Crossover Kissimmee

A God-Given Opportunity: Crossover Kissimmee

Crossover Kissimmee, a huge outreach event based out of First Baptist Church of Kissimmee (FBCK), is coming during the first week of June. As Crossover approaches rapidly, let us take a deeper look into the opportunities this event holds for both the community and our church. Because Crossover is centered on God’s glory and the advancement of His kingdom, it is fitting that God-given opportunities are found throughout every part of the event. To help us better understand these opportunities, three key leaders of Crossover were interviewed to share their insight: Pastor Tim Wilder, Alejandro Lopez, and Tammy Hernández.

Pastor Tim Wilder serves as FBCK’s senior pastor, Alejandro Lopez is the church’s recreation director, and Tammy Hernández is the director of Let’s Be Different Health Care & Wellness Center, which is partnering with FBCK for Crossover. Together, their perspectives will help us explore the three categories of opportunities in Crossover: opportunities of timing, opportunities for the community, and opportunities for FBCK.

Opportunities of Timing

A lot of time and resources go into the planning and execution of an event this large. Naturally then, it is important that the timing is right. In the case of Crossover, the timing could not be better.

First, and most importantly, the timing is in accordance with God’s will. In speaking to the origin of FBCK’s involvement with Crossover, Pastor Tim stated, “God just put on my heart while I was on sabbatical… we need to get more intentional on evangelism.” The spark of FBCK’s involvement in Crossover began with God’s conviction and guidance; so, it is important that we act promptly on God’s calling.

Second, the timing takes advantage of The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)’s presence in the area. Every year the SBC travels to a different state, and this year, it is coming to Orlando, Florida. A week before their meeting, people from the SBC and other out-of-state churches travel to the selected area and support the local church body with outreach. This means that Crossover being the first week of June allows FBCK to expand its impact for the kingdom by cooperating and joining hands with other like-minded churches in a way that is seldom available to us.

Third and finally, the timing of Crossover takes advantage of the new land that FBCK recently acquired. The large field neighboring the church campus has been officially signed over to First Baptist. The land will play a vital role in Crossover as a soccer field for the sports programs and the site of the “One-Stop Shop for Life” building that is in the works. Soccer programs are a vital part of the Crossover event, and Recreation Director Lopez offered why,

      “We have 65-70% of the people around our church who are Latinos, and soccer or football in Latin America is the main sport. There will be people that are more drawn to play soccer than basketball. When you go to a restaurant, you have different dishes on the menu because there are different desires of the people. That’s the idea - that we can attract people to the different experiences.”

With this new land, FBCK has become an even more effective home base for Crossover that can reach the Kissimmee community through common ground. The timing of Crossover aligning with the land acquirement is truly a blessing from God (more on this later).

Opportunities for the Community

Crossover Kissimmee is an opportunity for FBCK to assist in the outpouring of God’s love on the surrounding community. Through cooperation between FBCK, the SBC, and even some other people from out of state, the Kissimmee community will be provided with a plethora of quality free services including food boxes, diaper giveaways, haircuts, dental services, medical care, sports programs, fellowship, and plenty of gospel conversations.

Now, why is FBCK devoting so much effort to address Kissimmee’s physical needs rather than just the spiritual needs? Director Hernández lends her thoughts,

      “The community needs to know that as Christians, we are different. We want to make a difference for God’s glory, and we want them to know that there is a church that cares, a ministry that cares. Everything is connected – health and the spiritual.”

Simply put, a healthy body and a healthy soul go together. Even more so, addressing readily apparent physical needs opens the door to spiritual matters. Director Lopez gave a similar thought,

      “Sports is like sharing a meal… When people take the initiative to come and play sports with us, it’s an open opportunity to connect directly with that human being… Then if we are intentional enough, we can create another connection.”

Kissimmee, like everywhere else, is a community in need of the love and grace of God. Through addressing the community’s physical needs, not only is it important work, but it is an exciting opportunity to be a part of God bringing people closer to Himself. When asked what they would consider to be a “success” when Crossover Kissimmee was finished, each of the three gave a valuable answer that demonstrates how this event is focused outward on the community and upward to God. From the medical side, Director Hernández stated that success would be for the community to increase in its medical education and prevention, but that most importantly people would come to Christ. From the recreation perspective, Director Lopez defined success as fostering lasting relationships with the community as we use our opportunities to witness.

Pastor Tim offered that success would be two-fold: “People from the community need to show up, and our [FBCK] people need to speak up.” He continued, “I pray that there will be lasting fruit… that this won’t be just a one-time event.”

The idea of “lasting fruit” is not just for the members of the Kissimmee community, but also for the people of First Baptist Church of Kissimmee. Crossover offers wonderful opportunities to those who volunteer and serve.

Opportunities for FBCK

In 2023, Pastor Tim introduced FBCK to Vision 2030, which outlined the plan that God had laid on his heart to strengthen the church so that it can serve and honor God to the best of its ability. Crossover Kissimmee is a valuable progression in line with Vision 2030 to help build for life and missions.

Going back to the new land the church has acquired, Crossover gives an opportunity for FBCK to raise awareness for our plans with the land. The community will be able to see us outside with our new soccer ministry, which as Director Lopez commented, “they are going to see us and that’s an invitation – there is no better marketing than that.” The church will also be able to show off the land plot for the upcoming Life Building that will serve as a “One-Stop Shop for Life” with new space for permanent services which care for people’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Furthermore, through Crossover, FBCK can forge stronger relationships with the city of Kissimmee, grow closer as a church family, and grow stronger as the body of Christ. Pastor Tim spoke to what God has placed on his heart, “We’ve been really focusing on discipleship… we need to get more intentional on evangelism. You need both.”

Those who volunteer during Crossover will be able to minister to those in need. They will receive training on how to connect with people and start gospel conversations and then receive a multitude of chances to practice. There is no sweeter or more rewarding place to be than in the middle of the Lord’s will doing the Lord’s work. After all, it is what we are called to do:

      “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16.

Final Note

As we excitedly anticipate the arrival of Crossover Kissimmee, all who can serve or partake are encouraged to do so. Even if you cannot participate physically, you can pray for God’s guidance and His hand to work mightily through his people for His glory. Crossover Kissimmee looks to serve the local community and direct all the glory to God. So, please, do not miss this exciting God-given opportunity.