It is hard to believe that we are in a new decade – 2020! It was November 1984 when Crossroads opened its storefront Coffeehouse ministry on Pleasant Street in Worcester, MA. Joe and I had hearts burning with love for the Lord and for the souls of men. All we knew was that God had placed us there and given us a vision of seeing homeless and street people coming to him. What an adventure that was as we learned to trust God and watch Him do what only He could do!
Now over 35 years later, Crossroads remains a viable ministry. While no longer actively ministering on the streets of Worcester, MA, we are having a spiritual impact on the homeless and hurting in Salisbury, MD. Again, God has placed us here and given us his vision of seeing homeless and street people coming to him. The adventure continues as we trust and obey our precious Lord and watch Him do what only He can do.
Please pray for me as I forge ahead in Jesus’ name seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness. I believe God has not finished what He started through Crossroads. His Spirit is moving. Can’t wait to see what this decade holds.
Thank you for praying, encouraging, supporting and just caring.
Only Because of Jesus,
Eartha Harris
Crossroads Ministries Inc. 
Hello Eartha. This is Richard Brandoli. My wife Effie and I served under you and Joe in your Worcester Ma ministry on Pleasant st. I was praying this morning and you and Joe came into my heart. I looked on line and saw that Joe had passed. My deepest condolences to you on the passing of such a humble and dedicated soldier of God. Effie recently passed away in Jan 2020 from the effects of multiple strokes. I can empathize with much of your journey as I tried to care for her 2 years at home but then her last 15 months in a nursing home. Despite the tough circumstances God used it to deepen our love for one another and Him. Im now serving as a chaplain to the nursing home and also involved in two churches and co leader of Celebrate Recovery 12 step program. With my wife home with Jesus I now have 5 Christian men living with me in our large home. Some are in recovery and one on his way soon to Teen Challenge in Brockton Ma. I think youll be touched by the obituary remembrance of Effie which has been a great evangelistic tool and Crossroads is mentioned as one of the highlights in our lives together. She was a very unique woman who God used to touch thousands around the world in an unusual way. You can find it on line by looking up Effie Brandoli obituary Hathaway Funeral home. Id like to correspond with you just to catch up on the greatness of God. To Him be the glory. Father Son and Holy Spirit. Im always thankful for the important role you had in our Christian life. When I think of Joe it brings a smile and respectful laughter to me when I picture him in the storefront coffee house standing with his big smile and wearing his hat ” Righteous Ruler”. What memories! And by the grace of God many more great ones through all the mountains and valleys of following Jesus and all working together for good to His glory. Hope to talk to you soon.
Yours in Christ
Richard Brandoli
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