Cross Roads Baptist Church Offers Snow Shoveling Ministry

The sign says it all as you pass Cross Roads Baptist Church at 1860 E. Emaus Avenue in Salisbury Township – “FREE Snow Removal for Needy Snowflakes”.

Pastor Gary Becker has made it a mission to assist those in need, even if it’s just shoveling a path to their car so they can get out for their medications.

A native of northern Minnesota, Pastor Becker is no stranger to frigid temps and snowy weather.  “I’ve shoveled more snow than some people have seen in a lifetime,” he said.

Becker's wife, Dorinda, loves winter, too. She hails from International Falls, Minnesota, which has often promoted itself as the “Icebox of the Nation”,  according to Wikipedia. The couple has lived in the Salisbury/Upper Saucon area for the past 25 years, during which he’s served as pastor at Cross Roads Baptist Church. He lived in New York and New Jersey prior to attending seminary in Pennsylvania, so the East Coast has become home.

 Not content to clear just his own driveway,  Becker started his snow shovelers ministry in 1987. Word of mouth has been the primary means of marketing.  They do several shoveling jobs per snowfall event, averaging from five to 15 residences, depending on the severity of the storm.  If more than three inches falls, they have to kick into high gear, he said.

“We have also done several 'random acts of kindness', blessing people who are looking needy of a helping hand along the way to other planned stops,” Becker said.

The shoveling team consists of between seven and 10 volunteers, with a short list of backups for the bigger storms. Teenagers who are out of school for snow days are recruited to help. At times, they’ve had two cars of volunteers.

“We have a good time. They have bagels and coffee or sometimes pizza and hit the trail,”  Becker said.

God has used this ministry to touch the lives of people who are growing older, Becker said.

After last week’s storm, an elderly woman contacted the church.  “I’m a widow. I’m 70 years old. I just got out of the hospital. Can you help me? I can’t do it like I used to,” she told Becker.

“We’re just trying to be a blessing to our community by helping people in needy situations. We’re not looking for people who can afford to do it on their own. We’re not looking to help people sit on the couch while we shovel for them. There is a genuine need,” he said.

"We have a small church with a big heart," he added.

Becker recalled another elderly client they helped, a man who was always been interested in sports and bowling. He has some neurological problems and can’t handle the snow on his own anymore. He comes outside with his shovel after they’re done like a “lost puppy dog” and wants to help but isn’t physically able, Becker said. 

"We have the heart to bless people in any way we can. We don’t want to shove the gospel down their throat, but want to show them love from the Lord. We give an invitation to the church and sometimes a gospel track on what else is free, ” Becker said.

"We’ve done it for years, but it’s the first time I’ve been crazy enough to put a sign up,” Becker said.