A crowd packed into the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church in Opp Tuesday night for the annual Crossover Ministry Appreciation Banquet.

Those in attendance got more than just a hot meal and the thanks of ministry workers – they also got a first-hand look at the results of the faith-based rehabilitation center’s work.
Following a video outlining the many facets of daily life at the center, which typically houses around 40 to 50 men and women, Crossover graduate Reed Lightsey told his story of progressing from a Crossover client  to an employee now helping others.

Lightsey said he entered the program after struggling for years with alcohol and prescription pills. Now, not only is he sober, but Lightsey said he has worked for Crossover Ministry for two years, will graduate from LBW Community College next month and, together with his wife, is looking forward to the birth of his first child later this year.

“It’s all the hands and feet of the body of Christ that makes this thing go around,” Lightsey said. “I was in a place where nothing ever changed. It just got worse. God began to shine a light into my life through Crossover.”

Following graduation from the program in 2011, Lightsey, who is originally from Centerville, said he was approached with a job offer from Crossover officials.

“In September 2011, (Crossover Executive Director) Todd (Sasser) asked me if I would like to work for the ministry,” Lightsey said. “Crossover has given me the opportunity to live again.”

As Lightsey told his story, a kitchen and serving crew comprised entirely of volunteers and those currently enrolled in the Crossover program, served those in attendance, while board member Greg White thanked those who made donations of time or money to Crossover.