Cross Style Church Update – July 2011

– by Stephen Manley –

I recently discovered an old newspaper which I had saved from years ago. It is dated Friday, July 1, 1955. It contains an article I wrote at the age of twelve. I was the reporter for our little league baseball team. It simply states our team, Gaston, Indiana played the Upland, Indiana team and we won. The score was eight to seven. I cannot say I actually remember the game, but I do remember Manuel, our coach. He worked on the railroad and lived alone. He poured his life and his money into us. I experienced his love and dedication for over two years. I never saw him in church and he did not influence me with the Scriptures, but He definitely affected my life. I wonder how a Spirit-sourced man could change a group of young people?

Cross Style Church is sponsoring a little league team in our town. We have our church name on their shirts and on a big sign at the ball field. Does it have any effect? Many of our people are present at their games; I sat next to a grandpa of one of the boys. I get to pat the coaches on the back. I get to pray for the team and let Jesus flow to their lives. We are hosting a banquet for them at the end of the season. What will be the end result? I will let you know!