As we celebrated Thanksgiving a couple of weeks ago, we looked back with gratitude on all God has done in our lives and ministries in 2017. We hope you feel the same about your year as it ends.

Travel and training filled much of our year. Two highlights came in May, as we traveled to Nashville to watch Bethany get her college diploma and then to Italy where we trained Cru staff members to write more effectively.

I helped our team launch Cru Storylines <cru.org/storylines/>, our new digital magazine, in August. You can see our latest issue and subscribe by going to that link. Then in September, while still serving as managing editor for the publication, I added a new responsibility.

Now, I also serve as team leader for our writers and editors. This new role includes making sure each team member is becoming an effective writer. I’m also developing an individual training and mentorship plan for each writer and editor. I also assign stories and meet with each team member every week.

Anne Marie’s last training event of 2017 helped the Jesus Film Project’s writers. We’re especially eager to help this branch of Cru. When we lived in Asia, much of our reporting covered the JESUS film/ as it was used to plant churches and introduce people to the gospel.

In Ghana, a paramount chief—a leader over other chiefs and over about half a million people—appeased the spirits when his people suffered or faced conflicts. Suddenly, his exhausting schedule lightened. Fewer people were coming to him with problems. He investigated and learned they were watching the JESUS film and giving their lives to Christ.

The chief watched the film and called upon the Cru Jesus film team. He said, “Jesus is now my Master and my King. I want all 500,000 people in my district to see this film before I depart”—meaning before he dies.  Now, he introduces the film to other paramount chiefs.

Every day, we count it a privilege to be able to serve with Cru and be a small part of what God is doing around the world so the gospel can reach people on every continent.

These highlights come with some challenges. This year, I faced a medical problem that needed urgent treatment.

Just before we left for Italy, I began having trouble with my left eye. Small rips had formed on the retina. My doctor said that I could lose sight in that eye if it was not treated immediately. I underwent two sessions of laser surgery to repair the rips.

He saw similar weaknesses in my right eye, and while not as urgent, it too required laser surgery last month. I still have at least one more treatment for the left eye. Then, once my eyes recover from the surgery, I’ll need new glasses.

We’re grateful for your concern for us and your interest in our ministry. Your gifts will help us continue to play a role in sharing stories of how God is at work around the world.