Thank you for praying for our trip to Wisconsin. We had a great time visiting friends on the way there and vacationing with Michael and Bethany over the July 4th weekend. And we enjoyed two Cru conferences in Milwaukee.
July 9-11, we took part in the Legacy conference. This conference focused on concerns for those of us who’ve served for a long time. We discussed ideas for keeping active in ministry as long as possible. We celebrated Cru’s history and worshipped together with music from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
Then July 12-18, we took part in Cru25 with all U.S. Cru staff members (at right). We heard reports about current ministries and focused on what we hope to do over the next five years. And the music was more up to date (and louder).
During both events, we caught up with friends we’ve worked with in different places and heard from speakers who built up our spirits and offered information we could use. At both conferences, we heard from David and Meg Robbins. David was named Cru’s president last July. They bring wide experience to the role as over the last 25 years they’ve served in several Cru ministries — Campus, City and FamilyLife®. They even served overseas for a time.
Here are a handful of highlights from the two conferences.
- Beth Guckenberger, a member of Cru’s board of directors, shared a saying that she heard in the Middle East that reinforced the work we’ve done in writing and story gathering over the years: “A teaching without a story is like a basket without a handle. You can’t pick it up.”
- During breakout sessions, only one room had people lined up waiting to get in (right). It was the presentation of the new Discipleship Pathway material that I’ve been helping with as a project manager.
- The “JESUS” film continues to break new ground. As of July 10, the film has been released in 2,248 languages. Viewers of the film indicate 31 million decisions to follow Jesus a year — that’s one decision every second. That team has developed New Life Box™ Kits — pocket-sized hotspot devices taken into places, including those closed to traditional ministry, that will send out a wi-fi signal so anyone within range can view the film and download it to their phones. Now, they are working on an animated version of the film, and they have a plan to use artificial intelligence to release the film in more than 2,000 languages simultaneously.
- Dela Adadevoh from Nigeria, Cru’s senior VP for global leadership, demonstrated the truth of Beth’s saying when he reminded us that as Cru staff members we need to work with churches and other Christian ministries. He told a story of Ben who was ill and went to a hospital in Africa. As it was during a season of heavy mosquito activity, Ben was diagnosed with malaria, treated and sent home. But he had a more serious illness and later died. Dela summarized the lesson, “Don’t assume everyone has malaria just because you have the treatment for malaria.”
- Shannon Compere, executive director of Cru’s campus ministry, reported that in the high school ministry, when 2.9 people hear the gospel, 1 person accepts Christ. (She did wonder who did the detailed research to know that it was 2.9 instead of 3.)
- Darryl Smith, Cru’s director of oneness in diversity, reminded us that, “The Father doesn’t care how many fish you catch. He just wants to go fishing with you. And the Father knows where the fish are biting.”
It was a long trip with a lot of miles covered, but well worth it. I’m returning to work reinvigorated for what God is doing now, and with hope for what the near future will bring. I’m especially excited to work on two projects — celebrating Cru’s 75th anniversary next year and helping get the Discipleship Pathway material to an increasing number of people throughout Cru’s ministries.
As you think of us, please pray as we get back into our routines in Orlando, for Anne Marie’s continued health as she recovers from an autoimmune disease, and for my work on the two projects I mentioned above and several others.
Sincerely in Christ, — Mark
P.S. During our vacation, we visited several sights in Wisconsin with Michael and Bethany, including two lighthouses. And we did a puzzle showing a scene of Lake Michigan from Wisconsin. When we stopped at a park during our visit, Michael noticed that we were standing in the place where the photo in the puzzle was taken.
