What began in 2006 with four boys simply gathered for a Bible study in the living room, dinner, and a football game in the yard, has grown into a life-long mission with a giant-sized impact.
Founded by Jeff and Natalie Storment, Power Cross Ministries disciples over 350 young men each day through its two locations in Statesville and Salisbury, North Carolina. They estimate since that first meeting, the Power Cross family of staff and volunteers has served over 115,000 free meals, provided over 5,000 hours of academic support, and coached hundreds of young men in countless games and athletic practices. Their vision for the future definitely includes more campuses across the United States!
“The Statesville campus is our original location, and we’ve been serving this community for 16 years,” says Natalie. “In Statesville we serve approximately 150 young men annually, and the Salisbury campus (started in 2017) serves around 100 young men.”
Power Cross also offers a division that serves young men as they enter college, with a roster of 25 currently active in that college development and discipleship program. It’s also common for grateful past participants to continue reaching out to others.
“Currently, our oldest alumni are around 25 years old,” explains Natalie. “And we have two past alumni on staff with the ministry full-time.”
Jeff and Natalie’s son, TJ, leads the college discipleship program, and is training another fellow alum, Jabril Williams (studying at Elon University), to take over the group when TJ departs to further his football career.
“Our college-age young men give back and serve in a variety of ways in their down time from school, including leading Bible studies, assisting with sports camps, and guest speaking at events,” says Natalie. “We also try to employ some of these young men on part-time projects when they are home from school so they can continue their athletic training and work at the same time.”
When asked what they feel sets Power Cross apart from other ministries in the area, Jeff and Natalie know introducing young men and their families to Jesus Christ is the all-important first step.
“Daily prayer – over and for these boys – and discipleship anywhere we can fit it in, is what sets Power Cross apart,” explains Natalie. “We are on-call 24 hours a day to these young men, and have operational programming for them over 290 days a year. This intensity and quantity of service is hard to duplicate.”
Jeff and Natalie share they are most inspired by the hope and opportunity for the future that Jesus has planned for everyone involved with the ministry.
“Watching our young men grow into college graduates, husbands and fathers, while serving in their communities and families, is proof to us that the ministry has an impact here on earth as well as in heaven.”
You’ll find an abundance of volunteer opportunities at both the Statesville and Salisbury campuses, and the staff works to place volunteers where they are most comfortable. From helping with homework, playing chess, cleaning, making sandwiches, lending a hand with office work or marketing, and even coaching an at students to join them as interns.
For more information on Power Cross Ministries, reach Jeff or Natalie Storment at 704-380-3001 or email nat@powercross.org. Visit their website Powercross.org for a glimpse of just how Power Cross nourishes these young men in body, mind, and soul, and how you and your family can become involved!
