My life's story is not new.  It has been told by many before me.  The story may sound the same, but the ending is much different.  Please allow me to share my testimony with you.

In 1985, while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, I committed a crime, which led to my imprisonment.   For this crime, I was sentenced to 10 years in a North Carolina state prison.

As I awaited my trial, the Lord gloriously saved my soul.  At that time, a 10-year sentence looked to be the greatest tragedy of my life, but God had different plans for me.  As I began to serve my sentence, God began to work in my life.  
In prison, I began studying the precious Word of God.  God used this time to strengthen me.  God implanted in me a deep desire to serve Him in any way that He desired.   By His grace, I served only three years in prison.  After being released, I completed 18 months of community service.

Praise the Lord, I was out of prison, but my heart was burdened for those who were still there.  Who would share with them the Good News of the Gospel?

In 1989, I joined fellowship with Faith Baptist Church in Shelby, NC.  They had a prison ministry under the leadership of Brother B. L. Queen.  So, I began to apply for permission to re-enter the prison as a witness of the Gospel.  After several years of continually applying, the door was finally opened.  I began working with Bro. Queen.   Each Sunday, we would go to Shelby Prison Camp and hold a worship service with all the inmates who cared to join us.  I was thrilled to be able to share my experiences with them, for I felt I truly could relate to them and them to me.  Over the years, we saw God gloriously save many inmates.

Still, my heart was burdened to reach more men who are at a deciding crossroads in their lives - men who are homeless, hungry, and hurting.  As I searched for the Lord's will in my life, I was able to spend some time at the Durham Rescue Mission.  There God birthed a new work in my heart.  Shelby needed a Rescue Mission to reach out to more than those who are imprisoned in our prison system.  Many are prisoners walking on our streets.  They are imprisoned by the sins of this world.

At Crossroads Rescue Mission, our main goal is to share the Gospel with the lost.  We want to give new converts a firm foundation in the Word of God through daily Bible studies.   We are planning to work through our local community college to equip our residents with a technical degree in one of the following areas: carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, welding, and computer technology.  God has given a burden.  We are providing shelter, food and training for the men.
I would have never dreamed all God would do in my life.  I am humbled that He would use me to reach others.  God knows my heart.  I want to be used of Him to bring others to Him.  Now, with the help of Love Valley Baptist Church, where we are currently members, God is helping us expand and reach many more in our community with the same problems.

What can you do to help?  We need prayer warriors.  In addition, we are in need of finances to operate this new ministry.
I covet your prayers and hope you will make us a part of your daily prayer time.  I would ask you to prayerfully consider helping Crossroads Rescue Mission with a financial gift.  If God should lay it upon your heart to help us, you may make a donation payable to Crossroads Rescue Mission.

In Christ,
Rocky Shelton, Sr.
Romans 8:28