“And we know that God causes all things to work together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28 (NASB). 

This summer, I celebrated 41 years with Cru. Ever since graduating from college, I have felt called to a relationship with God and to the work He has given me to do. That calling led me to Cru so I could write and train writers. I’m grateful for a place to use my gifts and talents.

For the past year and a half, I’ve had to navigate a chronic health diagnosis as well as ongoing nuisance health issues. One issue would clear up and another would take its place. So far, none of this has been life-threatening, but it has been disruptive.

This spring, my calling and health concerns converged. The team I was on has been in transition. We’re doing more editing and less writing. As this unfolded, my health kept me from working on team projects.

After praying about this, I decided it’s time to retire. While I’m no longer employed by Cru, I’m still connected to the organization as a member of our religious missionary order. I can volunteer and work on projects at my own pace.

Currently, I’m editing pieces for a book called Pioneering Women of Cru. The manuscript contains stories about women who have made significant contributions to helping our ministry advance the gospel.

I’ve also been invited to train a group of women from Africa and South America to write about their experiences for a private Cru website designed especially for women. Each of these women is proficient in English. We’ll conduct the training virtually to make it available to the widest possible audience, and we’ll keep it simple. I’m designing the training so that each woman will have a piece that’s well on its way to being completed and they can see it published soon.

Thankfully, the chronic illness I’ve been diagnosed with is in remission, and the nuisance issues are beginning to clear up. For this, I’m grateful.

Mark feels great. He enjoys his work, and he will continue working full-time with Cru. He will continue to oversee projects for Cru’s website, Cru.org and Cru Storylines.

Please keep praying for us.

·      Pray that Mark will continue helping the Communications Team accomplish their goals.

·      Thank God that my health is improving. Pray for me to listen closely to the Holy Spirit as I consider what comes next.

 Thank you for your generous contributions to the work God has called us to do. Please continue sending those gifts to fund the full-time work Mark is doing. We’re so grateful for your kindness and your friendship.

Wishing you God’s richest blessings,

—Anne Marie, for the Winz family