Beloved preacher Randy Shepherd of Asheville, North Carolina, who was known for his work with Crossfire Ministries, has departed this life. He was a man who was committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Messiah with everyone, using his skills as a basketball player to help people all over the world. His passing after complications from heart surgery had a significant impact on his neighborhood and beyond.
Randy was a native of Asheville, North Carolina, where he also lived and worked. He was a graduate of Asheville High School and UNC Asheville. Randy has dedicated his life to spreading the gospel as a co-founder of Crossfire Ministries, often using his basketball experience as a springboard to reach large numbers of people. Together with Jamie Johnson, his ministry partner, he founded Crossfire, which grew into a worldwide movement that won thousands of people to Christ.
Randy's close friend, Steve Brady, wrote a poignant remembrance of his constant love for the gospel on Facebook. Brady responded, “He just couldn't pass by a person without sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Messiah.” Brady also stated that he saw Randy's commitment to evangelism and his love for people “thousands upon thousands of times.” “I've never seen such a strong passion for the gospel in anyone else's life other than Randy Shepherd,” Brady said, praising Randy for his unwavering devotion.
Many people's lives have been touched by Randy's devotion to his faith, including friends, complete strangers, and even well-known people such as NBA player LeBron James, to whom Randy once gave a gospel tract. A friend said they met Randy more than thirty years ago when he was a Memphis Spirit Express basketball player. Through Crossfire, Randy's ministry has spread the gospel of salvation to people all over the world. Those who knew him best referred to him as one of the “boldest witnesses for Jesus.”
Randy never fully recovered from heart surgery, although two valves were replaced. His family, friends and other ministry leaders feel a great loss in his absence. “Randy was fierce in his passion for Jesus and never let any conversation deter him from seeing them accept Messiah,” said a fellow evangelist who worked alongside Randy for eight years on K-Love Christian cruises.
It's a bittersweet loss for those who knew Randy. They mourn his passing, but find comfort in the idea that Randy is now with the God he followed so devotedly. Many are motivated to continue his work with the same zeal that Randy showed because of his legacy of faith, including his closest friends and ministry partners.
A friend of Randy's posted an emotional memorial, apparently intended as a comforting word for those grieving his passing: “No tears, Sister Kris – just keep telling people about Jesus – don't stop, don't stop.” The mission is not over. Randy's life exemplified his steadfast adherence to his faith, and his influence will continue through Crossfire Ministries and the many lives he has touched over the past thirty years.
Prayers are requested for Randy's family, friends and partner, Jamie Johnson, as well as the millions of people Randy and Crossfire touched during his lifetime, during this time of community grief. Randy Shepherd left behind a legacy of leadership, friendship and service to Christ that will inspire all who knew him to continue his mission to share the gospel with the same courage and love he showed everyone every day.
