My Dear Partners in Ministry

My dear friends, partners, important people in my life and ministry,Our God is so good, faithful, trustworthy, compassionate. I marvel at His blessings, gifts, care. Let me take you on a whirlwind tour of some of what He has been doing.

WHAT IS WOMEN’S RESOURCES?

It is a group of women serving our U.S. and global staff women (and some men as well). This banner gives you an idea of the ways we encourage and support our staff. I will try to introduce you to these different ministries.

Today let me acquaint you with two of our efforts.

SOUTH FLORIDA EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP

Three staff women in Miami and Tampa love reaching out to women in many creative ways, as neighbors, through their churches, at Starbucks, in their kids’ schools, and more. I recently received a letter from one of them, Renee Williams. Mostly she wins, builds and sends with moms at her kids’ schools, but ventured into a neighborhood approach. Here’s an excerpt from a recent letter:

In January, I stepped out in faith and went door to door inviting women to “Begin the New Year Neighborly” with a brunch in our home. We have over fifty homes on our street, and I was able to knock on 35 doors, offering an invitation and an introduction. As you might imagine, many were hesitant at first—probably expecting a salesperson—but it felt like a good start.

Nine women RSVP’d yes… and fifteen came!

As I prayed about what to share, one word kept coming to mind: “salty.” I confess it took me a little while to understand, but I began to sense God leading me to be a good neighbor—to create space for connection, warmth, and community.

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls us the “salt of the earth,” and in Colossians 4:6, we are reminded to let our speech “always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” I began to see this gathering not as a program, but as an opportunity to live that out in a tangible way.

As each woman introduced herself, I was surprised to hear how many had lived in this neighborhood for years and had never been to a gathering like this. It was both sobering and hopeful. Many shared how touched they felt just to be invited.

At the end of our time, one neighbor shared she had been hoping for new friendships in 2026 and was so thankful she came. Moments like this are a reminder (from Experiencing God) that God is already already at work around us.

A Cru teammate recently told me, “Everyone knows they need community, but not everyone knows they need Jesus.” That has stayed with me.

Would you join me in praying that Jesus continues to guide us—showing us how to love our neighbors well, offer genuine hospitality, and create opportunities to share the hope we have in Him?

The women have asked to gather again, and I’m planning to host another brunch on April 25. Please pray that I would continue to be “salty,” and that God would open natural, meaningful opportunities for conversations about Jesus and faith.

One practical tool I’ve found helpful is the Bless App (https://app.blesseveryhome.com), which uses publicly available information to help us pray intentionally for our neighbors. You might find it encouraging as well.

WORLDWIDE PRODIGAL PRAYER DAY

Many receiving this letter have known about, prayed for and asked for prayer from our Prayer for Prodigals ministry. One of our biggest efforts happens through the Prayer for Prodigals Facebook Page, which has more than 13K followers. (https://www.facebook.com/Prayer4Prodigals/) There are many helpful posts, requests for prayer, and prayers. And every June 2 (my former prodigal Josh’s spiritual birthday) we invite the world—and you—to share requests and join us in praying. (https://www.prayerforprodigals.com)

Here is Josh recently, a proud dad on a cold morning at his oldest daughter’s graduation from Boot Camp.

MY PERSONAL MINISTRY

A lot of my ministry is to encourage the women who guide the various ministries mentioned above. As a former first lady of Cru, I continue to occasionally meet with Cru leaders, fellowship with Board members, and participate in various events—and sometimes still get invited to speak. I am blessed.

A major focus right now is pulling together, getting written, editing, getting printed Volume 2 of Her Calling, Our Legacy—Pioneer Women of Cru. The first volume has gone through two printings. We are hoping to launch Volume 2 as part of Cru’s 75th Anniversary Celebration in October. I am currently writing two stories of women who pioneered globally.

MY MEDICAL YEAR

I have rarely been ill, never had accidents nor hospital stays (except two babies). So blessed. But beginning in May 2025, through the present—what a challenging adventure. I told you about my ER visits for BP spike and a car accident. And then shattering my shoulder and humerus in September—my therapy sessions are finally coming to a close. And for what I hope is the final event, I seem to have a meniscus tear. But God has been faithful, and friends and family have helped in many ways—I have felt the love.

FAMILY NEWS

I just returned from 10 days in Montana with Debbie and family. Her youngest got baptized, following three other grands who were baptized in this past year. I rejoice in good relationships with all 10 of my grands, including visits and texts and even long phone calls.