March 2024 - Celebrating God’s Daughters
It is Women’s History Month. And if you have read my writing or listened to my messages, you know I have been a champion—broadly and within Cru—of the women of God. I have sought to encourage the women—and the men—to open minds and doors for women to be and do all God created each one of them for.
A highlight within our ministry has been the Global Women’s Leadership Forum in Thailand 20 years ago. It was a wonderful gathering, covered with God’s blessing. You can read more about it in the two articles linked below. This excerpt from our 10-year report summarizes one of our objectives:
“We desired to plant seeds of Holy Spirit fire—fireseeds— in the hearts and minds of these staff women: To walk in a greater power of the Spirit than they had ever experienced. To believe that God had called them to be and do more in His Kingdom than they had ever asked or imagined. To instill competence and confidence and courage in them to live out His calling in their lives.”
What is more exciting is to see what God has done since. Fires were started and spread. Women and men are developed to use their gifts at every level. Women are serving and leading globally at every level. Young women we minister to are seeing the opportunities for them in our ministry. And, of course, we can continue to grow!
Mission CEO’s
For the almost 20 years Steve led Cru/CCCI we had the great privilege of meeting yearly with the presidents of more than 20 mission-sending organizations. This year, as group the group met at Pioneers in Orlando, all the “alumni” from past years were invited to come for part of the time.
What a joy it was to reconnect face-to-face with our friends from past years and to hear how God continues to use them for His Kingdom. I shared about Steve’s journey Home, and what God has me doing. So blessed.
The Women’s Resource Team
Continuing my plan to introduce you to the women who “get the work done”:
Amy Lootens-Director, Digital Team
Several years ago, as we were looking for a new leader for all our digital efforts, Amy Lootens showed up to volunteer. What a
blessing she has been! She oversees the Global Staff Women website and newsletter, the Prayer for Prodigals website and June 2 Prodigal Prayer Day, and a team of several writers who provide content for these projects.
Carolyn West, Leader for Pioneer Women of Cru Project
For 10 years Carolyn managed all the hospitality Steve and I did for his role as president. She made me look good. And now she is heading up my long-time desired project—to tell the stories of the women who helped start and grow our ministry. Please pray as we look for more people to interview and write the stories.
Ask Mom (from Connie Amon)
Ask Mom brings a mother’s touch to the University of Central Florida campus each week.
Students are often dealing with loneliness coupled with anxiety. We provide an environment where students can openly discuss life issues and feel loved, which may lead to gospel centered conversations. We find that a delicious free cookie opens the back door of students' hearts since the front door is often heavily guarded.
Our primary tool is spirit-led listening which requires us to explore and reflect back what we’re hearing.
Peter said, “I have so enjoyed being able to come each week and talk through what I’m thinking about and the decisions I’m considering. Your kind words truly mean a lot to me.”
Sara (from Iran): “I am very grateful to the Lord that brought us together. Your guidance, the questions asked to me, really saved my life …You are the light that makes the darkness go away …You have made a significant impact on my life. I will never forget your kindness.”
God is expanding Ask Mom in five states. More empty-nester moms love the idea. Would Ask Mom be a good fit for you? If so, contact connie.amon@jesusfilm.org for more information.
Speaking at GOLD
One of my favorite things is to tell the story of God’s leading and work in my life over almost eight decades. So when GOLD (Global Operations Leader Development) asked me to tell my story as a leader, it took me two seconds to say yes.
My title was “I Choose Your Way.” That has been my life theme since I met Jesus at 15, abandoning my life focus on getting my own way, and instead declaring my desire to choose God’s way.
And I have. Of course not always, and sometimes with some resistance. But for all my major life decisions and most every-day choices, I have said “yes” to God’s way. I have no regrets.
A New Roof
We have had leaks in our roof over the years. Repairs stop them for a while. But a hard rain—4 inches one day in November—set them all leaking again. My son-in-love Nick and friend Mike had my back as I navigated the long process that would have been Steve’s responsibility. Finally success! The roof problems have been repaired and I have a lovely new roof. So grateful!
May the hope and blessings of spring give you joy,
Judy