Cross Wind Conference Center was only a dream to Merle and Marcella Unruh in the early 1980's when they purchased the 31 acres that now surrounds the main conference center.  When their church in California, Westminster Faith Chapel, closed due to a changing neighborhood, the congregation voted to sell the church property and use the funds in a continuing ministry.  The chutch had been involved in conference centers in California, and wanted to construct one in that state.  However, property values were far too high, so it was then suggested that a center be built in Kansas.

Construction of the facility began in April of 1987.  A year later, a ribbon cutting ceremony occured, although the facility was not yet finished.  At the end of May 1988, the center hosted its first group, with its target audience being church groups, businesses, and families looking for a place for a reunion or family gathering.

On November 7, 1989, ownership of the center was tranferred to the South Central Conference of the Mennonite Church, and Bill Zuercher was named manager.  The Mennonites hired Nate and Donna Rempel as Executive Directors of Cross Wind in February of 1990, and the Rempels continued as Drectors until May 31, 1998.

On October 17, 1991, the American Baptists purchased the 31 acre facility and acquired an additional 80 acres to the east.  Groundbreaking for the new Mabee Center took place on May 4, 1996, and construction of the two retreat lodges began in April of 1997.  A Dedication Service for these new Children's camp facilities was held May 2, 1998.  On June 22, 1998, another dream was fulfilled when the first children arrived for Primary Camp--the first ever children's camp at Cross Wind!  Forty-one campers, grades two through four, enrolled in the camp directed by the Rev. Dave Anders.  Five camps were held in the summer of 1998, with 167 campers, grades two through nine, attending.  Through the years our camping program has grown.  During the summer of 2006, 385 campers and 108 staff members attended a camp at Cross Wind.