Transition Reflections: A Journey with Jesus
Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) was born on October 1 70 years ago. I been blessed to serve with this ministry for 57 years. For almost 20 of those years I partnered with my husband, Steve, to help lead the movement.
One year ago, on October 1, 2020, my life changed. Steve stepped down as President. I wrote this article in the midst of that major transition. It’s still true.
At Steve’s installment as President. Bill Bright on right, Vonette Bright on left
Transitions are times to ponder the past, the now and the future. Since I am in a major transition, I am remembering, reminiscing and anticipating. And I’m inviting you to join me on this little journey.
In my 50+ years on staff, I have had quite a few assignments. One of my assignments has been being wife of the President. But basically, I’m just a staff member, doing what God asks me to do.
And now my assignment is no longer “first lady.” I’m still on staff though, and we will get to that in a moment.
But first, some highlights:
1964-66: Student staff at University of Texas.
When God called me to full-time staff, I was engaged, but my fiancé was not interested in joining staff. God said: “Judy, if you marry him, you won’t be able to do what I want you to do.” I broke my engagement.
1966-1975: Single staff at Arrowhead Springs
Worked on Collegiate Challenge magazine, visiting campuses to get stories.
Began forming Publications Dept.
Helped Bill Bright write Come Help Change the World and the first five Transferable Concepts.
Began Worldwide Challenge magazine.
Dated Steve Douglass for 5 years.
1975-80: Married staff at Arrowhead Springs
June 8, 1975, Steve and I got married. (He was worth waiting for.)
Led Arrowhead Wives Ministry
Continued editing Worldwide Challenge.
Wrote my first book: Old Maid Is a Dirty Word (later named Single and Complete)
Began speaking.
1980-1991: Staff Mom at Arrowhead Springs
1980—Debbie was born
1982—Michelle was born
More speaking.
Wrote two more books: He Loves Me and What Can a Mother Do?
Began advocating for more preparation and opportunity for staff women to lead.
1991-2001: Staff in Orlando
Began Women’s Resources
1992: God sent Josh to our family—began a long prodigal wilderness journey
Began Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day and Prayer for Prodigals online community
The Significant Woman released
Published Letters to My Children: Secrets of Success
2001-2020
Steve became President of Campus Crusade
Women from 90 countries gathered to begin/further their leadership development process
Wrote Stewardship of Staff Women Initiative
2009—Began Kindling blog
2018—published Shaped by God: Words of Life
Continued speaking and advocating for women and ethnic staff
2019--Published When You Love a Prodigal
2020-Began When You Love a Prodigal podcast
Looking ahead
Steve and I anticipate serving God in Cru until we can’t or He calls us home.
I expect to continue leading Women’s Resources, participating in Prayer for Prodigals, speaking and writing, investing in my grandchildren and whatever God asks me to do.
I did not name the people who have been a part of all this-It would become really long. From the beginning, so many have guided, encouraged, assisted, prayed, worked hard—I did nothing by myself. You know who you are.
So now, briefly, here are a few important lessons I have learned:
1. The Holy Spirit is the secret of the Christian life.
2. The work of God is done on our knees.
3. Discover who God has made you and what He has prepared for you to do—and do it.
4. Be a good steward of every area of your life.
5. Always seek to encourage—everyone.
6. Remember that God is always working.
7. Live and give grace.
8. Bless abundantly.
9. Give thanks in everything.
10.Never leave your first love for God.
You can read more about these and some 20 others in my book Shaped by God.
Please know that I have shared all this not to talk about myself, but to reflect the love and grace of our God. He makes us and guides us and prepares opportunities and gives us all we need to step into those opportunities. It is all by His power and love and grace.
I pray these examples of God working in and through my life will encourage you to know He is—and will continue—doing the same in and through you. From the day you were born, until He welcomes you home, He is busy: loving you, enjoying you, transforming you and working through you to build His Kingdom. May you keep your heart and hands open to Him.