When You Love a Prodigal--in Cru Storylines

Once upon a time, decades ago, I had the privilege of working on two Campus Crusade magazines.

The first, Collegiate Challenge, was used by our staff on campuses across the U.S. to engage students with the love of Jesus and the opportunity to know Him personally. It was during the height of the student revolutions of 1960s and 70s, and literature was the primary means of engaging students.

That magazine began in 1961, and I joined in 1966. In 1969 it was named Periodical of the Year by the Evangelical Press Association. It continued as an effective resource until 1975.

In 1974 the publications team of Campus Crusade, with guidance from Bill Bright, began another periodical to thank donors and to keep family, donors and friends of the ministry aware of what God was doing through our staff around the world. We also desired to share about the power of walking in the Spirit and the joy of telling others about Jesus.

This magazine was briefly called Worldwide Impact, then Worldwide Challenge. I had the great privilege to serve as editor until 1980, then turning it over to a team of gifted, creative editors, writers, artists and photographers. It also won many awards from EPA.

Then in late 2016 Cru decided to close down the print magazine (tears here) and move toward a digital magazine. In 2017, Cru Storylines was born. Through stories, photos and videos, it seeks to show God in action in and through His people. It has continued to win EPA awards.

I love it. I think you will too. You can subscribe here.

But there is a special reason I am introducing you to it now. Today’s new edition is featuring an excerpt from my book When You Love a Prodigal: 90 Days of Grace for the Wilderness.

If you love a prodigal or know someone who does, I believe these sections from the “Love” and “Grace” chapters will provide help and hope for the challenges of a prodigal journey.

And the accompanying artwork/photography by Guy Gerrard is creative and beautiful! (The apple above is just one several striking images.)

Here is the introduction from Storylines Editor Melody Copenny:

“Are you in a relationship that feels so badly damaged that it is irreparable because trust is broken?

“People daily navigate the rocky terrain of pursuing connection with a loved one where these dynamics exist.

“Judy Douglass wants you to know that you’re not alone. As a writer, speaker and encourager, she partnered with her husband, Steve, to lead Campus Crusade for Christ® globally (known as Cru® in the U.S.) for 20 years. She’s written a book, “When You Love a Prodigal: 90 Days of Grace for the Wilderness,” based on her experiences with their son, Josh. The book captures, over a 15-year period, letters posted on her blog that she crafted to a community of parents who were seeking help and encouragement amid difficult relationships with their children.

“Maybe you are a parent who resonates with Judy’s story. Or perhaps you know someone who is struggling.” 

Click on over to Cru Storylines for “the rest of the story.”