As our conference, Cru17, drew to a close, Steve Sellers, Cru’s leader in the U.S., reminded us, “It is the calling of Cru to help fulfill the Great Commission by winning, building and sending Christ-centered multiplying disciples into the harvest. We are not diverting from that one ounce.” (In this photo, we pause outside Colorado State University’s Moby gym where the conference met each day.)

The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Steve, said that while our purpose has not changed, the culture in 2017 is different than the culture in 1951 when the ministry started. In light of that, we must change how we carry out this calling on campuses and elsewhere.

Throughout the week, we talked about partner-ships with other organizations and churches. We also focused on connecting with people from different backgrounds and cultures to obey Christ’s command.

You can listen to Steve and others at cru.org/cru17/archive/general-sessions. We were especially encouraged by Andy Crouch.

Anne Marie handled three presentations at Cru17, helping to lead BAM—the Bloggers and Authors Meet-up—and visiting with people at two “ministry meet-up” events.  We both spent time with staff members we have trained, and we discussed two possible future training opportunities.

The conference was only part of our summer travels. Anne Marie spent a few days in Atalanta to attend the wedding of the daughter of a close friend. I stopped in Nebraska on the way to Colorado, and we both stopped there on the way back. We met with 18 friends or families, spoke at two churches and spent some time with my dad.

As we return, plenty is happening in Orlando. Would you pray for these things?

• Our Cru Storylines newsletter is available at Cru.org/Storylines/. You can see the first issue and subscribe for free. Thanks for praying for our team as we got to this point, and please pray that the official launch next week goes well.
• Ask God to guide Anne Marie and her team as they make decisions about their upcoming work.

Thanks for your prayers for us as we traveled, and as we focus on what God has called us to do in order to influence the world through communicating the gospel.