"Our Story" by Joel Hennessy
Bill Lanik, Brian
Prudoehl, and I have been singing together since 2003. We met at
our church, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston, where we sang
together in the church choir and as liturgical cantors. We
quickly realized that God had a plan…that we were being called
to be instruments of the Holy Spirit in spreading the “Good
News” through music. Bill, Brian, and I did not know each
other prior to the “crossing” of our paths at church.
As a matter of fact, our lives were very different…each of us
coming from different backgrounds, life experiences, and musical
abilities. Our individual singing voices and styles are
completely different and logically should not blend and harmonize very
well. However, when we 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. I was inspired to sing later in life when I was
“born again” through God’s saving grace which healed
me from the disease of alcoholism. Without any vocal training, I had an
unpolished “choirboy” voice but Bill and Brian are slowly
loosening me up and the Holy Spirit is providing the inspiration!
We share several things in common which keeps us 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. We raise funds through performance fees, free-will
offerings, donations, and sales of our CD’s and other religious
merchandise. Christian Crossings is 100% volunteer staffed
including Bill, Brian, and I. We 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.
Our goal is to
continue our programs to further help youth reach their full
potential through Christ Jesus. 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 I are Catholic and 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’....afterall, we are The Body of Christ!
Joel
Hennessy
is a vocalist who lives in Lewiston, MN with his wife Jodi and
their four children, Kaitlyn, Elizabeth, Thomas and Anna. Joel's love
for music has been a lifelong affair, but it was the Grace of God which
lifted Joel from a difficult time in his life and called him to sing!
Joel serves in Pastoral Center in the Roman Catholic Diocese of
Winona as the Director of Mission Advancement. He also enjoys
working with youth at St. Rose of Lima as the director of Confirmation.
Brian Prudoehl is a vocalist who
lives in Lewiston, MN with his wife Wanda and their two sons, John and
Bradley. Brian's love and
passion for music is evident. He has been involved with a
number of bands and shares his talents willingly. When not singing or enjoying time with his family, he is an electrician.
Bill Lanik is a vocalist who lives in
Lewiston, MN. His is
also a lifelong love of music! He has been involved in bands
and vocal performance all of his life. Bill's harmonic
talents are what give Crossings their "unique" sound. Bill is a retail sales professional in Winona, MN. He has
four grown children, Aaron, Adam, Alex and Angela.
