Dear Beloved Partner in Serving Christ,

Steve and I often said to each other, “Have I told you lately how much I love you?” or “Have I told you lately how grateful to God I am for you?” Taking a cue from that, let me ask you: Have I told you lately how grateful I am for you? That God put you in my life? It’s Thanksgiving time, and it seems the right time to express my gratitude to you, for your friendship, your encouragement, your prayers, and your gifts for my ministry. I am deeply grateful!!

Zulma, wife of Cru’s Latin America/Caribbean VP, invited me to Pleroma, a gathering for singles from the region. Great time walking in "pleroma" which is a Greek word for the "fullness" of God. One highlight was a meal with five other widows—we shared our stories and God’s faithfulness. And my assistant of 25 years, Wanda, translated my long-ago book—Single and Complete—into Spanish. We gave a copy to every woman. I’m so glad they included me.

I recently returned from Malaga, Spain, where I participated in a gathering of 80 women leaders in our European ministry. Prayer, lovely worship, morning movement, workshops, seminars, lots of fish to eat, a city excursion. And I had the privilege of giving three messages: Taking the Next Step with God, with Each Other, and with Your Ministry. I loved being there, seeing old friends, making new ones. The messages weren’t recorded, but the first one was taken from this message you can listen to:

This new book launched October 1 with an online party, followed by in-person gatherings in Austin, Atlanta, Houston, New York….and still going. This collaborative book by three Austin women, with some contributions from me, is fun, practical, and inspirational. With more than 300 questions answered and an extensive resource section, women in the second half of life will find help and ideas for whatever is the need in their lives. If you would like a copy, please email Diane.Gentry@cru.org. We have a limited number of copies to give away. Or order for yourself to give to others at https://tinyurl.com/3e992ypw or wherever you like to buy books.

I write a monthly letter filled with my ministry and personal activities, glimpses of other ministries and groups I think you would like to know about, books I recommend, fun times with my family, and occasionally recipes. Here is the November edition: https://judydouglass.com/first-wednesday/nov24. You are invited to subscribe if you would like to see it each month.

I continue to serve with Cru/Campus Crusade for Christ full time. Our (Steve’s and my) team has so faithfully kept us on the job, serving God, seeking to reach every person with the good news of Jesus. As I have turned 80 this year, so have many of our partners retired, needed to cut back on their giving, or discontinue. Quite a few have joined Steve in Heaven. I have a request: Would you pray that God would send another person, or couple, or family to replace those who are no longer able to join me in this ministry. Thank you so much.

We have just passed the second anniversary of Steve’s call to Glory. I still miss him terribly, but God has been faithful, as He promised, to be with me every step of the way. I think you will enjoy this article from Steve: