is Greater, Stronger, Higher than any other...My God is a Healer, Awesome in Power... My God is the author of my story and works in mysterious ways and I’m ever so grateful that someday it will in fact end with Him, happily ever after...

We want to hear your story! Tell us your testimony in 1000 characters or less. We'll post it here for others to read.

 Click here to submit your story

Please note that all stories must be approved before being posted.  We reserve the right to remove inappropriate content.

Here are a few stories we have received:

Angelina says:

I have always known about Jesus Christ from a very young age, however, I never really had a relationship with him. After two failed marriages, many failed businesses, losing my home, losing custody of my youngest child (by choice and financially instability), enormous heartbreak/suffering, and just relying on my own strength, I became consumed by fear of the unknown. Fear of failure. I was having difficulty with gaining control over my life and dealing with life situations. I felt like I was in a very dark place and was extremely broken (unworthy). In September of 2006 I started attending The Crossing with my long-term boyfriend. On February 11, 2007, we both were baptized. Shortly thereafter I became actively involved with a woman’s group, serving at the church, and went to my first woman’s retreat. I now have a relationship with my SAVIOR, and his grace has been sufficient enough for me for the last four consecutive years. I am currently in Court fighting for equal custody of my son. I have had stable income and a home in this time frame. I no longer live in fear, and I am making choices that revolve around his will for me. I am no longer broken and know my worth, as well as know that I have a place prepared for me in his Kingdom…yet there is still much work for the Lord to do in me, but I am his and trust in his plan for me. He has saved me from myself and I will follow him for the rest of my days, JOYFULLY…AND NEVER CEASING TO PRAY.


Elaina says:

Jesus is amazing! I was addicted to drugs for 5 years. Hardcore drugs like Meth and Coke. One night I was watching a pastor on TV and I was crying out to God. I was specifically asking for “Fear of the Lord” because my life was a mess. The pastor at that moment said “There is a girl in California who has been on drugs for 5 years and God wants you to know you’ve been set free, and your mother has been praying for you”. My body got hot, and I started crying uncontrollably- instead of FEAR, God gave me DELIVERANCE! I love Him so much. That was 2 years ago! I just got back from my first missions trip (to Peru). And I fall more and more in love with Jesus every day. My life is a true example of Romans 8:28.


Teri says:

In May of 2000, I came to CA for my birthday visit with my two sons and grandchildren. I told them that in October I wa moving to CA and starting a new life. I was ending a 10 year unsuccessful relationship and left a 14 year career at an insurance agency in Pittsford, NY. They scoffed at me.."it will never happen Mom". On my return flight in May, I was on an overbooked flight with a layover in Chicago. Unbelieveable, but I was on an aisle seat with a window seat occupied by a beautiful redhead woman in her 30's. We talked, I shared that I really wanted to change my life and she could sense my unhappiness. At the end of my story, she asked "do you want to change your life forever". Are you kidding? I was so unhappy with myself I said of course. She then said "are you willing to accept Jesus as your Savior?". I was a fallen away Catholic, 2 divorces under my belt and a life that was unsatisfying yet seemed glamorous by my peers. I told her that I have always believed in Jesus but I wasn't sure that He cared about me. Nontheless, I accepted Jesus right then and there and hoped for a miracle. The devil presented himself immediately. I kid you not, in the form of a man in the seat in front who had heard our conversation and said he knew about my son. I can't go into the story of my son here, but suffice to say, the devil won that night.
Now I am back in NY and so ashamed. A girlfriend called to ask me to attend her new church, Christian based and very small. The pastor explained how Jesus died for our sins and how we were forgiven. I sat there stunned and went to the pastor after service and said "me too??, do your mean I have been forgiven"?. He hugged me and said , "of course".
3 weeks later, before I left for CA, my girlfriend and I were baptized in a large bathtub on the stage of this small church. I remember coming up and crying saying "Mom, I AM going to see you again". The journey has not been easy but I have found a replacement for the carnal love that I sought to the peaceful, unconditional love that I have found by being redeemed by the Savior. I have been attending The Crossing for 9 years and everyday I learn and I grow. Praise God!


Sandi says:

11 years ago, I was running around Newport Beach, working, dating, & living on autopilot. I could’ve married lots of people probably & some very wealthy, but it wasn't specifically what I was looking for & something was always missing.

I had lots of abuse growing up, so I ran with wild crowds in my teens & 20's, not caring if I lived or died. Between 12-16, I used to cut myself with bobby pins that I’d scrape into a point & knives. I took a half bottle of Bufferin once, & then another time took one of every pill in my grandma's pill box to see what would happen. I was high for 3 days & no one noticed. God had His hand on me though & protected me. At home, I was in a room where all these Playboy magazines were stored. I was looking at & reading porn at 12 & maybe because of earlier sexual abuse, started having raging sexual desires. Later on I wanted to look like & be as sexy as those models since all men seem to like that magazine. I used men & sex throughout my life to not just cover hurt, but more to feel.

In my late 20's I dealt with the abuses & healed. I felt I had to hide my past because it wasn't "acceptable" to be from a broken home in the world. I always felt ashamed.

In my 30's I was mad & upset with God & asked Him what did He want from my life? All these people in my life weren't real & the men I was meeting seemed to have no substance. I didn't know where to go or what to do so I still did exactly what I wanted—partied, used men for sex (since I was "runaway bride" girl), workaholic, & was just so lost. God kept giving me signs to come to Him, but I didn’t get it.

I was then diagnosed with breast cancer. My whole life changed in a second. I decided to be strong & become like Xena Warrior Princess & fight! Being a woman & vain, the first thing I thought about was losing my hair. Silly things.

Both my dear friend Sherry & the Dr. said that patients who are spiritual do the best during treatment. I wanted to get connected, but didn't know where since church was SO boring when I was a kid. I was friends with some Jehovah Witnesses, but that didn't feel right, so I had no idea where to go.

Sherry took me to The Crossing & it was amazing! The music was rock & roll, Tim was a great speaker & it was NOT boring. I approached him after the service & asked him to pray for me. That was very special to me as I never thought pastors were approachable.

As the months went on thru chemo, hair loss, lumpectomy, no social life, radiation, & then a clear report, I got so close to God & started to really respect myself & my body. God & I removed the people in my life that I didn't need to be hanging with & brought in more caring & loving people. It’s amazing how close God is—He never left me & I FELT Him as I went thru the whole thing. He prepares us for things we have go through. It “sucked,” but I wasn't very scared or upset & the times I was, someone would just call out of the blue to pray for me. God is IT for me. He was everywhere, giving me messages from people, on TV, radio, etc. So amazing. I feel His love raining on me sometimes.

I went to a bible study co-led by Lillie, who was dying from cancer. She was someone who really loved God so strongly, was so wise, & she took an interest in the people in her life. I felt cared about. Lillie & the other co-leader Mindy baptized me & they actually put the video on the big screen at church! When I came up out of the water, I laughed, cried, & hugged like crazy because I really felt that my life was changed & different. I was no longer just another girl with a bad childhood, I was loved & God thinks I’m special. It took a long time for me to let go & not feel so ashamed of all the bad things I had done & people I had hurt.

Thru church, I’ve volunteered with the military, Foster kids, bought people groceries, was part of a Random Acts of Kindness group, sold donuts for fun, & just love helping people in need change their lives for the better. I adopted 2 kids thru WorldVision & Compassion. I let God use the bad things that happened to me help others for good. I love making a difference to someone in need.

Most of the men God’s brought into my life were amazing, they prayed for & with me, were loving, caring, & respectful. This was so attractive. God lit a fire in me & I realized that I could & wanted to get married if God was in the marriage. That is the type of relationship I’ve always wanted my whole life.

Now I’m figuring out what I’m supposed to be doing here for God. I learned that God must be #1. I have flaws & am not perfect. Growing with God has been an ongoing process. You don't just get to a place where all has been done & then stop & "retire." I’ll always be growing with Him, getting new challenges, etc. He is alive & with me every second, so I’m appreciating & thankful for my whole life, using what I’ve learned from the past to help others in need. God will provide what I need—which one of them I hope will be a great marriage…!

It was all the rage! Everyone was talking about it; CNN, MSNBC, FOX, CSPAN, the Nightly News, as well as, Newsweek, Time and U.S. News & World Report. A White House Staffer eventually ended up losing their job over it. Do you remember it? November 2009...

A husband and wife “CRASHED” a party at the White House!

Seems that somehow they were able, in an unstoppable fashion, to mischievously and sneakily make their way past the Secret Service and the security clearance mechanisms to end up shaking hands with and even pausing for glam photographs with the President of the United States of America. If you didn’t know better, you’d think it was a scripted plot from a TV reality show or lifted right from the big screen of a Hollywood production.

What was so intriguing was, how could it have happened? They went unnoticed, at least at the time! They dined with the elite. Their brazen party crashing plans were pulled off without a hitch. Wow! We’ve heard of wedding crashers, but presidential party crashing, that just doesn’t happen!

Here’s the deal...get to The Crossing this weekend. It’s a must!

See in Luke 7:36 and the following verses, there was this party. Only the “A” listers were invited...a Prophet and high level Pharisees...as far as I know CNN, Fox News, MSNBC were not there, possibly the Jerusalem News Channel. When all of a sudden something odd, no something revolting, happened...an UNSTOPPABLE & probable prostitute crashed the party, but unlike the presidential party crashers, she didn’t go unnoticed.

Yet like the presidential party crashers, this woman would NOT BE STOPPED! You’ve got to hear the rest of the story, it’s better than anything you could watch on the Nightly News or read in any blog or major news publication. I look forward to seeing you this weekend at The Crossing as we kick off a new series, Unstoppable!!!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

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Please note that all stories must be approved before being posted.  We reserve the right to remove inappropriate content.

The online dictionary defines “tempt” as, “to entice to do wrong by the promise of pleasure or gain” or “to allure, invite or attract.” Right about now I’m wondering what is it that allures, invites or attracts you? I’m pretty sure most know their Top Ten!

Listen up, temptation is not wrong! We confuse temptation and wrong-doing. We’re ALL tempted by something. Jesus knew we would be. He even taught us that part of the communication process with Him should be sharing those areas where we’re tempted. He said, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

The times are too numerous to count when I’ve begun my day with a solid time of prayer...praise-filled, probing, confessional, reflective prayer. On those days when I’ve paused long enough and been disciplined enough to mentally go through the moments of my upcoming day, it’s as if the Spirit of God reveals to me some of the potential trigger points or destructive landmines.

Often while in prayer, there’s a clarity of the places and settings, coupled with the moods and emotions of when and where I’m prone to fall for temptation. Getting that stuff out in the open with God, over prayer, helps!

I wish I could say I bat a thousand in the realm of not falling for temptation, but I can’t. However, Jesus knows me and He knows my heart. He knew I’d need to make this “temptation” stuff a part of the discussion process with Him.

So, if you’ve ever been tempted, allured, attracted, THIS WEEKEND is for you (it’s also for me). Don’t miss out! In fact, invite someone else to come with you. We’ll be looking at Jesus’ words, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. Hurry and sign up for the Global Leadership Summit on August 5th & 6th, this is the LAST week. More people than ever from The Crossing are attending!!! There are 9 more spaces at our special $75 rate, then the price goes up to $105. The password to get our discounted rate is TEAM2010S.