Musings in Ministry

Love Notices Wet Hair

2011-11-14T18:19:00.000-05:00

This is a worthy read from one of our staff at Penn State University. Please continue to pray for the campus, community and all those that this reality has impacted.

Love Notices Wet Hair

The Meaning of Marriage

2011-11-14T18:12:00.001-05:00

Perhaps you've seen this brief clip, an interview with Tim Keller, Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. I appreciated what he offered briefly here and look forward to reading the book!

The Meaning of Marriage -- Snippet

Campus Crusade for Christ is Becoming... Cru!

2011-09-02T13:11:00.000-04:00

As you have likely read in my latest update, Campus Crusade for Christ has been in the process of changing our name for the past two years. The process has been thorough and prayerful as God led us. Earlier this summer, our Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the new name: Cru.

Personally, I'm thrilled. I love that I'll have the chance to express more about our heart as I encounter people--who we are and what we're really about--rather than having the name communicate something before I've had a chance to dialogue with someone. It was clear that God led our organization in this process and I'm very encouraged about the days ahead.

Same mission, new name! Feel free to follow the link below to understand more; you can also scroll down the page to view a video interview that our US Vice President, Steve Sellers engaged in with Fox News.

Cru: A caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ.

Francis Chan Two: 2011 CCC US Staff Conference

2011-08-19T01:23:00.001-04:00

Francis Chan spoke again on Wednesday morning. I will never forget the posture of our 5,000 staff and guests at the end of this message--men and women on their knees and even their faces all over Moby Arena on the Colorado State University Campus.

This was a powerful and defining morning listening to the Lord and corporately confessing areas where we individually and organizationally needed to be right with the Lord. I am so thankful for the way that God moved through Francis Chan to lead us into this place as a movement of people passionate about helping others know Jesus.

I pray this will touch your heart as well!

Francis Chan, Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Francis Chan One: 2011 CCC US Staff Conference

2011-08-19T01:18:00.001-04:00

Over the next few days I'll be posting quite a bit of information about my time in Colorado this summer. I wanted to share this particular message that our staff heard from Francis Chan in Colorado last month (made available by CCC). This was such an incredible year of connecting deeply with God at our conference. I hope the Lord meets you as you take in some of what our staff heard. Blessings!

Francis Chan, Tuesday, July 19, 2011

As Easter Approaches: Some Thoughts on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

2011-04-12T13:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Relevant Magazine posted the article below by Tim Keller of New York's Redeemer Presbyterian Church. I hope you'll be encouraged by it. Looking forward to celebrating Easter!

A Case for the Resurrection by Tim Keller

Grace Over Karma: Interview with Bono via The Poached Egg

2011-02-24T13:45:00.001-05:00

A friend recently shared this post on Facebook. I enjoyed reading it and thought you might as well. Let me know your thoughts!

http://www.thepoachedegg.net/the-poached-egg/2010/09/bono-interview-grace-over-karma.html

Living a Life Surrendered to the King of Kings

2011-02-01T11:03:00.001-05:00

My friend Holly Sheldon works here in Orlando at our global headquarters. She's a dynamic leader and has such a sweet devotion and love for Christ. While I was in Boston for the winter conference in early January, Holly spoke to the students on living a surrendered life to Christ. I thought you might be very encouraged and challenged by the message the Lord had for the students in the Northeast. I continue to reflect on the things she communicated. I hope you'll enjoy this and would love to hear your feedback.

Just a note, the video of her talk is close to 45 minutes. Thanks for investing so generously so students can be exposed to things like this--may God be greatly glorified in our world as believers engage with Him in the work of building His Kingdom!

BWC 2011 Holly Sheldon - Free Exchange from CCCNEHQ on Vimeo.

Resources & Changed Lives

2010-10-05T21:58:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wondered what Campus Crusade for Christ actually communicates to those that come through our door (physical or virtual)? Today, during our Worldwide Day of Prayer, we heard updates on the way God is moving in the lives of people through online relationships. It's amazing how safe it can feel to ask life's deepest questions from the comfort of your own home, a coffee shop or on your phone while you're on the go. And, people are asking... (In case we wondered) :)

www.everystudent.com --Currently, we're seeing around 250 daily indicating decisions to walk with Jesus!
www.everystudent.info --This site allows you to participate in the process of helping others understand who God is... You can even link the resources to your Facebook page!
www.startingwithgod.com -- An incredible resource where new believers can get connected and begin the journey of walking with Jesus for a lifetime.

Thanks for your generosity--you make it possible for students, graduates, professionals and others to know Jesus and make Him known. Check out the sites and let me know your thoughts!

God's Kindness

2010-08-21T14:30:00.000-04:00

One day last spring, a friend and I were walking downtown talking about our hopes for 'post-Lake Hart Stint life'. New to the area we were walking through, I marveled at the gem I'd missed these 10 months in Orlando. The neighborhood we explored, Thornton Park, is in the center of the city with shops and restaurants, a gorgeous lake and surrounded by the city skyline. Orlando, to me, is more like a big town and here I'd finally discovered something I could *love* about living here!

I remember saying to my friend, "Couldn't we trust the Lord to provide a place to live in this area?" I'd fallen for it within minutes and began to dream again about city-life and building the Kingdom there. As an aside, living in Boston for so many years, God moved my heart to a place where He cultivated a deep love for the city and the people residing there. All of those stories... People from a broad assortment of backgrounds and places... So distant from Him... So near...

As we walked, I prayed aloud, "God, would you let us live here??" Who knew how he'd answer. I certainly didn't.

Fast forward to late July. Some friends and I experienced ups and downs in the "should we be roommates" process and finally came to an agreement on areas where the three of us might 'land'. I had my heart set on Thornton Park--there was no way of hiding nor denying it, yet I told them both of my willingness to trust the Lord to inform the outcome of our housing search. Both friends were away for the summer, so the responsibility was given to me to search for our new home.

I've never experienced such frustration in a housing search... Ever. I felt like I was consistently kicking against a concrete wall that didn't want to give. Nothing was panning out. And finally, last Monday, I sincerely asked the question, "What is it that I'm fighting for?" I sensed that God might not be leading us to live together after all, but I wasn't sure how to broach the topic with my two friends.

Tuesday morning, I talked with one of them telling her of my concerns. There was a property listed that seemed promising and I agreed to follow-through as originally planned to see if it might work for us. We concluded that if it wouldn't, perhaps we all should consider other alternatives. I headed to the townhouse (a mile from our 'ideal' location--closer than anything I'd seen) and it actually seemed feasible! I couldn't believe it. We'd be close to Thornton Park, the space was adequate and in good condition. There were people lining up to see it, however, so after I took the tour, I headed directly to the realty office located about 15 minutes away to file an application. Many details later, including forgetting my checkbook and needing to get a bank check (in yet another town, another 15 minutes away), I returned with our application fee and agreed to have the remaining paperwork in by the next morning to ensure the broker held it for us while our applications were in review.

Whew. We were almost done! I felt so relieved.

Leaving the realty office, I headed back to do a drive-by of the townhouse and get a better feel for the neighborhood. My phone rang. It was my roommate. She explained how she just saw an ad for a house *exactly* where we originally wanted to be, the rent was less than that of the townhouse, AND it was walking distance to everything. I shutdown. I'd already been through such a long process, just turned in our application fees for the other house and was not interested in pursuing another lead--especially one that sounded too good to be true (my mind shouted, "SCAM!"). I told her if she wanted to call on it, feel free--passively dropping the subject.

As I drove toward the area, however, my heart changed, "God," I prayed, "If you want us to consider this house, I pray that someone would be there to show it to me when I stop by." I retraced my path to the townhouse, took in the neighborhood, then headed in the direction of the other house. The first time around the block, I didn't see it. "I knew it!" I thought... "Scam!" Something told me to drive around again and then I saw it, tucked behind a laundry mat.

I quickly parked and made my way toward the gate leading to the house; there was a guy walking toward me from the other side. "Are you showing the house?" I inquired. "Yes, come on back; you're the first to see it," he answered. Inside, it was like New England--hard wood, shorter ceilings, thick white molding, narrow stairs... Charming!! He took me to meet his dad, the landlord, who owned the laundry mat out front. As we talked, his phone literally ringing off the hook and now others dropping in to see the house, I told him of our interest and my need to ask my roommates if we should take it. I called them and we quickly agreed.

The only problem? I didn't have my checkbook to write him the deposit!

We agreed that I would run to the bank for a check, then come back to sign the lease by 5 PM. I shook his hand and headed out wondering if this was really going to happen. Meanwhile (I learned this later), people were trying to outbid me, offering other crazy incentives for the ability to lease the house and I was running around the city trying to find my bank! As I was doing so, I prayed, "God, I pray that he would keep his word and lease the property to us; but if not, I pray that we'll live exactly where you want us to this year."

If you can imagine, there are more details, but I'll refrain for the time being. I ended up signing the lease the next morning--he'd kept his word--and my roommates and I are in the process of moving into this house, steps away from everything, and I've already met a handful of people in the neighborhood (remember, it's like a big town!). In fact, I was seeking to hire someone to deep clean the house (boy did it need it!) and upon meeting one of my neighbors, the topic came up and I discovered that he cleans houses! He offered me a great rate and I hired him. It was awesome.

I've cried as I've seen God so faithfully answer my hopeful prayer from months ago. In fact, I think this was a prayer I've silently prayed and a dream I've dreamed since living in Boston. To reside in the heart of the city where I am steps away from people that I can care for and love on--that they might have a new perspective on who God is and his love for them because we know one another. I feel like my heart is coming alive in a way I've hoped for as the Lord has opened these doors.

I'm so grateful to him! He's so good without all of this and yet, he loves so well in the way he shows kindness in giving good gifts to his kids. I still feel like I'm going to wake up from this dream; the only thing is, it's really happening.

Introductions

2010-06-08T18:34:00.000-04:00

This week, Cole, the teaching pastor at my church shared about building what he termed, "Redemptive Relationships". We're in a series called "Relate" and most recently discussing how God has reconciled us to Himself and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18-29 (New International Version)

¹⁸All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

He discussed misconceptions and realities about what it means to share our faith in God with others, focusing on building redemptive relationships. The thing I've been mulling over for a few days now is one of the simple points he made on Sunday about how we introduce friends of ours to one another. Cole said, "We focus on the things they have in common." We don't introduce Bill to Sandy by saying, "Bill, this is Sandy, you two completely disagree about politics and will probably experience a lot of tension in your friendship as a result." We'd never do that! Instead, we'd focus on what they have in common and highlight those areas.

It's the same way with the Lord and those who have yet to know Him. We make the introduction by highlighting the commonalities. When making this potentially life-changing introduction, we might ask ourselves:

What are the things that our unbelieving friends have in common with the Lord?
How do they relate?

Bill Bright always said that initiative evangelism (sharing our faith on purpose :) ) is taking the initiative in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results up to God. The decision our unbelieving friends have is to choose Christ or not, but it is their choice. We simply have the opportunity and privilege to tell them all of the great things about the Lord! Perhaps they'd discover they have more in common with Him than they might ever have imagined.

What introductions might we make today?

Celebrating What God Has Done!

2010-05-14T12:12:00.000-04:00

God has done great things through our ministry partnership this year! Let's celebrate together...Watch this three-minute video - I know it'll encourage you. Thank you for so generously giving to the Lord!!

Vision: Building God's Kingdom

2010-05-13T15:03:00.002-04:00

The coming of God's Kingdom is truly glorious. In the present, we cannot experience this fully (I Corinthians 3:12), but someday soon we will. That's so exciting to me! What I love about the present time is how God invites us to link arms with him in the work of reconciling the world to himself. We have the privilege of sharing the Good News of Jesus (his life, death and resurrection!) with everyone! In fact, as believers in Christ, this is our call (Matthew 28:18-20).

Having a broad influence to ensure fruitfulness in reaching each person with the Good News is paramount for me. In fact, as the Lord has clearly led me to a new role within Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC), this understanding was a key factor in my decision. Beginning in June of 2010, I will embark on a new adventure...

CCC continues to focus on winning people to Christ, building them in their faith and sending them out to answer God's call on their lives to participate in building his Kingdom. Nearly sixty years have passed since the Lord put this mission on the hearts of Bill and Vonette Bright and the organization remains true to our call. The blessings of many years of influence also brings its challenges; with 25,000 full-time staff around the globe and a desire to see one million trained volunteers living out God's call in the near future, we are trusting God to show us how we can learn from those in the field to better inform decisions made at the highest levels of the organization. We need to understand how to best equip and resource our field staff and volunteers to ensure tremendous fruitfulness in seeing that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus.

In order to understand what is happening in the field, we must go to the staff, interns and volunteers to learn what is truly occurring in order to develop and provide them with the right resources. And, we need to grow in our ability to partner with like-minded churches and outside organizations to see the Great Commission fulfilled. The bottom line? CCC must become more of a learning organization. This is where my role comes in...

Details:

The scope of my ministry will now include all CCC ministries in the United States. Our team will develop and conduct research to inform US ministry leaders about the experience field staff and volunteers have working with us so we can create systems and provide resources to ensure success (this includes the Campus Ministry, FamilyLife, Athletes in Action, Adult Professional ministries and more).
I will still work for the United States Campus Ministry.
I'm excited to keep engaging with college students about how they can employ their God-given skills in vocational ministry with CCC Operations.
Part of my new role includes opportunities to develop partnerships outside of CCC with like-minded churches and organizations. How fun to work together with other believers to build his Kingdom!
I am still responsible to develop my full financial support as I have for the past ten years on staff. I'm excited to continue to minister alongside my faithful team of ministry partners!

Reasons why I said "Yes" to a new role and location: God has made me with a mind for strategy, a desire to learn and engage with people and he has given me the ability to bring helpful structure from chaos (systems!). This role is a great fit with who God made me, how he continues to lead me in my work with CCC and the current needs of the organization. I'm so excited to embark on this next season and grateful that I get to do this with my ministry partner team!

Why do any of this? If people do not experience the inner transformation that comes from entering into a right relationship with God, there is no hope for them nor the world. Jesus Christ meets the absolute need of humanity - he repairs what is broken and brings total restoration to the lives and hearts of each person. My life was changed by Christ and I cannot imagine a better way to engage all that I am to help others know the freedom, grace and truth that he brings. What a privilege it is to tell the world about Jesus... May his Kingdom come!

CXVI New Hymns Album

2010-04-29T15:23:00.004-04:00

A University of Colorado alumnus, Latifah graduated and pursued her desire to employ the musical gifts God gave her to speak into culture and point people to Christ. The outcome? Well, in part, the creation of an initial hymns album under the name Page CXVI and now, the launch of the second in the series! I love Latifah and her husband -- together with friend and musician, Dan, Page CXVI has brought these theologically powerful truths to a place of great musical relevance for our current culture.

Until May 4th, they're allowing for free downloads from the first album. I hope you'll take a few minutes to take advantage of their generosity and I pray that you're encouraged through the words and music. You can also sample tracks from the new album. I love how God has given me the opportunity to continue to support Latifah as she faithfully walks with Him in the field He has called her to in life. It's SO encouraging to see her walk with Jesus.

Thanks for making this investment in the lives of students like Latifah possible through your generous gifts to the Lord! It is awesome to partner with you to trust God for more "Latifah's" in the world!

Feel free to spread the word to other friends and relatives that might enjoy the download!

Why I Love My Job

2010-04-27T21:50:00.000-04:00

Today, thousands of staff, interns and volunteers all around the world gathered for our Global Day of Prayer. Here in Orlando we spent the day on campus at Lake Hart, the World Headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ. An enormous white tent set-up between our East and West buildings, complete with air conditioners poised to keep the rising temperatures at bay, played host to some 950 in attendance. The morning kicked off with a welcome from CCC's co-founder, Vonette Bright, a devotion from President, Steve Douglass and a time to reflect and worship God through song.

We heard via live video feed from staff in East Asia and spent time praying with them. Several key leaders updated us on what God is accomplishing throughout the world and the needs we continue to entrust to Him. We prayed for the organizational restructuring that is taking place on the highest organizational levels - having the opportunity to pray directly for the newly appointed Executive Team as they pursue the Lord and give leadership to our Global movement. Simply put, the day was inspiring.

Two favorite moments: during the afternoon breakout sessions, I had the opportunity to sit in on a live video feed with our New York City teams. Many friends from the Northeast were in the room in New York. I couldn't help but marvel at God's provision of technology to closely connect with these dear friends and co-laborers, spending time in prayer together for the things God has led them to pursue. We heard stories of movements launching on campuses in the City, of business people and pro athletes being captured by the Gospel and how lives are being changed as men and women encounter Jesus.

The other, a more personal moment when I had the opportunity twice today to pray with some dear staff sisters. What an absolute delight to share honestly about what God is doing not only in the mission, but also in our lives. I was so encouraged as these women prayed for me and asked about my life.

Thinking about it tonight, I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing movement of people called by God to a tremendous mission and vision. One last thought... God is absolutely at work in our world. We are linking arms with Him in what He is doing. What an AWESOME privilege we have to know Jesus and make Him known.

I couldn't get over that today; in fact, I hope I never do.

Campus Faith Freedom Alert - InterVarsity.org

2010-04-19T14:05:00.000-04:00

Campus Faith Freedom Alert - InterVarsity.org

Prayers appreciated! This would impact all campus ministry in the U.S. Please pray for this today.

A Change of Plans, A Change of Heart

2010-03-22T12:08:00.002-04:00

Article by Jessica Moses

Every year thousands of college student flood beaches across the nation, unified on one front: Spring Break. They desire awesome tans, awesome waves, and an all-around good time. For every student though, this looks different. Students that attend the Campus Ministry’s Big Break at Panama City Beach in Florida achieve this in the most unexpected ways.

One Big Break attendee had plans to spend his Spring Break on a beach in the Bahamas. Unfortunately that trip to the Bahamas fell through, leaving him with only a couple of options: go home for his break or spend the week with his friends from Crusade at Panama City Beach.

He decided to attend Big Break. He was surprised to find that instead of spending the days lying out on the beach and spending the nights partying, he would be spending the majority of his time there doing evangelism.
Once he got over that shock, this reluctant Big Breaker embraced the opportunity he was given. He went out with other students from his school and took the huge step of faith of sharing the gospel with strangers on the beach. God blessed his faithfulness in a number of ways. While sharing the Knowing God Personally booklet with a random Spring Breaker on the beach, He invited Christ into his own life for the first time. While sharing with someone who asked, “When did you know that this was real?” and he answered, “Right Now.”

Over 1100 others have made “this real” in the past 3 weeks as many of you and your students have initiated 13,449 gospel conversations at Big Break... And if that weren’t enough, $58,041.88 has been raised in the past two weeks for Haiti Relief. God has been at work in an amazing way.

Movements Everywhere

2010-03-08T11:24:00.000-05:00

A friend, Eric Swanson, recently posted thoughts on Campus Crusade for Christ's vision of "Movements Everywhere" - I thought you might enjoy reading what he has to say. Reading it this morning, I'm reminded of how God desires to employ the whole Body of Christ in this effort in every arena of society and culture. My recent trip to Los Angeles was a tangible example of this to me... How will God reach the influencers of Hollywood? Through believers that are so in love with him and committed to seeing the Kingdom of God become real in the lives of people there. I was privileged to see a brief glimpse of this reality in the few days I spent there...I'm so grateful for those in the industry that are pursuing the Lord and making him known.

Movements Everywhere
by Eric Swanson

2010 Lake Hart Preview Weekend!

2010-02-26T17:40:00.002-05:00

What would it look like to move to Orlando and devote a year of my life to the Lord in full-time ministry...
In an office?

Last weekend marked our annual Lake Hart Preview Weekend where we host students with operational skills from around the country and invite them to consider a one year internship with CCC at our world headquarters, Lake Hart. Students apply for the event and when accepted, receive an all-expense paid trip to Orlando to learn about our largest area of need as a ministry: Operations! It was a delightful few days getting to know the forty-four men and women while hearing their stories and processing where the Lord has them as they look beyond graduation. I even had the chance to speak the first night - what a treat!!

I was grateful to reconnect with some women I met at the San Diego Winter Conference in late December. Not only that, but one of our former Vail Summer Project students, Taylor, joined us for the weekend! How fun to catch up with him two years later and see the excitement he has for serving Jesus. It's such a joy to watch the Lord at work in the lives of college students!

Please pray for these students (pictured above with their weekend staff hosts) as they make big decisions about the future.

Thanks for all you do to make it possible... I love the way you give so generously to the Lord! It blesses me and so many others!

More on Haiti: A letter from Mark Gauthier, US National Campus Director

2010-02-25T09:38:00.001-05:00

Dear Ministry Partner,

We're calling it Big Break for Haiti.

In just a few weeks, college students from across the nation will gather during their spring break to share their faith.

But they need your help putting their faith into action.

A million meals for a million people!
These students want to assemble more than 1 million meals for desperate victims of the Haiti earthquake who continue to endure unimaginable suffering. Attached to each meal is a clear gospel message in their language to help reach them for Christ.

Now here's where you come in. Incredibly, each meal and an explanation of the gospel in Haitian Creole costs just 30 cents each! That means your generosity will have a huge impact . . .

• $27 will reach 90 quake victims

• $54 will reach 180 quake victims, and

• $102 will reach 340 quake victims

Your gift now will show Haiti quake survivors that God loves them, cares about their suffering and wants them to come to know Him personally.

So please help by sending a gift now. Thank you!

Yours for reaching the lost,

Mark Gauthier
U.S. National Campus Director, Campus Crusade for Christ

P.S. Big Break for Haiti kicks off soon. So please help now. Each 30 cents you send will provide a lifesaving meal for a struggling Haiti earthquake victim. You'll also be telling them about the good news of Jesus Christ.

GIVE NOW

to help suffering Haiti

earthquake victims

USCM Haiti Relief

2010-01-21T07:58:00.004-05:00

CCC's United States Campus Ministry (USCM) has recently launched a blog that shares more ways to help with the tragedy in Haiti. I'd love for you to visit the website and let us together pray about how God desires for us to be involved. Please let me know if you want more information in the coming months. I will be posting it here, but would love to help connect you with specific opportunities to serve if you sense that this is how God is leading you. Here's the link:

USCM Haiti Relief

Relief for Haiti

2010-01-14T09:39:00.006-05:00

Campus Crusade for Christ's Global Aid Network (GAiN) is already responding to the needs of the Haitian people. Please continue to pray for God's healing and restoration during these days following the earthquake. Learn how you can participate by visiting: Disaster in Haiti: Give Now.

A friend of mine here in Orlando is also still awaiting news on his extended family there (including his 96 year-old grandmother). Please pray for the Cherenfant's as they wait on the Lord during this time. We also have several staff in the country and most are yet to be accounted for as of this morning. Please pray that God will comfort and give peace to family members that are waiting to hear news of their loved ones.

Blog: how (dwf) winter conference reflects campus crusade

2010-01-06T14:55:00.004-05:00

I just read this blog posting from an "outsider" (not affiliated with CCC) regarding our annual winter conferences. He attended the one we host in Fort Worth, Texas (hosted by CCC's Red River region). I enjoyed his perspective and thought you might find it interesting as well!

how (dfw) winter conference reflects campus crusade

Let me know what you think!

Devoted to Prayer

2009-12-17T15:28:00.002-05:00

I thought you might enjoy reflecting with me on a recent email sent out to CCC Staff Members... Written by Barbara Francis. Let me know your thoughts!

Devoted to Prayer

1. I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn’t my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.

2. I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don’t see it. I fall in. I can’t believe I’m in the same place, but it isn’t my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.

3. I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it there. I still fall in. It’s a habit. My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.

4. I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the side walk. I walk around it.

5. I walk down a different street.

—An Autobiography in Five Short Paragraphs, by Portia Nelson

So, what deep holes swallow you time and time again?

I’ll name a few of mine: holding grudges, remaining un-teachable, and feeling profoundly inadequate. I have not always been able to identify my holes. But I am seeing just a bit of light.

From one hole-dweller to another: Let’s seek to walk down a different road. That must begin with brutal honesty about the streets we traverse and the patterned behavior that follows. We may need the aid of others to clearly identify potholes that have gobbled us up far too often. Muster the courage and reach out for support.

For others, the wrong road has been clear for some time—we’ve just not hated falling in enough. Shall we commit to the different road? Shall we bring the ugly hole before the One who knows the exact road to revival that we need to travel? Isaiah 61:1-6 deserves pondering.

Consider walking through this “Autobiography in Five Short Paragraphs.” Read through it with your spouse, disciples, roommates, and children. Holes are everywhere, and a different street awaits.

This month’s “Prayer Page” will only grease the tracks to freedom.

Cross'09

2009-11-10T09:04:00.000-05:00

All over the US today, our campus staff and students are crossing cultural boundaries, trusting God to start new movements of spiritual multiplication. Cross'09 began on Sunday. Teams headed out to engage with others from differing ethnic backgrounds than their own with the hope of expanding the influence of the Gospel on college campuses throughout the country.

Teams have traveled to cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Denver, Cleveland and many more! Visit http://sites.google.com/site/movementlaunchingcom/cross-09 for more information. :)

Please pray that God would raise up leaders to take the Gospel to unreached ethnic minority groups on college and university campuses throughout the US as our students and staff dialogue on those very campuses today!

Here's a recent story shared by Sam Osterloh, the National Director for Ethnic Student Ministries within CCC, on our staff site:

God is already moving among ethnic students on campus and is calling us to step out and join Him! A few weeks ago David, a staff member with KCCC, was on campus leading a morning prayer meeting. He saw one student he didn’t know, a Hispanic student named Omar. After the prayer time, Omar told David that he had stopped in simply because he saw some students praying as he passed by. As they talked, David told Omar about Cross 09, the Destino ministry [CCC's ministry specifically geared toward Hispanic students], and how the group was praying for people to serve with Destino.

A couple of weeks later, Omar emailed David, saying that he had applied to join Destino staff. David had felt called to ministry 7 years earlier, and the call had been growing stronger recently. When Omar spoke about the Destino movement, David began to seek out whether that might be the ministry God has prepared for him. Would you pray that that God will move in us and through us as we step out in faith? Who knows how many Omars will be inspired this week!

Getting There

2009-10-26T18:46:00.003-04:00

Friends,

Thanks for your prayers for my health! I thought I'd update you... It has been almost three and a half weeks and I'm still on the mend. This flu has proved to be quite the process for me as I've felt "sidelined" and very isolated here in Orlando. Thankfully, I think the sickness is on its way out and feel about 93% normal.

While I've spent many hours on the mend and in my apartment (before I headed back to work and in the evenings/weekends since), I've had enormous amounts of time to think. The Lord continued to allow some hard things to rise to the surface over the weeks; I'm in process with Him, but appreciate your prayers. My faith seems weak right now as I have many doubts about what He is doing with me here in Orlando and about the future. I sense that this is a deepening time where my faith, seemingly dulled, becomes sharpened; but, for the moment, life just feels painful. I covet and depend upon your prayers!

Today, CCCI's Vice President of Africa, Middle East and Central Asia, Dela Adadevoh, spoke with my department on the topic of "Growth." It was a challenging and encouraging time where I realized that He isn't done with me. God has me exactly where He wants me and will even allow barriers to creep up so I stay on the path He desires. This perspective is encouraging and hard for me, yet I am beginning to see that I'm not in it alone. Part of what I walked away with was the sense that I need to continue to move toward community in the midst of this - God wants me to contribute and wants me to receive the contribution of other believers so I can grow.

I am reminded of you and your faithfulness to Him and to me. Thank you for being in this with me for all of these years! I continue to experience His blessing through the good, bad and mundane because of you.

The Flu and 90 Degrees

2009-10-06T20:22:00.003-04:00

Even with the temperature at 90 degrees each day, I began to prepare my system (from a dietary standpoint) for the upcoming flu virus after hearing that 70% of Floridians were expected to endure it this season. Sadly, I didn't have enough time or the knowledge that I'd somehow be exposed to the virus much sooner than anticipated. So here I've been, sequestered in my Orlando apartment for days now, trying to rest and praying that my temperature will take a nose dive. :)

I'd really appreciate your prayers as I continue to trust the Lord in the midst of feeling so unwell. As you know, it is challenging for me to rest (especially when I know there is work to be done) and I'm even delayed in responding to several of you who have called and emailed. Pray that the Lord would give me the strength to get well and help me persevere once I'm able to return to the mounting work awaiting me.

Thank you so much for your friendship, prayers & support. You mean so much to me!

Overwhelmed!

2009-07-25T00:19:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

I'd so appreciate your prayers. While I've enjoyed my time here in Fort Collins, the beginning of our US Staff Conference and arrival of some 7,000 people has simply overwhelmed me. I think the reality of my upcoming move is settling in as well and I'm simply in need of good sleep, time with the Lord and safe relationships right now as I process it all.

Would you pray for me?

Thanks so much.

Colorado Summer Highlights

2009-07-15T22:04:00.004-04:00

Hello from Fort Collins! I've been here since July 5th and am finally sitting down for a moment to write. It has been such a treat to be home in Colorado for the past ten days! I've been reconnecting with good friends on staff and enjoying the Lord through my courses. I'll write more specific details on what God has been doing here in my upcoming newsletter, but here are a few highlights from these last days:

1. Spending quality time with my staff friend, Megan. I've been blessed to pray with her each day!
2. Sonic Cherry-Limeades! :)
3. Thankfully, I'm on the north side of the dorm & staying cool in spite of the 90 degree days...
4. The Lord is meeting me through my coursework. It has been challenging and encouraging!
5. A whole crew of us headed to Coors Field to watch the Rockies v. Braves last weekend - it was a refreshing break from Fort Collins after a long week of studying!
6. Yesterday, I had the chance to see my grandmother and also visited two women I discipled at CU. It was a really sweet day.
7. It's SO green in Colorado right now! The sun and the green are a blessing to my heart.

If you think of me, please pray for my last two days in a class I'm taking entitled: "What it takes to Forgive." God is working in deep areas right now. While I know the growth is so good, it is also painful. I'm trusting him to help me move forward in forgiveness.

Delight

2009-06-29T08:54:00.003-04:00

In early July of 2008, I headed out to dinner with the leadership team for the Vail Summer Project to celebrate a great five weeks of seeing God move in the lives of students, staff and people in the Valley. It was a sweet night of laughter, giving thanks to God and enjoying last moments together as we talked through what it was like to lead the project and the staff team. I'll never forget the moment later in the evening when fellow project director, Joe said, "Jess, are you ready?" My reply: "Ready?" He handed me an envelope as I looked around at my four smiling counterparts with a quizzical expression.

(Even now, a year later, I'm tearing up as I write this!...)

I opened the envelope and read some sweet words written by the leadership team. There was a little something extra inside - a small piece of paper telling me that the team had commissioned one of my favorite artists (a friend from our partnering church - Vail Church), Wendy White to paint something for me. I was shell shocked in the best sense and cried on the spot.

Wendy asked me to give her a Scripture verse that was meaningful to me. I gave her four. A month later, upon returning to Vail to close the project and send the students home, Wendy had finished 'Delight' and I was able to take it home. The inspiration for the painting comes from a favorite verse in a personally treasured Psalm...

Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart. -Psalm 37:4

Just last week, I was able to bring 'Delight' home from the frame shop after saving up for it. Every time I look at this painting, I am reminded of God's goodness to me, His desire that I would indeed delight in Him and that He will bring to pass those special things He places in my heart. I'm also reminded to pray for the Vail Valley - that the people there would know their Creator and that they, too would 'Delight' in the Lord.

Prayer.1

2009-06-17T13:47:00.004-04:00

I was thinking today that I should begin posting prayer requests here on the site. Please update me on how I can do the same for you! How grateful I am that we serve a God that listens to and answers our prayers!

Officially, I have 16 days left in Boston before I head to Colorado for seminary courses and our bi-annual US Staff Conference. Please pray that I am able to focus and complete the following projects in this time:

Contracts for all 2009-2010 Conferences - I'm trying to serve our team here well by leaving them 'ahead of the game' with settled contracts for our Regional Staff Conference (Nov), Women's Conference (February), Local Leader & Intern Conferences (April).

Boston Winter Conference Marketing and Files - I'm consulting with our Boston Ops Summer Project as they work on implementing our marketing strategy for the 2010 event. I'm also organizing all of the information I have from the last four years of BWC so my team will have everything they need to do my job without me here! :)

Filing System - I've been working towards a 'more perfect union' with our office files and office staff for quite some time and need to wrap up this project leaving the office well-organized and equipped to process incoming documents this next year.

Moving - My hope is that the month of August won't be too crazy, so I'm currently purging household items and boxing up things I won't need in the next two months. Please pray that I can make good progress on this in the next couple of weeks so my move will be less stressful.

Financial Support - Many of you know that I need to see an additional $4,600 in special financial support come in for my upcoming summer expenses in Colorado and my move to Orlando. Please pray that every penny will come in by my August 1st deadline!

I am grateful for your prayers!

Registering Online for a CCC Giving Account

2009-06-16T14:19:00.004-04:00

Today I headed to Campus Crusade's Giving Site to update my account information and giving to a fellow staff member I support. I learned something new! By registering for an account, you actually can view your giving history for up to seven years. I was able to view mine when I logged on this afternoon! And, until today, I didn't know that this feature existed on the site.

Even if you don't give online, I thought this might be useful information because there are several benefits to registering...

(Below is what you'll see on the website)

Register For An Account

Benefits of registering for an account include:

Update your address, phone or e-mail.
Access your donation history.
Manage your automatic recurring gifts.
Update your bank account or credit card.
Save time during checkout when making future
donations online.

I thought I'd pass this along in the hopes that this online tool might serve you and make for a smooth process as you engage with me and Campus Crusade for Christ. Thank you SO VERY much for your faithful prayers and financial support of my ministry! I cannot properly express how meaningful it is to link arms with you to share about Jesus with others. Your gifts make SUCH a difference!

On my end, I learn something new every day!

They're Here!

2009-06-04T12:42:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, our Boston Ops Summer Project students found their way around the city on a photo scavenger hunt that led them to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) near Fenway Park. Beneath the watchful 'eye' of the famous Citgo sign, we enjoyed the museum and made our way to a delightful ethnic dinner - Indian Quailty Restaurant in Kenmore Square. ( I think it's the best Indian food I've had in my five years in Boston!) It's been a fun few days of meet and greet here in our office as these seven students from around the U.S. have found their way to Ten Milk Street.

They came to use the skills God gave them to help us move forward so that every student can know someone who truly follows Jesus. As they work in our office this summer, they'll write copy, create brochures, develop websites and shoot and produce videos. For now, they're getting to know one another as they share stories celebrating what God has done in their lives to draw each into a relationship with Himself, understand their strengths and how to best develop in order to live from them (StrengthsFinder if you're interested in learning more), undergoing training to learn how to share about Christ with others and tomorrow, well, we'll put them to work! :)

Please pray for each student as they engage with the Lord, each other and our fellow Bostonians this summer! We're so grateful to all of the people that have partnered with them through prayer and finances to make this summer possible for each of these women and our lone guy! How awesome to see God provide for them!

Christina
Lizzie
Katie
Dani
Emily
Britney
David

Boston Ops Summer Project

2009-05-29T15:01:00.000-04:00

In just a few short days we will welcome seven students from all over the US into our office for the summer. They have opted to use the skills they have to serve the Lord in a unique way this summer - working with our regional team to develop materials, websites and more for the upcoming academic year. We're certainly very grateful for their desire to serve in this way!

Each student has raised financial support and will be living in the city. They'll participate in small group Bible studies, reach out to Bostonians, meet regularly with a staff coach and hopefully, enjoy their eight weeks in lovely Beantown.

Please pray for them as they travel to the city next Monday and get started on office projects. We're thrilled that they're coming!

Who is my Neighbor?

2009-05-29T14:49:00.001-04:00

A couple months back, I had the privilege to hear Muhammad Yunus speak at Harvard. Sometimes it amazes me how closely linked I am to people like Mr. Yunus simply because of geography - Harvard is less than three miles from my house! While I was on sabbatical last month, my sister and I found ourselves eating breakfast at our hotel with a Danish couple who currently live in Germany and a Greek couple who currently reside in Austrailia. (Those details make me smile.) As we sat down to join them, I rapidly noticed two things:

They were speaking in English
The topic of their discussion was Muhammad Yunus

We joined in on the discussion and I was able to share my thoughts on the lecture I recently attended. Mr. Yunus is not a Christian, but he sure lives in light of the Gospel in the way he cares for the poor. Check out excerpts from his story, I think you'll be encouraged. I was grateful for the chance to learn from him along with hundreds of Harvard students and guests and to further explore the topic with my newfound friends that day at breakfast.

Where Does the Northeast Rank?

2009-05-29T14:43:00.001-04:00

An interesting article that shows the great need in the Northeast:

State of States: Importance of Religion

Keep an eye out for the seven states in our region:

Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New York
Rhode Island
Vermont

What does this mean for reaching students today?

In The News: Boston Winter Conference

2009-05-29T14:39:00.001-04:00

Our BWC students were highlighted in the Boston Metro during our Day of Outreach:

Graced with Kindness

GIVE

2009-05-29T13:43:00.008-04:00

Your gift is an investment in reaching the world with the message of God's love and forgiveness. Let's fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) together!

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you experience any issues or need an envelope. I'm happy to help!

All contributions are income tax deductible.

GIVING ONLINE

You can give a credit card gift right now, online.

GIVING BY PHONE

To make a one-time contribution by credit card, call 1-888-CRUSADE (option 4)

GIVING BY DIRECT DEPOSIT

When you join the Direct Giving Plan, your gift will be transferred directly each month from your bank account to Campus Crusade for Christ. A record of each gift will appear on your bank statement.

To set up DD from a credit card: click here

To set up DD from a checking account:

Print out the DIRECT DEPOSIT FORM
Fill out the form and sign it (be sure to put my account number, 0511735, in the "divide my gift this way" section)
Make a check out to "Campus Crusade"
Send form and check to:
Campus Crusade for Christ
ATTN: Direct Giving Plan
100 Lake Hart Drive, Dept. 2400
Orlando, FL 32832

GIVING BY MAIL

Make check payable to "Campus Crusade for Christ"
Include a note that reads: 'To Jessica Bott, Staff#: 0511735'.
Send check and note to:
Campus Crusade for Christ
Contributions
PO Box 628222
Orlando, FL 32862

CONTACT

2009-05-29T13:41:00.002-04:00

The best way to contact me via the new site:

Post a Comment
I'll do my best to respond within 48 hours

I look forward to connecting with you soon!

ABOUT ME

2009-05-29T12:50:00.005-04:00

Growing up in Colorado, I never imagined that I'd want to live anywhere else. Life was fairly simple and I loved living near my family and friends experiencing the seasons of life below the magnificent Rocky Mountains. In college, when I began to actively trust Jesus with my life, I started to see different roads and entertain new dreams.

During my college years and through my involvement with Campus Crusade for Christ, I understood God's desire that I would know Him and make Him known. My hope was that others would come to understand the transforming power of the Gospel (Good News!) and enjoy a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ as I did. And, that's what I continue to do today:

Seek to walk well with Jesus
Share what it means to know him with others along the way
Journey with people in the process

It's awesome and hard and fun and exhausting. I still love it and I'm still learning. God has graciously allowed me to journey with college students and others in ministry in Boulder, CO and Boston, MA (with short term assignments in Russia; Spain; Vail, CO) and I presently serve at our world headquarters, Lake Hart in Orlando, FL.

I'm continually encouraged by our vision:

Launching and building movements of spiritual multiplication so everyone will know someone who truly follows Jesus!

In the world we live in, this news of Jesus is the best news I've ever heard...