Crossfire Ministries: Dribbling, Shooting, and Spreading the Gospel

Asheville, North Carolina, has been the epicenter of a remarkable ministry that has combined the love of basketball with the message of faith. Crossfire Ministries, founded by Randy Shepherd and Jamie Johnson, has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for thousands of people over the past three decades.

Empowering Communities through Basketball and Faith

Lifelong Friends, Lifelong Mission

Randy Shepherd and Jamie Johnson's journey with Crossfire Ministries began long before the ministry's inception. The two grew up together, often facing off on the basketball court during their middle school, high school, and college years. After Shepherd's basketball career at UNC Asheville and Johnson's at Gardner-Webb, the two friends came together to create Crossfire, a platform to connect people with God outside the traditional church setting.

Spreading the Message Globally

Over the past 32 years, Crossfire Ministries has touched the lives of thousands of people, both locally and internationally. The ministry has taken its message to 68 countries, embarking on over 300 trips and reaching countless individuals with its unique blend of basketball and faith. Johnson, the co-founder, expressed the profound impact of these global outreaches, stating, "We've been to 68 countries, 300 trips — thousands and thousands of people."

Inspiring the Next Generation

Crossfire Ministries has not only impacted the lives of its participants but has also inspired the next generation. Many of those who have come through the ministry's programs are now bringing their own children to experience the same transformative power of basketball and faith. Johnson shared this heartwarming observation, saying, "Many of those who came through the ministry are now bringing their own children."

Brushing Shoulders with Basketball Legends

Crossfire Ministries has also had the privilege of interacting with some of the biggest names in basketball. The ministry has made college visits and even experienced encounters with NBA talents such as Grant Hill, Tim Duncan, and Tyler Hansbrough. These interactions have not only been exciting for the participants but have also served as a testament to the ministry's reach and influence within the basketball community.

Facing Adversity with Faith

The journey of Crossfire Ministries has not been without its challenges. In recent years, co-founder Randy Shepherd faced a personal battle with cancer, a carcinoid tumor in his liver. Despite this setback, Shepherd remained committed to the ministry, even as his physical abilities began to decline. Johnson recounted the poignant moment when Shepherd could no longer perform the signature ball-spinning drill during the ministry's camps, saying, "The last camp, just a couple of months ago, he couldn't spin that ball — I kind of cried. He couldn't do the drills."

A Legacy of Impact

Tragically, on September 19th, 2019, Randy Shepherd passed away at the age of 60 due to complications from his cancer. However, his legacy and the impact of Crossfire Ministries will continue to live on. Johnson expressed the profound influence Shepherd had on the ministry, saying, "If [Randy] didn't have the dream with me, I'm by myself. I might not have even started it." The outpouring of support and tributes from those who knew Shepherd and were touched by Crossfire Ministries is a testament to the lasting impact he and the ministry have had on the community.As Crossfire Ministries embarks on its 34th year, the ministry will continue to honor Shepherd's memory and carry on his vision. Johnson affirmed that the camps and services will go on, stating, "We'll continue. We won't change anything. We won't have Randy, and he won't be able to spin that ball. We will have the spirit of Christ, the right people, and the camps will continue." The legacy of Randy Shepherd and Crossfire Ministries will undoubtedly continue to inspire and transform lives for generations to come.