This 15-minute programme from the Crossroad Bible Institute of NZ takes everyday topics and experiences, and applies a thought-provoking parallel Christian viewpoint. CROSSROAD CONNECTION is presented by Dr David Feddes or Dr David Schuringa.

If you would like further information about any aspect of these programmes, including how to contact the producers or obtain a copy of what has been broadcast, please contact Radio Kidnappers.

A list of the past and future topics is shown below.

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PROGRAMMES COMING UP -


16th & 19th September : FIRST-HAND WITNESSES OF MIRACULOUS CHANGE! -

In this episode, Dr Schuringa and CBI intern Hannah Kelt, share inspiring letters from Crossroad instructors that powerfully demonstrate how God answers prayer and dramatically changes lives.


30th September & 3rd October : RAINBOWS FOR OUR FALLEN WORLD -

What is Christian art? Dr Schuringa interviews curator Kim Harris Vander Lende, who tells about the grand opening of a beautiful new inmate art gallery at CBI.


14th & 17th October : WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MOMMY DRINKS? -

Don't miss this riveting interview with Joan Rinker from Alcohol Babies Anonymous. She talks about Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and its role in criminal behaviour.


28th & 31st October : CROSSROAD BROADCAST NEWS -

Dr Schuringa reports on California outsourcing prisoners, children stun-gunned behind bars, combating prison rape, breaking down employment barriers for ex-offenders, and much more.

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PAST EPISODES -


"JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN":

Crossroad Bible Institute recently launched a popular Bible study programme for the children of prisoners. In this episode, Dr Schuringa provided a progress-report using the stories of parents and children who have enrolled in the programme.


"PRISON MINISTRY IN AFRICA":

Recently, Crossroad Bible Institute opened its first Distribution Centre in Africa. Dr Schuringa interviewed the Director of this new centre, Ghana-born and raised Rev David Ofosuhene. They talked about their hopes that CBI will help relieve wretched prison conditions in his country.


"REMEMBER THOSE IN PRISON":

Dr Schuringa explained Crossroad Bible Institute's philosophy of prison ministry. While our culture prefers to forget the forgotten ones, the Bible calls the church to remember those in prison.


"CROSSROAD 'DOWN-UNDER'":

Back in 2002, Crossroad Bible Institute opened a Distribution Centre in Australia. Dr Schuringa interviewed CBI-Australia's Executive Officer, Ray Hoekzema, who shared how CBI is spreading across the South Pacific.


"HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS":

Most people in prison suffer from some sort of disability. Dr Schuringa interviewed Rev Mark Stephenson, the Director of Disability Concerns, who has expertise on how to relate to people in need, in ways that build them up as valued members of the Body of Christ.


"LETTERS FROM PRISON":

Learning contentment, experiencing miracles in prison, confessions of a former altar boy, and deliverence from addictions, were among the topics that came up as Dr Schuringa shared from the letters of Crossroad students.


"THE PRISONS ARE HER VINEYARD":

Dr Brenda Jackson, a prominent leader in the African-American community, has led her own world-wide prison ministry for many years and is serving as a Crossroad instructor. She discussed with Dr Schuringa the keys for reaching inmates and their children.


"CBI BROADCAST NEWS":

How should you punish kids who kick soccer balls through windows? Why are HIV-positive ex-offenders not taking their medication? Should prisons be building nurseries for infants and toddlers? Dr Schuringa gave us his views.


"HOW EVERYONE WINS WITH RESTORATIVE JUSTICE":

In a second interview, Dr Schuringa explored with prison chaplain John Lamsma how, in restorative justice, inmates come face-to-face with the effects of their crime in order to gain responsibility for their actions and healing for their victims.


"PRISON LETTERS FROM DAD":

What's Father's Day like behind bars? This week, Dr Schuringa shared letters from a dad with a son behind bars and from fathers who are in prison but want help to become better dads.


"INMATES AND THE IMAGE OF GOD":

Dr Schuringa began a 2-part interview with prison chaplain John Lamsma who shared about the dehumanising effects of incarceration, the neglect of victims, and how restorative justice repairs the damage.


"HOW TO SET A CHURCH ON FIRE":

Did you know that revival and prison-ministry go hand-in-hand? This week, Dr Schuringa interviewed Rev Art Van Wolde on how pastors and churches come alive when they come into contact with God's people in prison.


"THE SURPRISE OF HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED":

Everyone knows that it's a blessing for those in need when the church comes to their aid. But the blessing is a two-way street. Today, Dr Schuringa shared inspiring letters from Crossroad instructors.


"CHURCH PLANTING IN PRISON":

Have you ever wondered what a church in prison looks like? Dr Schuringa interviewed Rev Steve Moerman, pastor of the Cornerstone Prison Church in the Sioux Falls Penitentiary in the USA. We learned what God is doing behind bars!


"LETTERS FROM PRISON #2":

This week, you learnt why Crossroad students pay their own postage, how CBI (Crossroad Bible Institute) alleviates prisoner rage, how a former prostitute and drug-dealer found new life, and a student's opinion on the new worldview course.


"JOHNNY CASH's PHILOSOPHY OF PRISON MINISTRY":

Dr Schuringa gleaned from the authorised biography of Johnny Cash a perspective on how practising Christians can't help but help the down-and-out, including people in prison.


"LETTERS FROM PRISON #1":

We heard from an inmate who has been begging for forgiveness from his victim for over 20 years, an incarcerated mother offering a prayer for her children, and a former student who is now planting a garden on the outside.


"BECOME PART OF THE MIRACLE!":

The church's task to help people who are hurting, appears overwhelming. But Jesus is still working miracles to make it happen and he wants YOU to get in on the action. Dr Schuringa told you how!


"WAKE-UP TIME":

Today, we're closer than ever to the dazzling sunrise of Jesus' Second Coming! That means it is wake-up time! In this final episode of the year, you were encouraged to get ready for a new heaven and a new earth.


"THE DRAGON WHO HATED CHRISTMAS":

"Once upon a time, there was a huge red dragon. This dragon was very grouchy and very nasty". This is the beginning to a Christmas Story to remember. In this episode, we heard the story about one dragon who hated Christmas, and why that story matters for us today.


"CHRISTMAS FOR CRIMINALS":

Christmas makes us think of stockings, sleigh-rides, cookies and decorated trees. So, what does this holiday have to do with law-breakers? This week it is explained how we are all criminals in need of Christmas.


"UPSIDE-DOWN CHRISTMAS":

When Mary was pregnant with Jesus, she sang of a Lord who brings down rulers and lifts up the humble, who fills the hungry, but sends the rich away empty-handed. This week, we saw how Christmas is truly upside-down when Jesus comes into our lives.


"THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH 2009":

What in the world is the church doing? Dr Schuringa described the exciting mission of Christ's church in God's world today.


"HEALING THE SICK":

With cancer and chronic viruses, we can have a terminal illness and not even feel it. As a result, we need a good doctor who cares about us, is good at diagnosing any health problems, and can provide proper treatment. This week, Dr Feddes showed how our souls need a doctor who has much the same qualities.


"SINGING IN A CELL":

Why are some people gloomy, no matter how many good things happen to them, while others are happy no matter how many bad things happen to them? In this episode, Dr Feddes showed us, with examples of the prison-bound, how our level of happiness is often determined more by inner attitude than outer circumstances.


"FAITHFUL UNDER FIRE":

Did you know that Hitler's use of government schooling, impressive visuals, stirring music, peer pressure and raw fear, was first used by ancient kings? Throughout history, Christians have had to stand firm against manipulative rulers. Dr Feddes discussed the importance and joys of being faithful under fire.


"PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED":

This is a gripping tale of a prisoner under heavy guard on death row, and a dictator anxiously looking forward to the prisoner's death. Dr Feddes told the amazing (true) story of a prisoner's escape and a dictator's doom - all because of prayers from the people.


"THE TRUTH ABOUT ABORTION":

Pro-Choice politicians sometimes try to gain our support by saying that Christian teaching has no definite stance on abortion. But, this is false. Dr Feddes today explored how Christian teaching - dating all the way back to the 1st century - has always condemned abortion as murder.


"ETERNAL PLEASURES":

The Bible says that in God's presence is fullness of joy, at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. This week, Dr Feddes informed us about our true eternal pleasures.


"THE PERFECT BODY":

Many dream of physical perfection and become disheartened. We have hope of that perfection, that perfect body when we are raised at the final resurrection. In this week's episode, Dr Feddes spoke about the perfect body God promises every follower of Jesus.


"HEAVEN ON EARTH":

What comes to mind when you think of heaven? Often, the depictions are of clouds, light and splendour which all seem beautiful, if perhaps boring. Dr Feddes today discussed heaven on earth: an exciting place to rest, play, discover and succeed.


"THE GIFT OF EVERYTHING":

The Bible says God gave us his Son and will "also, along with him, graciously give us all things". Our eternal inheritance is far beyond our imagination - everything we could dream. This week, Dr Feddes spoke of the gift of everything.


"WHAT IS UNFORGIVABLE?":

A lot of people talk about promoting family values, but even those who deny God can have strong families. This week, Dr Feddes described Jesus' command to do much more than love our own relations.


"ANGER AND COMPASSION":

Surrounded by sin, we often get trapped burning with anger over the sin or attempting to fix everone else's brokenness. Jesus did both! His reaction to man's wickedness was of fierce anger and tender compassion. Dr Feddes today spoke of God's righteous rection to sin.


"ASKING FOR JUSTICE":

Jesus once compared praying to God with nagging a heartless judge until he gives in. If the uncaring judge ultimately did what was right, imagine what God - one who loves us - will do in response to faithful prayer for justice. Today Dr Feddes promted discussion on asking for God's justice through prayer.


"SUNDAY WORSHIP & DAILY JUSTICE":

Faithfully attending church and actively participating in a worship service in not all God desires to see His followers doing. We need to seek Him daily, seek to expand His kingdom by reaching out to the lost. Dr Feddes spoke of the connection God makes between Sunday worship and daily justice.


"WORTHWHILE WORK":

So often, workers find themselves following the same schedule - doing the same mundane tasks each day. Many dread routine and feel stuck on autopilot with little adventure in sight. However, our work means something when done to the glory of God. Dr Feddes today spoke about making our work meaningful.


"WHAT POLITICIANS CAN'T DO":

We are called to respect our leaders and lift them up in prayer. After all, they are mortal men who cannot save and need the support of someone greater: Jesus Christ. Dr Feddes spoke of the importance of trusting God above all else - before money, fame, power, and before our politics.


"WINNING THE CONTEST":

A lot of people talk about promoting family values, but even those who deny God can have strong families. This week, Dr Feddes described Jesus' command to do much more than love our own relations.


"TRAINING FOR VICTORY":

In the same way that athletes go through rigorous training to prepare for victory, so followers of Jesus must go through spiritual training to win victories for the kingdom of God. Dr Feddes gave us training tips on spiritual tuition, self-denial, and discipline.


"WORSHIPPING SPORTS":

Entertaining, challenging and fun, sports are not a detriment to one's health; until they become an idol, a crutch to lean-on rather than Jesus Christ. Today we talked of the excitement of sports compared to the surpassing joy found only in Christ.


"SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD":

It is tempting for religious people to look down upon those who do not have clear knowledge of God or morality. These are the searching, the lost, who often get overlooked by the church. This week's episode told of Jesus' reaction to the "mixed-up" - a response in love and caring, laden with a godly desire to guide those directionless travellers.


"REPENT OR PERISH":

Tragedy - death of a loved one, devastating earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, bloody violence - causes one to wonder why one deserved such pain. We are to always be aware of our sin and the effect it has on others. In this episode, we heard about Jesus' message that disaster is a reminder of the importance of daily repentance, lest we perish.


"FROM BAD TO WORSE":

The cycle of sin begins when people stop praising God, deny His creation, turn themselves over to sexual promiscuity, and ends with family destruction and violence. Today, Dr Feddes spoke of the manifestation of God's wrath through the cycle of sin and the redemption we can receive through Christ's mercy.


"CHRISTMAS FOR CRIMINALS":

Christmas makes us think of stockings, sleigh-rides, cookies and decorated trees. So, what does this holiday have to do with law-breakers? This week's episode explained how we are all criminals in need of Christmas.


"UPSIDE-DOWN CHRISTMAS":

When Mary was pregnant with Jesus, she sang of a Lord who brings down rulers and lifts up the humble, who fills the hungry, but sends the rich away empty-handed. This week, we saw how Christmas is truly upside-down when Jesus comes into our lives.


"WHAT MAKES A NATION GREAT?":

Many measure a nation's greatness based on the solidarity of the education programme, military strength, economy, freedom and leadership. In today's episode, Dr Feddes challenged the worldly measures of greatness against righteousness - the only way to truly make and measure a great nation.


"SURPASSING FAMILY VALUES":

A lot of people talk about promoting family values, but even those who deny God can have strong families. This week, Dr Feddes described Jesus' command to do much more than love our own relations.


"DON'T BLAME DAD":

Some studies seem to imply that if you add up heredity and environment, you have the total sum of what a person is. After all, people's choices are merely the result of genes and influences. In this episode, listeners were encouraged to stop blaming Dad and start taking responsibility.


"HIGH-IMPACT FATHERS":

Many men think their fatherly job is done when they bring home the pay-packet. However, being a father who provides is just one small part of being a father who leads. Dr Feddes shared how you can be a high-impact father through faith in God and His promises.


"LOVE AND MARRIAGE":

Falling in love can be thrilling, but it can also be dangerous. The mysterious attraction between male and female can lead to wonderful things, but it can also drive people to do things that are foolish, even rotten. This episode explained to us how to honour marriage as God designed.


"BUILDING WELL":

Building a new house takes more than paint, wallpaper and pretty shutters; it requires a strong foundation and solid building materials. Dr Feddes challenged us to go beyond maintaining an impressive appearance, to building our lives on God's strong foundation.


"AIMING HIGHER":

When a prisoner is due to be released soon, he/she begins to prepare for life in free society. This week, Dr Feddes explained that we are all prisoners in a fallen world who must look beyond the present - to a life of eternal freedom in Christ.


"THE ALTERNATIVE TO ALCOHOL":

Culture advertises that alcohol and happiness go together, so many people spend their weekends, evenings or even workdays drunk. Why do you think a lot of people enjoy being under the influence of alcohol? Dr Feddes explained that people were designed to be under the influence of a power beyond themselves: the power of the Holy Spirit.


"WAITING FOR THE WIND":

Just like the invisible wind causes a kite to roar in the sky, the unseen Holy Spirit is the power that lifts the souls of men to union with God. In this episode, Dr Feddes explained the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian ministry.


"DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES":

A strong family with two loving parents provides stable roots for children. But what if a family situation is broken and unhealthy? Dr Feddes shared how people from bad families can have bright futures.


"ADULT CONTENT":

Flipping through the channels or perusing the video store, you may find shows labelled "adult content" or "mature audiences only". However, the irony of such labels is that these shows are actually aimed at immature people who haven't learned to act like adults. Dr Feddes today showed the danger of filling our minds with garbage and the delight of filling our minds with goodness.


"ASCENSION FAITH":

Christmas is for remembering Christ's birth, and Easter is for celebrating His resurrection, but how many of us stop to reflect on His ascension? In this episode, Dr Feddes pointed out the spiritual benefits of celebrating Christ's ascension to heaven.


"NEIGHBOURLY BEHAVIOUR":

Jesus said to love your neighbour as yourself, but exactly who is your neighbour? This week, Dr Feddes explained that the real question isn't who counts as your neighbour, but instead how you can be neighbourly.


"SINCERELY WRONG":

It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere, as long as you know it to be true in your heart - right?? But what if you have faith in something false; what if your sincere beliefs are false beliefs? This week, Dr Feddes shared the importance of sincerity and truth.


"REVENGE OR FORGIVENESS":

Maybe you've craved "sweet revenge". Now, imagine if you actually could pay back every wrong done to you. Would revenge really taste sweet? This week, we explored the contrast between revenge and true forgiveness.


"PASSPORT TO PARADISE":

Often when a convicted criminal "gets religion", church members turn a suspicious eye. Maybe you have been tempted to think: "This person doesn't deserve a free passport to paradise". In today's episode we were reminded of the story of a convicted criminal who joined Jesus in Paradise.


"BLAMING GOD":

Many people carry on their lives without giving God a thought - until trouble strikes. Then, suddenly, God is on their minds as they blame Him for their problems. In this week's episode, the question to be answered is: "Is our folly God's fault?"


"WHAT'S REALLY IMPOSSIBLE":

Many of us are familiar with the verse proclaiming that "all things are possible with God". So, what was the most incredible feat that God made possible? Today's special Easter episode shared how God has made the impossible unstoppable.


"WHAT'S RIGHT WITH THE GOVERNMENT?":

Everyone has opinions about what's wrong with the government - media reporters, radio personalities, celebrities and everyday workers around the water-cooler - all voice their complaints. This episode challenged us to notice not just what's wrong with the government, but what's right with the government.


"CLIMBING INTO A COFFIN":

You may think climbing into a coffin is a morbid idea, but today's episode explained the abundant joy of being buried in a watery grave with Jesus Christ.


"THE THIEF IN THE MIRROR":

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Today's episode explained how grabbers can become givers through an encounter with Jesus Christ.


"THE THIEF AND THE SHEPHERD":

Most of us know the difference between a thief and a shepherd, but do you know the difference between a thieving teacher and the Shepherd? Today's episode exposed the lies of an influential teacher and expounded the truths of the Good Shepherd.


"LISTENING TO HEART SPECIALISTS":

Would you pay attention to the diagnosis a heart specialist would make about your heart? Today's episode challenged us to heed the diagnosis of the true heart specialist - the Doctor of our hearts and souls.