Wayne and Kristi Northup founded the ministry of Answering the Cries in 2001. Wayne had come from a background of drug abuse and running from God prior to his conversion at the age of 17. Kristi had grown up in a Christian home, but really began to pursue relationship with God at the age of 16, prior to her family moving to be missionaries in Chile. Wayne and Kristi crossed paths as they both pursued ministry at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A strong love for the lost and disenfranchised was a mutual theme in their lives, as was a passion for the presence of God and mentoring young adults. They married in 2000 and decided to invest their lives in their vision: to win souls and raise up lifetime soul winners.

Answering the Cries was formed as a ministry covering to train, disciple, and send out evangelists. Through the years we have worked with many interns and associate evangelists. Some of them have been with us for a few weeks, with others continuing for several years. We thank God that we have had the opportunity to help many young men and women develop their call to evangelism.

Mardi Gras has been a key of training in our ministry. It is an opportunity for people to devote a few days to the practice of sharing their faith. Out of this experience many close friendships, divine appointments, and pivotal moments have come for the hundreds of college-age students that join us in New Orleans every year.