Bill Lanik, Brian Prudoehl, and Joel Hennessy have been singing together since 2003. They met at their church, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston, MN, where they sang together in the church choir and as liturgical cantors. They quickly realized that God had a plan? that they were being called to be instruments of the Holy Spirit in spreading the "Good News" through music. Bill, Brian, and Joel did not know each other prior to the "crossing" of our paths at church. As a matter of fact, their lives were very different? each of them coming from different backgrounds, life experiences, and musical abilities. Their individual singing voices and styles are completely different and logically should not blend and harmonize very well. However, when they sing together, our voices become one instrument which we believe is directed by the Holy Spirit.

Bill and Brian both have extensive musical experience. Each has been involved in bands a good part of their lives. Bill comes with a love for classic rock and Brian with a soft rock/country/barbershop passion. Joel was inspired to sing later in life when he was "born again" through God's saving grace which healed him from the disease of alcoholism. Without any vocal training, Joel had an unpolished "choirboy" voice but Bill and Brian are slowly loosening him up and the Holy Spirit is providing the inspiration! The three share several things in common which keeps them busy an average of 3 weekends per month? Love for God, passion for music and a desire to help others? especially youth.

In August of 2004, we officially incorporated as Christian Crossings, Inc., a non-profit, charitable, 501(c)(3) organization established to "Enliven the Spirit through Music." We were inspired to form a charitable corporation because we quickly realized that many people share our beliefs and are willing to support our mission financially. Christian Crossings raises funds through performance fees, free-will offerings, donations, and sales of their CD's and other religious merchandise. Christian Crossings is 100% volunteer staffed including Bill, Brian, and Joel. They draw no monetary compensation for our services. We each have a "regular" full-time job to support our families. All net proceeds we raise are used to support Christian youth ministry.

We support Christian youth ministry in a number of ways including financial grants, scholarships, evangelization, and transportation services. In early 2006, we awarded the first Christian Crossings Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to an individual pursuing ministry as a career with preference given to a concentration in music. We also awarded a number of Youth Group Grants which are intended to promote mission work and participation in religious education opportunities outside the traditional congregational setting. Finally, we awarded a number of Individual Grants to youth who attended religious events independently.

Our goal is to continue expanding our programs to further help youth reach their full potential through Christ Jesus. Christian Crossings owns a seventy-passenger bus and offers transportation services for faith-based organizations. We have a weekly after-school program which buses Lewiston/Altura youth to Rock Solid Youth Center, a faith-based youth center in Winona. Our mission is to provide youth opportunities to draw closer to their faith. It is our core belief that all of us need to get back to the basics and instill in our children a solid set of values and morals based on the virtues Christ taught.

Christian Crossings, Inc. is an ecumenical Christian organization. Bill, Brian and Joel are Catholic and our board of directors is comprised of individuals representing a number of other Christian faiths. We cannot stress enough that we are an ecumenical organization whose purpose is to strengthen and unify all faiths as a Christian community. Our funding is obtained accordingly as is the awarding of Christian Crossings financial assistance. We promote and encourage everyone to become active in their individual faith whatever denomination it may be. Our focus is the Good News of Jesus Christ. Christian Crossings is NOT a church?we exist to spread the Good News and direct people to the church of their choosing where they can deepen their faith with the help of ordained ministers and supportive congregations.

It is hoped that the "crossing" of our paths here will provide inspiration for you to step forward and reinforce the need for strong youth programs based on values, morals and virtues. Our kids need direction?they seek direction. It is our responsibility to provide the guidance, the boundaries, and the road map for becoming successful, well-rounded human beings. We believe that road map has always existed in a single book?the Holy Bible. It's time to Arise & Shine! It's time for every Christian to step out of our boat...every good deed makes a difference...and every person touched will eventually 'pay it forward'.... after all, we are The Body of Christ!