October 2026 - Celebrating 75 Years of Cru
You are invited to join all the Cru/Campus Crusade family in a continuing celebration of 75 years of seeking to make sure every person has an opportunity to know Jesus.
A Little Peek into Bill & Vonette Bright’s Journey
Bill and Vonette Bright grew up in Coweta, Oklahoma. They knew each other, but Bill was several years older. When he finished college, he headed to California and started a candy company. He had no interest in the Lord, but his landlords convinced him to go to church with them. There he met Henrietta Mears, met Jesus, and became engaged in telling people about Jesus.
Bill had flown home after his first year in California and proposed to Vonette. She said “yes” but had three more years of college. Then Bill began to talk about his new faith—she thought it was radical. Before their wedding, she decided to fly to California and talk Bill out of his crazy ideas or break the engagement. Miss Mears introduced her to Jesus, and everything changed.
In this photo, Bill and Vonette are on a cottage porch at Miss Mears’ Forest Home Conference Center: deciding if the Lord wanted them to go forward with the wedding. We are grateful the Lord said yes!
A Few Pix of Cru History
Bill Bright and Bailey Marks on a plane to speak at one of the stops around the world for EXPLO 85.
The Jesus Film, now translated into more than 2,000 languages, shown in the most remote villages, in the highest level of governments, and everything in between, is currently being made into an animated version in cooperation with the makers of the recent animated David.
Steve Douglass commissioning the leadership team for Ignite, a global fund development effort led by friends of the ministry.
At Bill and Vonette's 25th wedding anniversary, before Steve and I were married. Yes, that is her wedding dress.
At the annual National Day of Prayer gathering, which Vonette was the key player in making it happen, President George Bush reaches back to hold Vonette's hand in prayer.
Cru Presidents Over 75 years
Life Lessons in My Cru Journey
I’ve highlighted a few blogs from my years at Cru:
Meet Lesley Cheesman, New Global Director for Leader Strategies
“My journey with Campus Crusade for Christ began the day I said yes to Jesus and met the staff member who would disciple me through my teenage years. After a brief career in banking, I joined UK staff, followed shortly afterwards by my husband, Paul. Together we served in High School Ministry, led the NorthEast team and later took on national leadership in Human Resources.”
“After a season stepping away from full-time ministry to raise our two pre-school children, I returned to the National Leadership Team, taking on a range of leadership and strategic roles before becoming Leadership Development Director and then LDHR Director. In 2011, I was appointed UK National Team Leader, a role in which I also served on the leadership team for Europe and had the privilege of coaching national teams in Malta and Ireland. After 15 years of leading the UK team, I now look forward to continuing to serve God and His purposes in a new chapter as Vice President for Leader Strategies.”
Books with God Stories
You probably know I am a book fan. And I especially love to introduce you to new, good books. Here are two:
Her Calling, Our Legacy: Pioneer Women of Cru Volume 2
Discover how 20 women, 75 years of impact, and the unbreakable faith that tore down every barrier in their way opened doors in every corner of the globe. These women faced obstacles to the gospel, experienced living behind the Iron Curtain and genuine threats to their lives. Through fears and difficulties, they took God at His Word.
You'll be inspired by their faith and courage, their creativity and boldness. Discover how they followed God's call to tell everyone everywhere how to have a personal relationship with the living God. These pioneers paved the way for women everywhere. The barriers have been broken — now it's your turn to walk through and say, “Here am I, Lord. Send me!”
When It Takes More Faith to Come Back.
If you are facing change in your life, long-time Cru staff Brian Virtue has written just the book for you: When It Takes More Faith to Come Back. Here's the endorsement I wrote for him:
For re-entry or any other life-altering transition you are in, or will be facing soon, Brian Virtue has written the perfect guide for you. From his more than 10-year journey serving God in Asia--with a rocky start, a fulfilling duration, a sudden ending, and a challenging re-entry--he will walk with you through 40 devotionals to navigate the next steps....When you find yourself thinking, "It might be harder to go back." pick up Brian's new book...His devotionals will give you peace, assurances from God, and wisdom for the journey back."
We are still going to the world, inviting as many as we can to join us in going, praying and giving, so that everyone knows someone who truly follow Jesus.
May God surprise you with His blessings,
Judy