November 2025 - In Everything Give Thanks

For many years God has been making this instruction a priority practice in my life. Last month He took it up a notch.

I told you in my last letter about my “severe injury” when I tripped over the open dishwasher door. And that my first words were Thank You, Lord. And how God gave me treasured blessings in those who came to stay with me and care for me since I couldn’t use my right arm.

It's been two months, and I have given many thanks to and for my two daughters, my three sisters, and six friends who helped me through this journey. Each one has been a gift.

As you know, November is Thanksgiving month. And I am grateful that God has given me such great reminders and opportunities to make giving thanks a way of life for me.

Christmas Gatherings

You’ve probably opened your home to neighbors and friends during the busy Christmas season, hoping to build relationships and praying for opportunities to share the gospel. Yet, many of us have found ourselves in those moments wondering how to start a meaningful conversation about Jesus. That’s why I’m so grateful for the Christmas Gathering strategy.

A Christmas Gathering is a simple, evangelistic party you host in your home—where a friend comes and shares about the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ.

When Sarah Kunze and her husband hosted a Gathering for their neighborhood, one of the neighbors—who prayed to receive Jesus that night—approached her afterward and said she had been in the U.S. for 20 years, and this was the first time anyone had ever invited her into their home at Christmas time. That moment reminded her that people are longing for community and peace, and that God can use something as simple as opening our doors to change a life forever.

Our Christmas Gatherings ministry provides everything you need to host an authentic, meaningful event that helps you share the gospel naturally. We also offer training on how to follow up with your neighbors and even start a neighborhood Bible study. People are especially open to invitations into someone’s home during the Christmas season. And through hosts like you—people willing to step out in faith—we’ve seen hundreds say yes to Jesus.

What could be better than seeing your neighbor come to faith in Christ this Christmas? Let us help you make this your most meaningful Christmas yet.

Visit cru.org/ChristmasGatherings or email christmasgatherings1@gmail.com to learn more.

Legacy Videos—Personal Stories from Cru Staff

“It’s 4:46 am…I just picked up my phone and God knew I needed this… I needed this. It’s more than daily, it’s several times a day—it’s, every day.”

“Inspirational. Thank you. What would the earth look like if every Christian did this? And what would heaven look like, at the end of time, if every Christian started doing this? It’s time for us to get serious about our Father’s business. God bless anyone who reads this.”

Those are just two comments of the hundreds of comments we’ve received from Legacy viewers. The first was in response to “Lose Control and Find Peace,” a story about giving God lordship over your life. The next, “What Happens When You Share Jesus with 100 People?” is about not getting discouraged when you attempt to share your faith.

Legacy is an online discipleship tool. Our goal is to draw new believers and those on the fence about following Jesus one step closer to Christ. We do that by sharing the stories of people who have vibrant walks with the Lord. What has He taught them? How has their life changed because of their relationship with Him? How are they facing life today as a result of what God has taught them? Then, after watching the video or listening to the podcast, we connect them to topic-relevant online Cru materials to help them continue their faith journey.

Our audience is found all over the world: Nepal, the USA, the Philippines, Afghanistan, India, Iraq, Australia, Sierra Leone, the UAE, just to name a few.

Here’s a video from me and one from my husband, Steve.

When It's Hard To Love Our Loved Ones: Judy Douglass

Just Ask: Steve Douglass

And you can find many more encouraging, hopeful, helpful stories here: Cru Legacy on YouTube .

If You Love a Prodigal…

Many of you know my Prayer for Prodigals ministry grew out of a long, up and down journey with our son, Josh. Recently I spoke to a group of people on a similar journey. Josh is now in a strong place in his life and relationship with God. He agreed to do a brief video to share some helpful thoughts with those I was speaking to. Many said it was so helpful to them.

Josh agreed that I could share this 11-minute video with you as well. If you love a prodigal, or know someone who does, I think you will love this: