History, Mission & Values
Celebrating Our Founders
Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?' Then he will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ Matthew 25:44-45
"How can we cross over the divide that separates us from God and separates us one from another? How can we bring the resources of the privileged to bear upon the lives of the least among us? How can we show the love of God to His people?" These are questions that Buddy and Cullen frequently discussed during the early months of 1982. Finally, one day in the halls of Third Presbyterian Church, the two men agreed to take action...and CrossOver Health Care Ministry was born.
On a bright Saturday in November 1983 at the Word of Life Church at 106 E. Broad Street, Dr. Cullen B. Rivers and his "assistant," Reverend Judson (Buddy) Childress, treated the first patients of CrossOver Health Care Ministry. Their sole resources were a bare light bulb hung from a cord and a sheet for privacy. Fortunately, they brought along their talent and their commitment to living the parable of the Good Samaritan.
It wasn't long before word about CrossOver and its mission to help the poor reached the community. Suburbanites were excited about a Christian outreach to the inner city. Unsolicited dollars began to pour in from churches and from individuals-- enough to keep the ministry vital, but never enough to meet the tremendous need for clothing, shelter, food and medical care that plagued the impoverished neighborhoods of Richmond.
Originally, CrossOver furnished free legal assistance, help with rent and heating bills, clothing, and medical care to needy individuals and families. The ministry focused on the low- income Church Hill neighborhoods and demand for assistance offered by the ministry quickly snowballed. Buddy and Cullen remember shutting down operations for a day to pray that funding and other resources would continue.
The founders soon came to understand that health care was a "foot in the door" -- a first step in assessing other life needs-- and CrossOver began the transition to a medical ministry. A large contingent of volunteer nurses and doctors were inspired to join in the work. Because of their continued volunteerism, in fiscal year 2010-2011 CrossOver reached 32,000 annual patient visits.
Our Mission
We are called to provide health care, promote wellness, and connect community talents and resources with people in need in the name of Jesus Christ.
Our Vision
A healthy, vibrant community where every person is restored by the compassionate, healing love of God.
Our Core Values
Compassion
Reaching out in love with kindness and respect, we listen, assess need, and provide hope and guidance.
Isaiah 49:10: They will not hunger or thirst, nor will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; for He who has compassion on them will lead them and will guide them to springs of water.
Luke 10:25-37: The parable of the Good Samaritan: Show mercy to those in need.
Integrity
Being honest and trustworthy, we create a safe environment where we are all good stewards of ministry resources.
Psalm 15:1-3: Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart. He that does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor.
Servant Leadership
Creating unity with humility through teamwork, we help, encourage, and affirm one another.
I Thessalonians 5:11-14: Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
