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For troubleshooting or assistance, please contact Grace Ritzema at grace@crossroadskidsclub.com
You're Impacting Kids... We're Here to Help!
Enter your leader sign-in information below to access the Leader Hub!
For troubleshooting or assistance, please contact Grace Ritzema at grace@crossroadskidsclub.com
I am a Wheaton College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in computer science, and I am considering continuing my education with a focus on teaching. I consider myself a “global citizen,” as I have lived in Laos, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Thailand, and most recently, Vietnam. Because of this, I especially have a heart for international ministry and outreach. I love making art, crafting, reading science fiction and learning new things from people around the world.
Through my experiences in IT, God has inspired me to see technology as a powerful communication tool for his kingdom. I am excited to see how technology can impact the mission of Crossroads and what God will do through our website and mobile application development.
Since high school, I have had a desire to serve vulnerable kids. It breaks my heart to see kids who are abused, neglected, lonely, in poverty or otherwise hurting. I long for them to experience the love of God through a personal relationship with Jesus. I’m passionate about Crossroads because I have seen the gospel bring hope to so many children, and I believe that we can transform our world if we can reach our kids.
I am married to the love of my life, Adriana, and we have two amazing daughters and a godly son-in-law. I hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wheaton College and Wheaton Graduate School along with a professional certificate in nonprofit and philanthropy from Northwestern University. I enjoy running, gardening, walking the dog and investing time to encourage the next generation of Christian leaders over a good cup of coffee.
When I was in middle school, I went through a rough season of life. School was a place I felt isolated and hurt. But one day, I was invited to a club that took place once a week after school. I walked in the doors of the Crossroads club at my school, and I felt welcomed and cared for. I made friends, grew in my relationship with the Lord and enjoyed every minute of being a part of that club.
Later, God led me into ministry to help kids come to know him. I worked in youth ministry in Houston for almost eight years and then God led me back to Crossroads to help others pour into the lives of kids in public schools.
While in Houston, I met my husband, Alex, and we are expecting our first child in February. I graduated from North Park University with a bachelor’s degree in youth ministry. I love spending time at the dinner table with my family, cuddling my dog, listening to country music and helping caring and consistent adults reach kids with the gospel of Jesus.
The Lord has planted in me a desire to see children as integral members of the body of Christ. When Jesus returns, there will be children on the earth, and the Lord’s desire, and mine, is that they would be ready to welcome him! My hope and prayer is that as children come to know Jesus as he truly is, their hearts would be captured by him, and he would become their greatest joy.
I joined the Crossroads staff team in March of 2020 before graduating a few months later with a bachelor’s degree in Christian formation and ministry from Wheaton College. I’m originally from Woodbury, Minnesota, but I have made Illinois my home to serve on the Crossroads team. I enjoy discipling the youth and kids at my church, connecting with my local community and meeting new people.
My early years growing up in the Englewood Community were filled with fun, friends, family and a bright future. Being educated in the Chicago Public School system sure had its difficulties, but with passionate educators our community thrived and was inspired. Soon after graduating from Simeon Career Academy, I enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. I served for eight years including three years of active duty during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Some of my proudest accomplishments are being married to my wife, Cheryl, for nearly 30 years and raising our (now) young-adult children, David and Melody. Besides working with Crossroads, I pastor a passionate church serving the south side of Chicago where I grew up. Rhema Revealed Worship Center International is a church in the community and for the community. I’m excited that our church is partnered with Crossroads, and I am thrilled to work with Crossroads to reach even more children in our nation’s cities.
My passion for reaching children comes from my personal experience. When I was a young, I was steeped in fear, loneliness and despair, but God brought a pastor into my life who had a calling to disciple children. Through this mentoring relationship and studying God’s Word, my life began to change as I came to know Jesus as my Savior. I understood that the purpose of my life was to bring praise and glory to the heart of God in everything I did.
I entered Bible college at the age of 15, knowing that I had received a call from God to reach children with the gospel and to disciple them. I received a bachelor’s degree in ministry, and later I earn another bachelor’s degree in law and a master’s degree in theology. I have been a pastor for 33 years. I grew up in Guatemala, but 25 years ago my wife and I were sent to be missionaries in Mexico. Although she is Mexican and I am Guatemalan, we both see Mexico with eyes of mercy. We are the parents of a son, daughter-in-law and two daughters. I am passionate about the vision and mission of Crossroads, and it is my joy to share it with leaders in Latin America.