Mark and I just returned from a second Writing for Life three-day training on the Athletes in Action campus near Dayton, Ohio. Our students learned to write articles that will help readers grow spiritually. Their finished pieces will be published at various Cru online platforms.

We connected with Cru staff members from around the country who are budding writers looking for ways to sharpen their writing skills. We present content, leave time for students to write during workshops, and then offer feedback.

As much fun as the time is, the real success of what we do happens after the event ends. Seven months ago, we held our first training at Athletes in Action. Afterward, I kept coaching several of the people who attended. Since then, six of our students published stories in six different places, including Worldwide Challenge magazine, Cru.org and Athletesinaction.org.

Shannon published my favorite piece, a first-person article at Cru.org called “When You’re not a Mom on Mother’s Day.” The responses Shannon received indicated that she helped her readers grow spiritually. Courtney, another student who attended the training, has published three pieces at Cru.org. One of those articles will also appear in an upcoming issue of Worldwide Challenge.

This training ended less than a week ago. Three students have written strong pieces that will be posted on their ministries’ websites or at Cru.org.  We also have invitations from two Cru ministries to train their teams in 2015. Can’t wait. We equip writers so they can skillfully tell glorious stories of how God is at work around the world.

As you think of us over the next month, please pray for me as I follow up with staff members who attended our event. Pray that we can create content that will cause our readers to grow spiritually. Pray, too, for Mark and I as we continue writing and editing for Worldwide Challenge and Cru.org.

Thank you for the crucial role you play. We are grateful for your prayers and your gifts, which allow us to do the work God has called us to do. Please let us know how we can pray for you.