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worship
times at the staff conference
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after a meeting in Moby Gym, U.S. Staff Conference
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Our founder, Dr. Bill Bright
(1921-2003)
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at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
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An eventful summer!
Our June and July were spent in Ft. Collins, Colorado, working, taking
classes and attending the biennial staff conference. We are so thankful
for all of your special gifts that allowed the extra expenses of the summer
to be covered. Heather took a class on the Old Testament and one that
explored different doctrines of God, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit. She
commented, “I feel like I have such a better understanding, appreciation
and even love for the Old Testament. I have a greater confidence in Scripture
and being an image-bearer of God has gained a richer meaning.” Hundreds
of other staff took similiar classes. (The heart of taking the time to
develop Campus Crusade’s staff in this way is that their love for
God would grow deeper so they might run the race for the long haul.) The
class I participated in dealt with finances (related to the office, and
some about personal) was a great help, not only in knowing how to do my
job, but the importance of being a good steward with what we are entrusted
and having financial integrity.
Just as our classes were wrapping up, the pace quickened with the start
of the conference. Every conference will have certain moments we will
never forget. On the whole, this conference will be remembered as the
time God chose to take our founder, Dr. Bill Bright, home to heaven. It
was obvious that God’s hand was in the planning of the speakers
and content more than we could have even known. Earlier that day we had
seen a drama unfold onstage as one speaker vividly painted a picture of
the Bema Judgment in Heaven. (This is when we will be judged for what
we did with what God entrusted to us and then rewarded accordingly.) It
was an emotionally sobering time as we were reminded again of what will
last for all eternity, versus the many activities we pursue that have
no eternal significance. The drama showed how reaching even one person
for Christ could have wonderful ripple effects. As we heard of Dr. Bright’s
homegoing later that day we were struck by the ripple effects his faith
had on the expanding of the kingdom of God–his vision and faith
has resulted in BILLIONS hearing the gospel! Amidst the grief of loss
there was joy, as we knew Dr. Bright was finally getting his chance to
see his beloved Savior face to face! That night Chris Tomlin, a great
worship leader, led us as we sang. It was incredible to know and realize
that God is holy and powerful and in love with us.
We left with renewed vision as our president, Steve Douglass, encouraged
us to continue on so we might see our vision realized:
MOVEMENTS EVERYWHERE SO THAT EVERYONE WOULD KNOW SOMEONE WHO LOVES JESUS.
Pray that we would be intentional in meeting our neighbors and sharing
Christ with them. (So that we might be that someone they know that loves
Jesus.)
As rich as the summer was, there were also some struggles. As part of
the team that runs the conference we enjoyed perks such as hearing from
speakers like Larry Crabb, Rick Warren, Steve Douglass in a more intimate
setting. However, we were also there to serve the staff in humbling ways
like picking up trash left behind by the staff after meetings. Heather
said, “I found myself struggling, wanting to serve the staff like
Christ would, and as if I were doing it for Christ, yet also wishing that
people would be more considerate and acknowledge that service. It was
convicting to see my willingness to serve at times being centered around
whether people were acknowledgeing my work and thankful for it.”
Please pray that our hearts would overflow with love for others and a
willingness to serve even in the mundane and unseen ways.
The long way home
Heather and I took some vacation time after our summer responsibilities
were over and headed further west. We cut across Southern Utah and visited
several National Parks on the way to the Grand Canyon. It was hot, and
barren, but also incredibly beautiful. We took lots of pictures as the
diversity of God’s creation overwhelmed us. I remembered someone
saying that even with all the beauty of nature to not forget that God’s
greatest creation is people. (A good thing to remember when surrounded
by other tourists, who could be seen as a nuisance.)
Please pray for us as we settle back in at home and work. Pray that we
would apply what we learned this summer. Pray for rich fellowship with
God and each other.
Thanks!
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