July 2025 - The People We Thank God For
Steve (my Steve) and John Ortberg have a life-long relationship. They grew up in the same town and same church. John was younger than Steve, but they knew each other. The real connection happened as John’s parents played a significant role in Steve committing his life to Jesus as they sponsored a spiritual gathering for college students. You can hear Steve’s story here:
Recently I have been listening to John’s Become New series of messages on walking with God. Someone sent me a link to his series on gratitude, one of my favorite topics. But what made it special was that John talked about Steve at the end of this episode:
Staff Conference: Togetherness
Next week, I and several thousand others will head to Milwaukee for U.S. Cru’s staff conference. Our theme of Togetherness will encompass praying together, celebrating together, learning together, worshipping together, and journeying together.
Before the main conference, hundreds of us who are over 60 will gather for a Legacy conference. Seminars and sessions will cover many helpful topics for those in the later years. Two wonderful speakers—Beth Guckenberger and Jim Keller—will inspire and encourage us. I will be interviewed for a bit and will share some of the events I have written about here.
We would all be grateful for your prayers as we seek God for the years ahead.
Three ER Visits in a Month
I told you about my first ever two ER visits last month. I’m all recovered. Then, on my way to church, driving on the curvy road in my neighborhood, my phone in the passenger seat beeped. I turned and reached for it. Next thing I knew, my car jumped a curb and hit a tree. The airbags went off, and somehow I climbed out.
I sat on the curb, calling out, Help! A neighbor across the street jumped over the fence, called ER, wrapped gauze around my seriously hurt hand—required 16 stitches. Paramedics arrived, and for the third time in a month I was on my way to the ER. I had bruises on my arms and legs. They fixed me up and sent me home. I have been slowly recovering. Stitches come out the day this letter comes out.
The tree is fine, but the car was totaled. The Lord has provided a new (used) red Subaru.
Her Calling Our Legacy: Pioneer Women of Cru Vol 1
A dream come true! At our Cru 25 conference we will launch a book I have dreamed about for years: Her Calling, Our Legacy: Pioneer Women of Cru Vol 1.
For years I have rejoiced in the stories of men around the world who led the charge for the growth of Campus Crusade for Christ: opening new continents and new countries, moving where they weren’t welcome, trying new approaches. But then I always thought, “They didn’t do it by themselves.” I knew the women who went courageously into unknown opportunities for the gospel.
I’ve wanted to tell the stories of Cru’s bold women. And now we are doing it. These 15 stories are just Volume 1.
Carolyn West has done most of the work to make it happen. I can't wait for you to thrill to the ways God has used His daughters—and, most important, have new visions of how He might use you.!!
Another Graduation
Once again I made the trek to Montana for another grandson's high school graduation. Last month I shared Wisdom from Steve for Aidan and here is Aidan with his grandmother (moi).
And a photo to show you how Louis is growing—he should be ready for birding season in the Fall.
May your June be filled with joy and blessing,
Judy