If you knew that more than 60 percent of the people in the world would pay attention to something, would you look for ways to tie your message to that event? Estimates indicate 5 billion of the world’s 8.3 billion people will watch some part of the World Cup soccer tournament in 2026.
For Cru®, that’s an opportunity to take the gospel to people.
The last full week of September, I was in all-day planning meetings, looking ahead to 2026. We developed plans for Cru’s ministry to work together as we focus on reaching out to different audiences, with a special focus on youth and families. Participants represented most of Cru’s branches, including Athletes in Action, Campus, City, FamilyLife and Jesus Film, along with several of us from Cru’s headquarters.
While we planned about several topics, much of our time focused on Cru’s 75th anniversary. Throughout the year, and especially as the 2026-27 school year starts, we’ll emphasize that.
Early in the year, we’ll focus on the Victory Beyond the Cup outreach. The World Cup tournament is planned for next June 11 – July 19, and will take place in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. We want to mobilize and equip Christ’s followers in all walks of life to bring the gospel into sports conversations.
As the interest in the tournament, the world’s most watched sports event, grows, we hope churches and families will host event that open the doors to gospel conversations.
Next week, I plan to once again be in all-day meetings. Instead of people from all branches of Cru, these meetings will be with our U.S. Digital Strategies team. We’ll get to know each other better, pray together and do a service project. We’ll also keep working to carry out the plans we set with other teams in September.
As you think of my ministry, please pray for stamina and wisdom for me and our whole team as we meet next week. And please keep praying for Anne Marie’s health.
Sincerely in Christ, — Mark
