Christy Craddock
Location: Miami, Fla.
Hometown: Lexington, Ky.
Commissioned: 2009
Craddock is one of four CBF field personnel serving at Touching Miami with Love. The center follows Jesus’ example of ministry to the poor, reaching out to children, youth, families and people who are homeless by providing a variety of services – summer camps, after school programs, a Christmas store, tax services and assistance finding jobs, housing and social services.
She ministers mainly to youth who’ve grown up in Overtown, the poorest community in Florida. Teenagers in this inner city community, many who are raised by extended family instead of their parents, witness the effects of poverty in their homes and neighborhood – crime, prostitution, drug trafficking, teenage pregnancy, low graduation rates, substandard housing.
“I really want to offer them freedom in Christ, and hope that despite harsh circumstances and surroundings, they can become who it is that they want to be in life.” Craddock said.
Download a brochure about Craddock's ministry
Related stories:
• Craddock’s ministry of presence changes teens’ lives
• Love for Overtowns children draws Craddock back
• Churches tranform lives in Miami through long-term partnerships
• Urban ministry center celebrates MLK Day with block party
• CBF partner plays role in shutting down human labor camp
• Endowment provides support to inner city youth programs
• Ministry center helps serve needs of impoverished community
• TML welcomes CBF field personnel to staff
Stories from the field
Angela, a 15-year old girl growing up in inner-city Miami, has found the love of a family and the feeling of home in the youth program at CBF partner ministry
Touching Miami with Love (TML). Even when her family became homeless and she was living in a shelter, Angela continued faithfully coming to TML everyday after school. Angela recently wrote, “TML is like my second home – one big family.
Miss Christy, who is our youth director, is like a second mom to me. She tries her best to supply us with all of our needs, physically, emotionally and mentally. TML is so lucky to be blessed with so much joy, love and happiness. We are not just going to sit around and let that love joy and happiness go to waste. We are going to spread it, and that’s why we welcome everyone with open arms.”