OUR HISTORY

CrossLink Memphis began in Memphis in 2004 as a satellite site for CrossLink International, LTD., a medical mission medicine and supply ministry. CrossLink International had as a future dream to export its work to other cities. Linda Cook, the new Executive Director, sought to fulfill that vision with the help of Dr. John McCall. John had become familiar with the organization in 1998 and had worked with First Baptist Church of Memphis to provide a 6000 square foot area to house this emerging ministry. In 2004, an advisory board was named, the location was opened, and Dr. Jan Jones became the Regional Director.

At Dr. Jones’ departure to pursue her pharmacy work, Ms. Jodi Ball became the Regional Director. At Jodi’s departure in 2006, Dr. David C. Lewis was named the Regional Director without compensation.

Over the years that followed, and as the CrossLink International – Memphis continued to grow, additional staff was added to keep up with operations and demand for supplies. CrossLink International – Memphis worked in concert with the Virginia ministry, using that ministry location for background operations and for medicines.

In the early spring of 2012, after lengthy conversations with CrossLink International in Virginia, it was mutually agreed that the Memphis location should seek to become independent of the Virginia organization. However, it was also agreed that though Memphis would become a separate organization, carrying the responsibility for financial and staffing needs, the function for ministry would continue with CrossLink International in Virginia being a “seamless” partner. On June 1, 2012, CrossLink International – Memphis became Crosslink Memphis, Inc., a 501c3 non profit organization as well as a licensed Pharmaceutical Wholesaler. Dr. David C. Lewis was named the Executive Director.

In late August of 2012, Crosslink Memphis began receiving calls from mission teams asking for assistance in providing supplies and medicines. Many of these were long standing mission teams and leaders who were associated with the Virginia ministry. When asking for information as to why they were calling Memphis, it was confirmed that CrossLink International, LTD., would cease operations on September 30, 2012. With Crosslink Memphis already up and operating, mission teams were able to continue to use Crosslink for their supply and medicine needs. In the late winter and early spring of 2016, Crosslink Memphis seized the opportunity to move from the basement area of First Baptist Church to a warehouse location where it is housed today. This move was accomplished with the help of many volunteers and financial supporters and we say thank you to each and every one.

An additional note needs to be mentioned here. In the summer of 2016, Malcolm and Linda Cook were honored with the new facility being named the Malcolm and Linda Cook Center. Both Malcolm and Linda were instrumental in first making the decision to open a location in Memphis, but also in providing counsel and support as Memphis began taking “baby steps” toward becoming a viable ministry. Unfortunately, during our first year of operation, Malcolm died unexpectedly. It was his request and that of the Cook family, that memorial gifts be directed to the Memphis operation. It was those gifts which provided that first critical boost of funds and was the one singlefactor which led to the ongoing survival of Crosslink Memphis.

Over the past several years, a number of persons have been part of the paid staff of the organization. Many continue to be supporters both financially and as volunteers.

Dr. David C. Lewis served on the Advisory Board from the beginning and was named Regional Director before becoming Executive Director. He refused to be compensated for his work and retired at the end of 2020.

Jan Lewis and Alicia Hahn became staff not long after Crosslink’s beginning.

When Alicia was moving to Florida, Sarah Griffith and Mike Farina joined the staff and took over her responsibilities.

When Sarah moved to Arkansas, Joyce Bowen joined the staff until her retirement a couple of years ago.

In December of 2018, Andrew Kamer (AJ) joined the staff as the first Associate Director.

In August of 2020, Jan Lewis retired and Kathy Byrd joined the staff and Development Associate.

Mike Farina retired at the end of the summer of 2020.

On December 31, 2020, David Lewis retired as the Executive Director of Crosslink Memphis and became the Executive Director Emeritus.

AJ Kamer became the Executive Director on January 1, 2021.