Unselfish Birthday Wishes

I love the trend of unselfish birthday choices. There's nothing wrong with having a birthday or getting presents. Yet, if you're looking for the moments in your life where you are can have a large impact, birthdays could be on that list. Birthdays are usually a time when the limelight is directly shining on you, so what better way to use that stage than to share about your faith or kickstart a project with meaningful impact. Haley G. is one of our HP students who is doing just that.

Blackbox International is a Christian organization that exists to holistically rehabilitate sex-trafficked boys age 16 and under. There is an estimated 400,000 boys who are trafficked each year and Blackbox is making a difference. However, they need help. Haley wants to help.

This year on her birthday on January 19, Haley is raising money and awareness for Blackbox International. She wanted to do something different this year instead of just having another year of cake and presents. Her plan is to raise money from school, church and Facebook friends, then use the money for Blackbox. Her goal is to raise at least $200 to help another boy come into the organization. All the money raised will be given directly to Blackbox to make this happen.

I'm praying that her efforts are multiplied beyond what she hoped for, not only to encourage her faith but help Blackbox as they seek to assist 'the least of these'.

If you would like to help Haley in this, please contact me at matt@hp4christ.org. Or contact her directly if you know her personally. Let's partner together to battle to help rescue these young boys made in the image of God.

________________________________________________________________________
You can read more about Blackbox International at http://www.blackboxinternational.org

December 2012 Newsletter

Here's our December 2012 Newsletter. Right click on any of the pics below and choose "save link as..." to download the pdf.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QR code scanning info -
* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones with 7.5 (mango) update can use the bing vision search. [if you don't have this update try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace)].
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally).

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

A Mind Divided

As you've read in my previous post, I am in the middle of a transition. Angie and I have been vocationally part of Team Expansion for thirteen and a half years, now I am starting as the Youth Minister for Highland Park Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This month, I am playing double duty. I am still full-time with Team Expansion (but also planning to use some of my remaining vacation days) until December 31, 2012, but also beginning my role at HP. Some days, I feel like my mind has multiple compartments in which my neurons keep racing back and forth. My day may start with me working on Team Expansion transition tasks and then I move onto planning for HP. Then after lunch, I might go to a meeting then finish the day working on administration/financial details for the eventual closing of the books for Team Expansion.

Because my time with Team Expansion has meant so much, I do want to make sure I live in the moment of my exit as a vocational member of a great missions organization (you might remember I'm staying on as a volunteer to continue some of the projects I've been working on). I don't want to wake up in February and think, wait...it's already over? So, I am trying to remember the years and milestones of which we have been a part.

Of course, certain things come to mind readily....the first stages of planning for the work in Ancona, going through the arduous task of learning another language (and yes, I still practice it from time to time), the first gathering of believers in Ancona, the first outreaches, the first short term group, seeing a church formed in Ancona, the planning for the work in Verona, the survey trip to several potential and spiritually needy cities in Northern Italy, working on several creative resource projects for different countries around the world and on and on.

Other things, less monumental, stand out too, eating panserotti at Etrusca in Perugia, going to my first soccer game in Perugia, eating pizza by the slice at Pizzeria Centrale, watching the American style football team "The Ancona Dolphins" play in a 2000 year old stadium in Ancona, laughing with various team members over the years, fellowship with Italian Christians, walking down ancient alleyways and taking literally thousands of photos. Our memories cannot be contained within one post, short or long. I keep thinking of more like, going to the beach in Ancona, eating at Desiderio (all time favorite restaurant)

---------------------------------
As I paused writing this post and walked into the kitchen, I was happy to learn that Angie was making homemade pizza! She had already made the pizza dough earlier and was rolling them out. While this isn't Desiderio, it's pretty close. I miserably tried to help her throw/roll one of the pizza doughs, but apparently I need more practice and Angie fixed it for me.

With pizza prepping to go in the oven, and us getting ready to watch the DVR'ed Survivor finale, I'll close this post. Throughout the month, you'll continue hearing from us and seeing changes on our website and social media. Thanks for reading and caring about us.

Crossers' Update: Important Announcement

To the friends, family and ministry partners of Matt and Angie Crosser, Team Expansion Missionaries…

For 13 ½ years Angie and I have been working for Team Expansion, a mission agency that seeks to reach the least reached people and plant biblical churches in those places. With Team Expansion, Angie and I have travelled to three cities in Italy and back to the states again, pouring our lives into missions and creating missions resources along the journey. That journey is coming to a close.

Yesterday, I was confirmed to become the new Youth Minister of Highland Park Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Highland Park has a love for the surrounding community and heart for missions. In fact, for the past decade, Highland Park has been our largest supporting church and we have been they’re largest supported mission.

We’ve been with Team Expansion since leaving college, so it will be sad to close this chapter of our lives, but exciting because I intend to remain partners with Team Expansion as a volunteer. This will allow me to continue working on several of the long term projects of which I’ve been involved in the past few years.

Art always has been and will continue to be one of my passions, but another passion for the past 20+ years has been youth ministry. That is why I actually went to Ozark Christian College, so that I could receive training to do youth ministry. After two part-time youth ministries in college, I started my post college phase doing international youth ministry with Team Expansion in Ancona, Italy. So, I will continue pursuing both of these passions, art and youth ministry, as I seek God and His desire for my life.

I will remain full-time with Team Expansion through the end of 2012 and tie up loose ends in January 2013. If you are a supporter or supporting church, we ask that you continue supporting this ministry through the end of December. In January, we will finish up the 2012 annual finances, create our final newsletter and mail out year-end reports to all supporters along with IRS receipts.

I have been volunteering as a youth sponsor at Highland Park in various capacities for the past year or so. I will start with some part-time hours in December and begin full-time hours in January 2013, as Highland Park Christian Church’s new Youth Minister.

Angie and I request your prayers as we navigate this transition over the next couple months into the beginning of the New Year. Thank you to all of you who have partnered with us in prayer, financial support and encouragement. We have made life long bonds with many of you and are humbled to have been partners with you during the past 13 years of this adventure.

We will continue to dialogue with you throughout this transition and really do hope you will join with us in our excitement to start the next chapter of our lives.

In Christ and for His Kingdom,

Matt and Angie Crosser

September 2012 Newsletter

Here's our September 2012 Newsletter. Right click on any of the pics below and choose "save link as..." to download the pdf.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QR code scanning info -
* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones with 7.5 (mango) update can use the bing vision search. [if you don't have this update try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace)].
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally).

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

The Mingling of Immortals

A couple days ago, I was running some errands and popped into a local store. I found what I needed and went to the checkout. There were three people in front of me. There were two girls in their twenties, who were checking out at the register and a young Muslim woman was directly in front of me. The girls' dresses were very short and skimpy. Almost instantly, the contrast between their short short dresses and modestly dressed Muslim woman was striking. One was modestly dressed and the other two weren't.

As the girls in front left, I felt compelled to say something to the Muslim woman. I wanted to tell her thank you for dressing modestly, but wasn't sure what was the best way. Then her husband came in. He was also of Middle Eastern descent and dressed in a sort of casual European soccer outfit.

When they were about to leave, I stopped him and said, "Could I just tell you that as a Christian, I appreciate that your wife is dressed modestly."

He seemed happy, yet thought maybe that I was confused. Thankful for the gesture, he gently said, "But we are Muslim".

I replied, "I know, but I still appreciate her modesty."

At that point, he was visibly pleased. He told me that she is from Bahrain and when she first moved here two years ago, she found it very difficult because of how she dressed.  The cashier then interrupted us to get my signature on the slip, which abruptly ended our conversation. We exchanged smiles, as they left and I finished my transaction.

I wanted to keep talking with them. I wanted to tell them that my wife and I understand dressing different in a different culture. I wanted to ask them what burdens they have faced living in a new place and share our cultural mistakes and success. I wanted to reach out to them. I have no idea how many friends they have here, they may have many or none. In that brief meeting of three souls, I wanted to do my best to represent Jesus to them. I may not ever see them again. I can only hope that any other Christians they meet will treat them as Jesus would.

In me it was the stirring of the Spirit.

Every time you come in contact with another person, it is a meeting of souls. Souls are eternal, either spending eternity in Heaven with Christ or condemned to separation from God in Hell.

And now, I am kicking myself a little. Not because of talking with them though, the only regret about that is the conversation wasn't long enough. I'm kicking myself, because I don't listen as intently every time I meet someone to hear what plans God has for me with them. Each missed opportunity is lost and I pray that God keeps my eyes open and uses me every day in every situation, whether gassing up the car or paying a bill. 


The interchanges we have as we go through each day are not important. Oh they may seem important at the time, but in reality they are only important inasmuch that each soul is moved closer to God in that moment.

July 2012 Newsletter

Here's our July 2012 Newsletter. Right click on any of the pics below and choose "save link as..." to download the pdf.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QR code scanning info -
* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones with 7.5 (mango) update can use the bing vision search. [if you don't have this update try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace)].
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally).

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

June 2012 Newsletter

Here's our June 2012 Newsletter. Right click on any of the pics below and choose "save link as..." to download the pdf.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QR code scanning info -
* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones with 7.5 (mango) update can use the bing vision search. [if you don't have this update try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace)].
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally).

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

April 2012 Newsletter

Here's our April 2012 Newsletter. Right click on any of the pics below and choose "save link as..." to download the pdf.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QR code scanning info -
* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones with 7.5 (mango) update can use the bing vision search. [if you don't have this update try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace)].
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally).

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

Studio/Office Open House

This Saturday is the Open House of my Office and Studio. It's the place where many of my projects come to life. I wanted to take an opportunity to show our family, friends, supporters and prayer partners the inner workings of what I do. Angie and I are getting excited as we finish preparing it. We talked about h'orderves last night, which is just another aspect of creating! And in one corner of the office there will be a prayer station. There you will be able to look over a list of prayer needs, spin a globe and pray for various missionaries and people groups around the world.  It's on the campus of Highland Park Christian Church in the 2:20 Center. It will last from 2-4PM and you can come and go as you please. Hope to see you there!

March 2012 Newsletter

Here's our March 2012 Newsletter. Right click on any of the pics below and choose "save link as..." to download the pdf.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QR code scanning info -
* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones with 7.5 (mango) update can use the bing vision search. [if you don't have this update try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace)].
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally).

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

New Storytelling Project For Oral-Based Cultures

I transitioned from our missions ministry in Italy to a missions ministry using creative arts to spread the gospel less than two years ago. My most forefront goal has been to create resources, tools and art that can be used by any of the 320 Team Expansion missionaries around the world.

I have already had several highlights...For instance, developing a one of a kind missions focused VBS curriculum, JUMP VBS. Another has been creating illustrations for the first children's curriculum for a secure/closed country.

Now, I am really pumped about a new project that I am working on. It is to take a current, helpful training program and convert it over the next year into large-size illustrated flip chart that can be used to teach/train people in villages where it is impractical or improbable to use modern digital teaching methods. The end goal primary user is someone who wants to train/teach his tribe that is oral-based and uses the classic storytelling methods that have been passed down through the ages.

Once I start completing images, I'll place some on my art blog, Matt's Sketch pad. Now back to work that I love doing with a purpose of spreading the gospel!

February 2012 Newsletter

It's that time of the month again! Newsletter time! Enjoy ready about our ministry during the month of the groundhog.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QR code scanning info -
* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones with 7.5 (mango) update can use the bing vision search. [if you don't have this update try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace)].
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally).

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

November 2011 Newsletter

Below you will find image links to our November 2011 Newsletter. Hope you enjoy it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QR code scanning info -
* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones with 7.5 (mango) update can use the bing vision search. [if you don't have this update try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace)].
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally).

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

October 2011 Newsletter

Sweaters on and heaters running.....cool fall weather is here! And so is our latest newsletter for October 2011. Click the links below to view the pdf.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QR code scanning info -
* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones with 7.5 (mango) update can use the bing vision search. [if you don't have this update try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace)].
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally).

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

September 2011 Newsletter

Hottest summer on record in Tulsa. We're ready for the fall weather! Here's our September 2011 Newsletter.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QR code scanning info -
* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones with 7.5 update can use the bing vision search. [if you don't have this update try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace)].
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally).

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

August 2011 Newsletter

Okay, so what is the record for an air conditioner breaking down in one summer? Ours has went out five or six times? Twice yesterday! It's fixed...again. Enjoy the heat you summer people, the cool autumn weather that I love is just around the corner. To finish off your hot summer, here is our latest newsletter HOT off the press. Hope you enjoy it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QR code scanning info -

* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace).
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally).

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

July 2011 Newsletter

What a hot month we've experienced! Before you melt, read this. It's our July newsletter! Oh and if you would rather read it on your mobile device, scan the QR code below!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QR code scanning info -
* What is a QR code? It's kind of like a bar code but it can contain much more data, contact info, web addresses, etc.

* How do I scan this on my device?

• Windows 7 Phones try PhraseMeme Scanner (found on the windows marketplace).
• Android phones/tablets try QR Droid (found on the Android marketplace).
• iPhone/iPad try QR-Reader (not tested personally).
• Blackberry try QR Code Scanner Pro (not tested personally). 

* How do I read it on my device? You'll need a reader with pdf support (PDF reader).

How to Plan and Rebrand a Book

You can see the strung up planning cord above my desk. It has the major sections of a missions book I am working on. The book for Team Expansion is actually a rebranding of another book, for which we have permission to use. I am using the headings and terms from our organization to redesign the book into one that our churches can use to partner with us (Team Expansion) and missionaries to reach the least parts of the world and plant biblical church planting movements.

Newsletter - June 2011

Don't forget to take our June 2011 Newsletter to the beach with you! Here it is. Click on the picture to download the pdf. Right click it to choose to save the target (pdf) to your computer.