Mar 2023 - God Is Moving Today
First Wednesday: God Is Moving Today
My husband, Steve, was often asked to speak on one of his favorite topics: God Is Moving Today. He would tell story after story of ways that God was moving—in individuals, in His people, drawing those who don’t yet know Him, in changing lives.
This past week the church we went to for 20 years, more than 30 years ago, First Baptist Yucaipa (CA), now Grace Point Fellowship, had invited him to speak at the annual Missions Conference. His topic: God Is Moving Today. But Steve had a higher invite—to Heaven—so I was invited to speak in his place. My topic? God Is Moving Today.
A few evidences of God at work:
The outpouring of God’s Spirit at Asbury University has spread to more than 50 campuses, including Lee University, Baylor University and Texas A&M, and to many churches. People young and old are on their knees, repenting, worshiping. My prayer is that this will spread in true revival that leads to loving our neighbors—those who are different and those with whom we differ—and praying and going next door and to the world.
One of the greatest evidence that God is working today is that God’s people are playing well together. In church planting, Scripture translation, meeting needs, crossing cultures, and even in raising funds, churches and ministries and organizations are cooperating and collaborating.
Judy speaking at Grace Point Fellowship
Reconnecting with Long-time Friends
One of the highlights of my time in Yucaipa was seeing, hugging, chatting with friends from our days in that church. My hostess, Jackie, welcomed my travel partner Jan and me with grace, encouragement, food, and long conversations. And what a joy to hear how those friends, and their children were doing.
The day after I returned from California some long-time but seldom seen friends took me to lunch. They especially wanted to know about Steve’s journey to Heaven and how I am doing. We shared stories about our children and grands—and how grateful we are that God still has work for us to do.
Such visits with friends remind us of all that God has given us, of how He has enriched our lives.
Celebrating God’s Daughters
March is Women’s History Month: an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.
One of the main efforts of my years with Cru has been a focus on the value and participation of our women in fulfilling the calling of our ministry. Women’s Resources seeks to connect, encourage, and equip our global female staff. We have a website, a newsletter, The Significant Woman coaching/disciple resource, and many other helps as they contribute to Cru’s worldwide efforts.
A highlight of all my years with Cru is the Global Women’s Leadership Forum in 2004. We invited 400 women from 95 nations to come to Thailand to begin a journey of discovering their gifts, learning skills, and preparing to become leaders. It has been a catalyst for greater fruitful participation of women in our ministry.
At GWLF: Women from Francophone Africa; Judy sending the women home to ignite fires among their women
Still Saying Good-bye
It’s been four months since Steve left. I still miss him so much, talk to his picture on my phone, shed some tears most days. But God is true to His promise to always be with me, to provide for my needs, to assure me He still has work for me to do.
He still has good plans for you as well.
Be blessed,
Judy