Johnnie Mae Renfro is a woman of many God-given talents and gifts. People who meet Johnnie Mae for the first time immediately feel the love of Christ pouring from her soul. She graces the halls of CrossWay with her gentle spirit and genuine heart for the Lord.
Born in Jasper, TX, Johnnie Mae was part of a loving family. Growing up in the Baptist Church, she became grounded in the Word of God at an early age.
The youngest of 4 girls, Johnnie Mae eventually led and cared for her 3 sisters. Her parents passed away when she was just 14. A strong believer in education and opportunity, she accepted God’s calling, at age 16, to put her sisters through college. She sacrificed greatly by working two jobs and postponing her own education for several years.
Johnnie Mae faced tragedies and sorrow that would break many people. She was married and eventually lost her husband to cancer. Her only daughter was killed in a tragic accident at the age of 21. Immersed in prayer , God continued to work on her heart through her sorrow, and renewed her spirit. "He kept an angel on my shoulder the whole time," she says. "I thank God for the heart to get through anything. I stay humble to love and let love in. I take everything to God; nothing is too small to take to Him. The devil wants to take me down, but this too shall pass."
Two years ago, God called Johnnie Mae to New Hampshire to help raise her sister’s three children. Within a few days of her arrival, she met CrossWay’s Brian Sullivan in the grocery store. She fondly recalls, "You could see he was a Godly man by the look in his eyes." Brian invited her to church and she attended CrossWay the next Sunday. "Pastor Ron was preaching the Word of God," Johnnie Mae reflected. "[He’s] taught everyone in the church to be real brothers and sisters in Christ."
Johnnie Mae sees CrossWay as a church that encourages everyone to be outwardly focused, embracing others in need. "When someone is hurt or sick, you should go to them and help in whatever way they need", she affirms. "CrossWay not only talks the talk, but they walk the walk. CrossWay loves its flock, each and every one of them. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is truly blessing CrossWay. If you don’t know Christ, just come to CrossWay and you will know God’s Word. There’s a place for everyone in our church family, and everyone has something they can offer. We all have different gifts to give. Step out on faith and do what you can. CrossWay is truly blessed."
To those considering CrossWay, Johnnie Mae says, "Being a part of CrossWay is like walking beside Jesus Christ."