There are many ways to get involved with our CrossRoads fields, and one volunteer (or should we say honorary staff?) has exemplified this across four fields in just a few years. Kristin Delise is a New Orleans native who has served CrossRoads through leading worship, volunteering on work sites, serving as support staff, and encouraging groups as well as interns and staff.
New Orleans
Kristin first connected with the New Orleans field through friendships at church. At the time she was still gaining confidence as a worship leader, and was hesitant when our staff asked for her help. But very soon singing with volunteer groups became a highlight of her year. For Kristin it was a natural progression to get to know the volunteers and dive into deep conversations after worship times. As groups return, we continue to hear stories of how Kristin encouraged a student to pursue their faith in a new way.
One such group is Cook Inlet Academy, a Christian school in Soldotna, Alaska. Principal Ginni Hagedorn leads a group of high schoolers to a different CrossRoads field each spring. Their first trip was to the New Orleans field. “It was a defining experience for all of us, in a climate and culture we were unfamiliar with, getting out of our comfort zone to meet new people and try new things,” Ginni remembered.
“One significant reason our trip was hugely successful was the presence of Kristin. She led our worship time daily. More importantly, she took the time to connect with each teen on our team. Her authenticity is impactful, because teenagers see right through facades.”
Soon Kristin was spending her free time assisting on work sites and participating in outreach opportunities around New Orleans. This year, our New Orleans staff asked Kristin to be the guest speaker for every group. Sharing about growing up in St Bernard, evacuating for Hurricane Katrina, and being vulnerable about her faith journey, her authenticity resonated with students and leaders alike.
CrossRoads Fields
It wasn’t long before other fields noticed and asked Kristin to lend her skills in more locations. “Kristin has been staff for the Mexico field on many occasions,” shared Judy Minton, Field Director in Mexico. “She is such a blessing when she is here. There is nothing she isn’t willing to help with, from leading worship to roofing to immediately connecting with our immigrant friends.”
Kristin has led worship, served as support staff, and volunteered in Mexico, Appalachia, and Western Kentucky over the past few years. In each location she has made an impact on the students and the locals. When Cook Inlet Academy served in Appalachia, Kristin was in the middle of a two-week trip to help the field.
“For those students who’d participated the year prior, the familiarity was comforting,” explained Ginni. “We were once again challenged to be the hands and feet of Jesus in an unfamiliar environment. In true Kristin fashion, she connected with each student, making them feel valued and heard. She has the gift of connection. Students don’t just love her because she’s cool and talented, but because she asks them hard questions and really listens with care. Kristin is the real deal.”
The connection between Cook Inlet Academy and Kristin is so strong, they requested her to join their trip to the Mexico field. Ginni continued, “What a privilege it was to serve with her once more, and to join with her in daily worship on our trip. Some of my students have been on all three mission trips, and their connections with Kristin have been just as impactful as anything else on the trips. A few of them have been called to worship ministry.”
More Ministry
Back in New Orleans, Kristin has found her niche in leading worship for a local Celebrate Recovery program. Through this ministry Kristin has been able to speak to participants through music, an outlet that was missing before she came into the picture. This connection gave her the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Costa Rica, leading worship for similar programs and participating in outreach efforts. Upon her return, she started co-leading a recovery bible study.
CrossRoads has been fortunate to serve alongside Kristin in so many places, and we look forward to many more worshipful songs, deep conversations, and resounding laughter. Ginni summed it up best, “If you know Kristin, you know she’s willing to be used by God, to move when He prompts her to, and to die to self for His glory. All of us have been bettered by our time spent with her. We jokingly tell her it’s her time to visit us in Alaska, but we know that wherever God leads us and her, Kristin will remain a special part of our lives.”
Find out how your special skills can be used in ministry by contact our field leaders today.