July 2026 - Happy 250 Years, America
Global Connection: Make Jesus Known
I just returned from five wonderful days in Vail, Co, with Cru global leaders from around the world and 100 friends/prayer warriors/donors who are key partners as we seek to advance into the hardest places to make Jesus known to every person in every nation, to help fulfill Christ’s Great Commission.
We heard from our President, David Robbins, and from leaders from Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, the U.S. and the Middle East, and from representatives from our student, digital and church movements. I was privileged, along with several other senior staff women, to tell a bit of my story of serving with Cru. And oh, yes, powerful devotionals from Beth Guckenberger and Crawford Loritts.
Happy 250 Years, America
On July 4 we celebrate the birth of our nation, though there have been celebrations going on all year. I will be with my son and his family on the Fourth!
I find my celebration and my prayers are both guided and encouraged by these words in the Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…
And I pray that we remember and repent of our sins of the past and present and increasingly reflect the love, kindness, and holiness of our God.
The World Cup Is in Second/Knockout Round
Because our daughter Debbie played soccer through college, and Steve and I both coached our daughters (I in the early years), I love to watch soccer. I am grateful the U.S. has made it into the Knockout Round. Three months ago I wrote in First Wednesday about ways to use the World Cup to reach out to friends and neighbors. If you would like to be reminded of some creative ways you can connect with, and even share the good news with, your friends, coworkers, neighbors, here’s the link for ideas: Join the movement.
Prayer Please
As you probably know, writing is one of my main things! I write articles, a blog, scripts for my podcast—and books, my own, and in collaboration with others. Right now my team and I are hustling to finish Volume 2 of Her Calling, Our Legacy: Pioneer Women of Cru. Volume 1 tells the stories of mostly American women in the beginning of Cru, and a few global women. Volume 2 will have a few more American women and a beautiful accounting of women pioneers around the world.
Why the hustle? We are hoping to launch this edition as part of Cru’s 75th Anniversary celebration, which has already begun, but will culminate on October 2, 2026, 75 years after the founding of Campus Crusade for Christ on October 2, 1951.
So, prayer for this book project, but also for all the preparations as we seek to honor and thank our God for His founding of this ministry and to challenge many to say “yes” to His calling on their lives.
You’re in the army now…
This is my granddaughter who recently completed all her basic training. And recently surrendered her life to Jesus. You could pray for her also.
Love and abundant blessings,
Judy