Pople and Prayer

It was a Friday, February morning, I drove a friend to her out-patient medical appointment. After my fasting friend had checked in for her appointment, I said “let me pray” knowing her nerves were on edge with this unwelcomed procedure. My friend walked through to the patient waiting room doors and I turned out the front doors of the medical building. As I turned, this woman in black scrubs with hair pulled back and wearing a face mask said to me, “would you pray for me?” I was taken aback. No one has previously stopped me in my tracks in public. Pray for Josephine and her grown daughters.

I get the privilege of training and equipping our staff to be fully funded and financially faithful laborers. I thoroughly love and am called to equip, train and disciple brothers and sisters in Christ so that they can be mobilized to serve at their best for God’s Glory winning others to Christ so that the Gospel is shared.

I (Leslie) just concluded a 9-week coaching group with these two couples. These two couples are traveling this summer to countries that are less resourced.

Julie and Tracy Dykes

Years on staff: 35 this summer

What is your ministry/What do you do: mk2mk team; We equip adult MKs (Missionary Kids) to disciple & mentor school-age MKs through internships, conferences, summer missions and care trips, both locally and on the field where they are serving with their families. We also resource parents who are raising kids on the mission field, and in the midst of transition.

WHY/vision/what keeps you going: Care and training for MKs is critical for missionary families to thrive on the field and reach people for Christ. We offer training, resources, opportunities, and care for missionary families around the world.

Summer Mission trip to South Africa. We'll be serving alongside the 28 high school MKs, 8 interns and 6 other staff partnering with a local church to do a variety of ministries around the community (VBS, hospice care, evangelism, leading youth groups, etc).

Tracy is co-directing the project and Julie the Ops/Finance person, but we also oversee the interns who in turn over-see the HS MKs in mentoring, leading/training and encouraging them.

Becky and Bob Otten

Years on staff: 28.5

What is your ministry/What do you do: City Global - Help send staff overseas and care for their growth while in the field, and nurture indigenous staff to thrive as spiritual leaders in a large region of closed countries.

WHY/vision/what keeps you going: People need encouragement in the life long process of growing in Christ, specially where there is little to no Christian presence.

Summer Mission: trip to Turkey

Prayer requests:

• Pray for the planning and preparations for MPD Launch training Leslie is overseeing for the leadership development program called Lake Hart Stint (This is the10 month program when we initially came to FL.) Pray God would prepare the participants hearts to embrace biblical perspectives and they’d be well equipped for their next assignment.
• Our family as we add new therapies for one of our kiddos. Managing schedules and responsibilities.
• Leslie and the kids as Mike is away late April for a ministry conference. It’s hard single parenting.
• Mike as he takes on additional responsibilities in his role

PRAISES:

• Mike celebrated 25 years (in Feb.) on staff with Cru. (photo on rt.)
• Restful spring break with Leslie’s parents and her brother’s family.
• Leslie was able to attend the MPD Coaches Guild in Feb. A time of connecting with leadership, other coaches and using her skill of taking pictures. (Photo below of MPD Leaders that gathered prior to the Guild, where 90 coaches were present. Photo bottom rt. Hike during free time, enjoying God’s creation.)

Life and Death

In the world we live in, we experience this yo– yo of incredible joys and deep loss. I can’t help but think of all the billions of folks in our world who don’t know “eternal life” available to them! When people who don’t know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior die, the darkness of being eternally separated from God is their reality/fact. BUT GOD, we (Mike and I) have this incredible privilege to give others the opportunity so that “Everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus!”

In September, I (Leslie) helped train 38 new missionaries with Cru. These new Cru Staff members span recent college graduates, those who completed a year internship with Cru, even couples who are in their 60s! Hearing their call to ministry was a reminder of the incredible God we serve. Here are a few new staff In my workshop (photos below): One couple, from Ohio, joined staff with Family Life as they have been profoundly impacted by that ministry and their marriage is in a flourish state as a result. Another couple, retired from the military and have grandkids, are compelled to spread the Good news of Jesus Christ to those in military service. A young family man who worked with athletes shared his calling: “I was pushing athletes so hard to “win” the game, when what is more important is winning their souls for Christ on the athletic field.” 

His ministry assignment is on a collegiate campus to work with athletes.

What’s exciting is how God uses ordinary people serving as missionaries in: high school and college campuses, athletics, military forces, cities, neighborhoods, overseas…to draw those around them to Himself. The Harvest really is PLENTIFUL (in our neighborhoods, athletic teams, military bases, students…) There are many places where the Gospel isn’t. Early on in my ministry training I learned and memorized this scripture, and it is branded in my mind: “Then he [Jesus] said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’ (Matthew 9:37-38).”

Thank you for your partnership to pour into, train and mobilize labors for the Harvest. Together we change lives, so they know Jesus personally and have eternal life.

LAUNCHED, LABORED, LIVING

It’s been a whirlwind summer! Here’s the recap and welcomed update. June 29th through July 28th was a month long road trip that included OH, MI, IN, IL, WI, OH (in that order). We visited both of our parents, our kid's cousins, and a handful of close friends and ministry partners. Yes, a whirlwind, but the hours in their company were sweet!

July 15th - 24th Milwaukee, WI -Cru staff conference.
Cru Staff Conference Highlights:

LAUNCHED *One evening during staff conference our family walked to a local deli and behind us two familiar faces entered as well. I (Leslie) coached Jared and Nic when they raised their initial support. It’s incredible to see the growth and fruit in these guys lives as I had the honor to walk with them through their application process, joining Cru, getting engaged, newlyweds, starting their families in a matter of two years. After grabbing a table together and catching up a bit, I asked them to share a highlight from this past year in their ministry. Both verbalized the various opportunities to meet with a variety of athletes on their assigned campuses. Jared and Nic in their 30s with growing families glowed as they added they are moving closer to campus so that their young families can be more involved with athletes. Jared is TALL– a former basketball player stands 7’ 2” tall. Jared and Nic both serve in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

LABORED Our staff conference behind the scenes role was a privilege to care for families of infants as they participated in the General Sessions. The prayer requests we received from the drop box were deep and vulnerable. (photo above on left is of the production team we served on. Above on right is one of the rooms we oversaw.)

*Hearing from the leaders in our organization preach and teach the Gospel (humility, forgiveness, heart for loving the lost, planting Gospel Seeds). The foundation of our ministry (WINing people to Christ. BUILDing them up in their faith. SENDing them out to the world! (photo on above left, Cru President Steve Sellars addressing our staff. Photo above on right– Ukraine leaders sharing stories how God is at work.)

*The experience of 5,000 Cru staff sitting together in the University of Wisconsin Panther Arena worshiping God - singing songs, praising God, praying collectively. It has been 3 years (2019) since we last gathered for our biennial staff conference. A LOT has taken place since then! (photos above)

*Two seminars offered focused on mental health. (our department-Staff Care pushed for this opportunity to be offered to staff) Mike and I got to personally meet one of the speakers, Adam Young, from a session on mental health. We have learned a lot from listening to his podcast “The Place We Find Ourselves”.

Another story of LABOR is very close to our family. An unexpected text from one of our son’s birth mom that came during the Cru Staff Conference. She asked Leslie to be her “support person” in the operating room for her child’s birth in Ohio. God completely orchestrated the timing and details for this to come to fruition. We praise God for this gift and open relationship we have with her. Pray for this birth mom as we continue to plant Gospel seeds and seek to minister to her. We know not every adopted child can have a relationship with their birth parent.

He lets us share in His exciting purposes of reaching the world for Christ, as well as building up and servicing His people.-Ruth Myers, The Satisfied Heart.

LIVING During a conversation with new Cru staff I (Leslie) coached years ago, they asked us to share a highlight from this past year. Mike was quick to reply with “Our move to Orlando has opened doors for more relationships with those who don’t know
Jesus personally.“

Praises: Bigness of God here & around the world

Twice a year Cru staff gather together during the work day to pray corporately. This year was a new location for Mike and I as Cru Headquarters in Orlando is now home for us. Sitting amongst a sea of perhaps 500-1000 staff, I was overcome with God’s goodness. The fitting theme was “The Lord is Faithful” based on 1 John 1:9 and 2 Thessalonians 3:3

As we gathered in small groups, we were interceding for U.S. ministries, local teams and an overseas partnering area. Again, brought to my knees for our dependence on the Lord. God, is truly our strength, individually and corporately. There’s NO fruit or everlasting life without Him. Our Faithful God is the One who sustains us and bears fruit through us. Our hearts were filled with His passion, compassion and Kingdom imagination as we prayed for the mission.

Praises Cru has been celebrating

Athletes in Action has added numerous countries to our Global network. Campus Ministry has been able to restart the sending of short-term missions. Staff, students, and faculty have responded to spring break opportunities around the world (especially the Middle East and Latin America/ Caribbean). Summer mission application numbers are returning to pre-pandemic levels!	her.BIBLE: We praise God that nearly the entire Bible is complete or in production, with only Zephaniah waiting to be recorded. Already, her.BIBLE listeners have surpassed 27,000 on our website from 172 countries and over 2,200 people are using our app! The New Testament of her.BIBLE is now available on YouVersion! her.BIBLE brings the Word of God to life through an engaging, multi-ethnic women’s narration of the New Living Translation. This free audio Bible connects people around the world with the heart of God at https://her.bible/app/.
City Global has launched a new podcast called Mission Shift that explores how we engage in international missions. We praise the Lord for the amazing global leaders who have shared their wisdom and insight on this podcast; it will change the way we think about international missions.	FamilyLife’s Marriage Conference- The Weekend to Remember is back as we come out of the pandemic. We are praising God for 575 indicated decisions for Christ so far this year and 9,156 committing to guiding others.
Jesus Film Project® is celebrating a huge milestone. By God’s grace, our films have reached 1 billion broadcast views! This number reflects the number of televisions across the world that tuned in to watch our films in just the last six years, from 2016 through 2021. This milestone represents real people encountering the story of Jesus at home and in areas with little access to the gospel. Praise God that we will cross 2,000 languages this year for the JESUS film.	Unto (humanitarian aid ministry) is working actively right now in more than 40 countries. Our work is primarily focused on the toughest countries as far as armed conflict, poverty and unreached people groups. Our work could not happen without the partnership of so many people and organizations who join with us to relieve suffering, restore dignity and reveal the hope of Jesus.

Faithfulness, Remember, Trust

 Last week, I (Leslie) gave a message in front of 30 Cru staff who are presently in the same Leadership Development program Mike and I participated in last year here at Cru Headquarters in Orlando. As I was preparing for this, I prayed and ask the Lord for wisdom on what to speak about. I find it fitting He impressed on me to remind others of His Faithfulness, to Remember and Trust Him. Perhaps you would be encouraged as well. Here are some snippets from my talk:

It has taken me decades to trust His Goodness and to be reminded of His faithfulness while I am still in the hard, times being content when I can’t see. Let’s take a peek at the word faithfulness; the Hebrew word ה  מוּ  (emunah), Strong’s Concordance translates the use of “faithfulness” to mean “steadfastness, firmness, fidelity” -- an attribute of Jesus Christ as “Faithful” which communicates His trustworthiness, dependability, loyalty, security.

There are many places in scripture we see the faithfulness of God. One of my favorites: Is Lamentations: 3:20-24.

I’ve seen the Faithfulness of God when: My family and I arrived in July 2020 at Cru’s Leadership and Development Program (Lake Hart Stint- 10 month program) with my mind dead set: “we are returning to Ohio.” I vocalized to my life coach valid reasons for our return. Suffice it to say, my heals were dug in. I was insistent on “my PLAN.” Then, last March, the Lord, began to redirect my heart through a few key events. Those significant moments scared me to death yet were thrilling at the same time. There’s a book that captures this sentiment, “God Has Never Failed Me, but He’s Sure Scared Me To Death A Few Times.” Today, I stand before you as a testimony of what He can do when one is surrendered to His Will. Willing to say Yes, Lord, You do want us to move despite my emotions, fears, circumstance-By FAITH.” It means letting go of what is comfortable/ stable. It means trusting Him when I cannot see. Walking by faith is what we are ushered into and urged to do, so He is glorified.

How have you seen God’s faithfulness in your life?
When we remember what God has done for us, it can help chisel away at the anxiety, enable us to embrace trusting Him for the future. In Deut. 8:2-3 we read an instance where God commanded the Israelites to “remember.”

I’ve been mediating on Prov. 3:5-6. You know this beloved scripture: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight. Recently, I found a different translation than what I memorized. 1 word change hit me like a tornado: take out the word “acknowledge” and insert “SUBMIT” (NIV). Submit to Him, "all my ways”!

God didn’t plan for us to be in control. When I submitted to God’s plan in having us move permanently to Orlando, there was this “peace that surpasses all comprehension”. (Granted, grief still came and does exist.) As a result this “stepping out in faith move” the ministry opportunities are greater as well as increased impact for His kingdom! Choosing to hand over those circumstances that feel impossibly hard is difficult, but I urge you to submit to Him today!
GOD is Faithful.
God is Faithful to me.
God is Faithful at being God.
Do you believe that? Truly believe?
When my husband and oldest son and I lived in Indianapolis, our pastor constantly said this: “Keep me trusting in the One who keeps me trusting.” I LOVE THAT! Remembering the track record of God’s faithfulness to us and the many ways He has answered and provided gives us courage to SUBMIT to HIM.

PS. Cru has produced a daily devotional for the Lent season (March 2 - April 18).  If you would like to receive it either as a daily email or as a PDF download, you may sign up for it here:
https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/life-and-relationships/holidays/lent.html

December Photo Card and Christmas Greeting

The six letters of Christ fill the nine letters in Christmas. Christmas IS about Christ! 

Yet, for some this holiday feels more like a hole-iday (ie: empty crib, miles apart from family or for some first holiday after a loved one's passing). But God still enters into our garden variety of gunk (illness, trials, heartache, grief ...) AND no matter what He relentlessly loves as we are. 

Recounting the message of my Savior's birth DOES GIVE hope. Jesus comes not with a list of things for you to do, but with a list of things he has already done and will do. Jesus lifts burdens; he doesn't add to them ... When we see the face of God, it changes everything. - Max Lucado (Because of Bethlehem) 

Crown, cradle, cross (see Philippians 2:7) -- God (heaven's crown) came down as Christ born of Mary in Bethlehem's barnyard, to Jerusalem's cross, where the tomb-stone was miraculously rolled back. 

Christmas begins what Easter celebrates. The child in the cradle became the King on the cross. - Max Lucado (Because of Bethlehem) 

~ Advent is an invitation to (prepare) our hearts, the Gift that surpasses all gifts (Immanuel - God with us). Like a child eagerly awaiting the event of unwrapping their gifts on the eve of Christmas or on the very day, Advent is a season of anticipation- beyond the tinsel and great tidings - hope, peace, joy, and love. King Jesus IS coming, am I leaning into receiving Christ Child with joy? 

Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world.
The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son.
The only requirement is to believe in Him.
The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.
-- Attributed to Corrie ten Boom

Here is a new photo prayer card.  Feel free to print off the high resolution image by clicking the below image.

Celebrating 70 Years of God at Work

As Leslie and I have moved in to serving a larger portion of Cru, we thought it would be good to share some of the broader reality of what has made Cru (the US organization) who it is as part of Campus Crusade for Christ (the global organization).

70 years ago, in October 1951, Bill and Vonette Bright began the ministry that has become Campus Crusade for Christ with the backing of a 24-hour prayer chain. The ministry focused on reaching students at UCLA with an understanding that if you can reach college students today, you can reach the world tomorrow. What follows is a shortened timeline of the ministry (a fuller version can be found at http://www.cru.org/about.html).

By 1952, more than 250 students had received Christ and the influence of the ministry was spreading to other campuses. To meet the demand, the Brights accept their first 6 staff.

In 1958, Dr Joon Gon Kim launches the work in South Korea, which propelled Campus Crusade for Christ into becoming an international movement. (see photo on Left)

In 1967, 600 staff and students converge on the University of California, Berkley for one week. Over 700 students and faculty members receive Christ. (See photo on Right)

In 1972, Explo ’72 was held in Dallas with over 80,000 attending day time meetings throughout the week, and it is estimated the Saturday festival had between 100,000 and 200,000 in attendance with Billy Graham speaking each day. Not only did this event revolutionize Christian music, but it mobilized thousands to engage in ministry.

In 1974, Explo ’74 was held in South Korea. More than 300,000 delegates attended. Police estimated at one evening meeting, 1.5 million people gathered – 320,000 of them indicated a decision to receive Christ.

In 1976 the “I Found It” campaign launched. It is estimated, in its 4 years, 85% of American’s received some exposure to the campaign. It mobilized 300,000 Christians from 15,000 churches in 246 cities for organized evangelism. (see photo on Left)

In 1979, “Jesus” a film account of the life of Christ premiered in 250 theaters. Since then, the Jesus Film has become the most translated film in history, with over 1,900 translations and growing. (see photo on Right)

In 1983, KC ’83 occurred in Kansas City, drawing 17,000 college students and received training in evangelism and discipleship.

In 1985, Explo ’85 was a worldwide video conference with over 300,000 delegates in 98 countries. (see photo on Left)

In 1990, representatives from 102 countries converge on Manila, Philippines over six months. Of the 5,000 participating, around 89% came from countries other than the USA. 3.3 million Filipinos were presented the gospel and 447,000 indicated decisions to receive Christ. (see photo on Right)

In 2001, following the attacks on September 11, we produced an evangelistic magazine called “Fallen But Not Forgotten” It was distributed to more than 10 million people by hundreds of churches and Christian organizations. Mike served with the high school ministry and provided the logistics for distributing 250,000 “No More Fear Student Survival Kits” to jr high and high school students in NY City. (see photo on Left)

In 2002, Operation Sunrise Africa mobilized Christians in 22 African countries. Believers from India, the Philippines, Singapore, France, and the United States joined thousands of Africans to proclaim the gospel in 50 cities in 50 days. 64 million heard the gospel and 1.7 million and 81 new churches were planted.

By the end of 2009, Campus Crusade has a ministry presence in 190 countries. Those countries represent 99.6% of the world’s population.

In 2012, 1,500 Campus Crusade staff and volunteers from more than 30 countries participate in Heartbeat Tallinn event in Estonia’s capital city for 7 days. Over 15,000 Estonians heard the message of God’s love for them. (see photo on Right)

In 2020, EveryStudent.com (a website created by Cru) attracted 60 million visits with over 900,000 Individuals indicating a decision for Christ. (see photo on Left)

THANK YOU Faithful MINISTRY PARTNERS for joining with us as we serve the broader ministry of Cru.
So EVERYONE KNOWS SOMEONE WHO TRULY FOLLOWS JESUS!

Making A Life-on-Life Difference

 Recently, Mike was interviewed for the monthly newsletter of MATS.org, the organization we have used to purchase vehicles from that caters to missionaries and those they are connected with. They captured such a great picture of our ministry that we wanted to share it with you.

Making A Life-on-Life Difference

As we begin to phase out of summer and into the autumn, we thought it fitting to share a story of transition that friend and client of MATS Mike Rebholz has to share in his ministry with Cru. Mike has been coming to MATS over the years for vehicles for his family and ministry, and we’d like to take the opportunity to share more about the work of Cru and the Rebholz family journey. We hope that you are encouraged!

For what has been 23 years now, Mike began working with Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ) in their high school ministry. Cru’s purpose is to help fulfill the Great Commission in the power of the Holy Spirit by winning people to faith in Jesus Christ, building them in their faith and sending them to win and build others. Mike’s dream of serving in ministry began early on and was of speaking and singing at church camps and retreats. God opened doors for him to be involved with Campus Crusade for Christ during his years at Bradley University while he studied music education. His work within the organization gained footing as he assisted in video editing and sound engineering for the high school ministry and eventually morphed into more administrative work. With a desire for more face-to-face interaction with people, Mike moved within Cru to Keynote in Indianapolis where he served as a sound tech for a band. During this time, he also met his wife Leslie, and began to take on some human resources responsibilities as well.

This transition from music to more closely dealing with and relating to staff within Cru turned into a position as the Director of Leadership Development and Human Resources Services with Athletes in Action (AIA). Under the umbrella of Cru, AIA is an international sports organization focused on equipping athletes, coaches and sport-minded individuals to grow in their relationship with Jesus and invest their lives into others. Mike’s role was to coach new missionaries, oversee policy procedure and implementation, assist in staff care, and intervene in crisis situations. It was during these six years that Mike was able to more fully experience the gifts that he had been entrusted:

“It’s a unique opportunity for me as someone who has an aptitude for policies and procedures, but to be driven by caring for the individual to be in this position. I want to make life-on-life differences in people’s lives, and right now God has that for me in these human resource care roles.”

Mike has recently transitioned into a position at the Cru corporate headquarters, where he serves in US Staff Care - a segment of human resources.

Cru encompasses many different outlets and ministries by which the Gospel is expressed and shared. Mike has found his niche in being able to use the gifts that God has given him and his family to minister to those that are working to expand this Good News. When asked what the most meaningful part of his work is, Mike responded, “On people’s darkest day, I get to point them to Jesus.” Part of his role often deals with balancing the individuals that make up the organization and the organization itself. It is a delicate, yet very important balance of holistic ministry.

With the ever-changing nature of our world and society, it is encouraging to hear stories like Mike’s. His words of encouragement to those of you reading that are also serving in ministry is this:

“I’d like to encourage those that are in ministry to never be afraid to be vulnerable about where God has you. Live in the context of community - in the light. God has plans for each one of us and he chooses to use us. The more we can be in right relationship with Him, the greater the propensity there is to fulfill the Great Commission.”

Personal Update:

Our family spent the summer in transition, as we slept in 10 different beds between June and August. Though we have a house to call home in Orlando, FL, our transition is not over. A large majority of our belongings are still in Ohio, and we are preparing to have them transported to us. We praise God for his provision of a house (and boy is there a story to God’s handiwork in it)! Our boys are in school: Benjamin started 4th grade, Maddox is now a Kindergartener, even our youngest Zachary started preschool just 7 min. from our house. They are slowly adapting to the change. We (Mike and Leslie) feel like we are barely keeping our heads above water in the myriad of details of our move, processing emotions of the many changes and our ministry responsibilities. But God is FAITHFUL every day to allow us to do what needs to be done.

PRAISE & Prayer Requests:
1) Praise God for the provision of a home we LOVE and getting settled into it.
2) Praise for all the safe travel done this summer back to the Midwest— over 2,700 miles were driven in late June and in July, and Leslie flew with the 3 boys solo to Ohio and back.
3) Praise for the incredible opportunity of a matching fund to help us raise additional monthly support. If you would like to know the details, please reach out to us and we ‘d happily alert you when the fund has been fully established.
4) Pray for the process of getting all of our belongings from Ohio to Florida.
5) Pray as Mike travels at the end of this month back to Peoria, IL for a conference at our sending church, Grace Presbyterian.

In July, we said goodbye to our OH house for the last time. Remembering where the youngest two joined our family. What a journey in the 5 years we called Ohio home!

Mike and Leslie “saying YES to the house” in FL.

But God...

In our last newsletter, we shared with you some of the hardships that we have faced. In the midst of that, we have clung to these two words “But God”. It is used in 47 verses in the ESV and the concept of but God is in around 100 verses.

Maybe you are like us in wanting to see a “but God” moment in your life. God is at work in each of our lives, yet at times we don’t understand what He is doing. I (Mike) have seen that time and time again in my life and know that because God doesn’t change, I can have confidence in times of trouble. 

Years ago, when I worked at a Christian children’s camp, we sang a song that used the words of John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus says this to his disciples as he understands the coming difficulties they will face as He will be crucified. While my circumstances are nothing in comparison, it is still true that Jesus has overcome the world.

Our BUT GOD moment we are about to embark on.

We have accepted God’s call to continue serving and ministering at the International Headquarters of Cru. This will allow our gifts to be utilized in a way that is leveraged across the entirety of Cru impacting 9,000 stateside and overseas

staff and volunteers. The scope is vast!

Mike is going to remain in the US Staff Care department doing special projects. Right now, Mike is leading a project to create building blocks of curriculum to engage our staff in personal character growth. All too often we see believers and people in ministry failing to live up to Biblical standards. This curriculum will be targeted at engaging our staff to keep growing so that significant failures which would require them to leave ministry won’t happen. For those in ministry, it is particularly devastating if they do not maintain a focus on their own spiritual

condition and character growth. 

Leslie has accepted a role to use her experience as a Ministry Partner Development (MPD) Coach in the program (Lake Hart STINT) that we have participated this past year. As the MPD Coordinator for Lake Hart STINT, some of the privileges she’ll have are resourcing and coaching the staff in the program with tools so that they will not be hindered by their finances during their transition. Thus, encouraging and equipping them to be fully funded and financially free to pursue their new ministry assignments be it internationally or stateside. It’s exciting to mobilize laborers for the Kingdom so that MANY more will come to know Jesus!

AND we believe this permanent move from Ohio to Florida we will thrive in continuing to serve the Lord and thrive as a whole family.

Prayer Requests:

1) Pray for temporary housing in Orlando June 12—July 2.

2) Pray for provision for moving our belongings from Ohio to Florida.

Special Prayer Email Group:

We are gathering interested people to join a prayer team expressly for our transition to Florida.  Use the checkbox "Florida Transition Prayer" at this link: http://bit.ly/RebholzPrayer

I Feel Crappy!

March 2021 Newsletter 

Sitting on our apartment couches across from our life coaches I (Leslie) uttered “I feel crappy” (and it wasn’t about being physically ill). In our bi-monthly meeting things began to spill out of my lips in the conversation. Maybe you have shared a similar sentiment in the last six months. Being is ministry as a “vocation” we aren’t without this experience. 

 My coach gently responded with care and follow up questions to unpack the raw emotion. Our coaches brought to mind the recent team time talk we listened to. I was struck by how I viewed myself and how my Heavenly Father sees me. 

During a recent team time we heard from a Cru leader equipping us to, “Reading your gauges.” We were challenged to read Luke 2:52, “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor of God and men.” Jesus grew in four areas: Mental (wisdom), Physical (stature), Relationship and Emotional (favor of God and men). Three thought-provoking questions we individually pondered: How do you see yourself? How do you see God? How do you think God sees you? Perhaps they cause you to pause for a few moments. 

You may recall Mike and I are here at Cru Headquarters for a purpose. This eleven-month program is developing us, giving us space to work through the good, the bad, and the ugly. Spiritual Growth and development are good and healing things. But, I’m not going to sugar coat it -- it’s HARD work.

   

Simultaneously we have the privilege to serve in ways that bolster our staff. Some of the beautiful opportunities we have this year are to bringing our experiences (Leadership Development) to come alongside others whether it be with missionaries who had to unexpectedly return from overseas assignments, a fellow mom with kiddos still at home, the single trying to discover their next place God is calling them to serve. It’s worthwhile and exciting to know our training and experiences are not wasted for the Kingdom work, including right here in our own apartment complex with fellow Cru staff. For example, Mike’s expertise of processes in LDHR and Staff Care allowed him to be tasked to develop some training material and processes that will improve caring for staff in matters of the heart and their grown. This enables staff to live more conformed into the image of Jesus Christ.

A gift from Cru - Lent Devotional

 We wanted to share with you a gift of a lent devotional that Cru has produced.  You can either sign up to receive it as a daily email or get the entire devotional as a single pdf download (sent to you in an email).

Here are the first two days, yesterday and today.  Check them out to see if you would like to subscribe to the full devotional series.  

You can sign up to receive this devotional at:https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/life-and-relationships/holidays/lent.html

New Year Photo Card

We wanted to share with you our New Year Photo Card for our family.  If you would like a physical copy mailed to you, please let us know by commenting on this post.  You can also download a printable version by clicking the image.

Prayer Request:

• Mike is taking an intensive Apologetics seminary course this week (an entire semester in 5 days of class).  Please pray for stamina and clarity of mind.  Also pray for Leslie as she deals with all the family logistics for the week.

A Gift from Cru - Advent Devotional

We wanted to share with you a gift of an advent devotional that Cru has produced.  You can either sign up to receive it as a daily email or get the entire devotional as a single pdf download (sent to you in an email).

Here are the first two days, yesterday and today.  Check them out to see if you would like to subscribe to the full devotional series.  

You can sign up to receive this devotional at:
https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/life-and-relationships/holidays/advent.html

Where are we now?

Where are we?

Yes, we are in Orlando. We are here for 11 months by invitation of a special program that Cru runs known as Lake Hart Stint. This is a unique developmental program for a select number of Cru staff designed to foster holistic growth in their relationships with God, self, and others. Lake Hart Stint seeks to help our staff flourish in ministry as they journey with others in giving everyone an opportunity to know Jesus.

50 adults and 53 children make up the Lake Hart Stint program that we are participating in. We all live in the same apartment complex and unique sense of community is being built. It has been a whirlwind of decisions and details since being invited to the program on May 29. We moved into an apartment in Orlando, FL on July 27. Only 3 days before we began our drive to Orlando, we finalized our adoption of Zachary (our foster son who has been in our home since he was 2 days old).

While participating in this program, Mike works in a role in US Staff Care. He serves on a core team that sees to all the initiatives for caring for almost 9,000 missionaries and employees. The main project Mike will work on is developing training specific to other Human Resource workers in Cru to train them in key aspects of their roles. This gives Mike an opportunity to use his HR knowledge, his technical expertise, and teaching background all in one role.

Given the fluid state of the pandemic, Leslie is participating in the program but without a designated role at the headquarters. Both Benjamin and Maddox are in school, 3rd grade and pre-K respectively. Their schools could be shut down on a moment’s notice, so we are thankful for the flexibility for Leslie to be considered for some project specific roles in the coming months which can accommodate the virtual learning that may come for our boys.

We are thankful for God’s guidance and provision in all that has happened in the last several weeks. We have a couple we know who are renting our Ohio house. We got both of our boys enrolled in school prior to their start dates. We would ask prayer for a few specifics.

We are navigating some medical needs and insurance. Maddox has nerve damage on a tooth and our Ohio dentist said we need to get it extracted. It has been difficult to work with insurance and providers here to take the notes from the Ohio dentist and just perform the procedure without repeating the diagnostics already done. Please pray for resolution to this in finding a dentist who will accommodate what insurance is asking.

The Bible, The Gospel & Jesus are not Quarantined!

We are certainly living in unusual times.  What’s normal?  As we all know well, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted some more drastically than others.  The world of sports has been brought to a grinding halt.  Like many others, our AIA staff have resorted and relied on the various digital platforms.  It’s incredible to see how this adaption has opened doors.  Praise the Lord!  Because of availability we are building deeper relationships with others we have already been working with and the busy schedules aren’t as much of a barrier prior to COVID-19.  

As we continue to persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been so inspired the last several months as we watched how our AIA co-workers quickly adapted to these unparalleled times and have been thinking of innovative ways to keep our mission moving forward.

One of these initiatives is UTC EVERY -- a unique virtual experience hosted by the AIA Ultimate Training Camp for EVERY athlete, EVERY sport, in EVERY location. It is designed to challenge the participant on their view of how God, life, and sport are connected using five Biblical Principles, interactive activities, and guided small group communities. 

Typically we host Ultimate Training camps in four locations each summer around the country for college athletes, but because of the current circumstances we had to cancel these events. This new initiative is allowing us to expose more athletes around the world to this curriculum. We had 714 campers/athletes registered and 27 different countries represented!

PRAISE: The technology worked for the mass amounts of participants.

PRAISE God used the event to draw the participants to Himself despite it being a virtual event.

PRAISE The creativity of the small group leaders as they connected with the athletes in their groups.

Coaches Guard Goes Down

Over the years, our Men’s Basketball staff have crisscrossed the country attending games, practices, and often having superficial conversations with high level coaches with the hope that one day the door would be open to go deeper into their lives. Well that day has come! Since their season abruptly ended and they are unable to work with their teams, many of these basketball coaches are open to having in-depth conversations about their personal and spiritual growth. Several of our staff are hosting small group video calls and are experiencing a vulnerability of these coaches they haven’t experienced before!

Faith and Football

What does the most climatic sporting event of the year have in common with AIA? That most anticipated Sunday night televised game- the Super Bowl. A platform to share the Gospel! Did you know just less than 24 hours prior is an NFL sanctioned event-

Super Bowl Breakfast which is hosted/sponsored by AIA! This year’s recipient of the Bart Starr Award (note link at the end for a tribute to Bart who passed away yesterday, May 26, 2019) went to Calais Campbell. This player is supported and poured into by one of AIA’s NFL Chaplains, Maurice Williams. Even more exciting is this is Maurice and Reulonda’s initial year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a former player for the Jaguars, he could be relaxing in retirement but chose to re-enter the league as a powerhouse chaplain. Leslie has had the privilege of equipping and mobilizing (MPD Coaching) this couple this past year. Here is Maurice’s recap of this season.

There were so many highlights for our season, one of which being our weekly Bible study. We coined our study, “Squad Night”, and it was comprised of a mixture of couples and singles. Our attendees came up with the topics, and the two of us would search God’s Word and pray for wisdom on how to handle the subjects. It was a blessing just to minister from a place we had been not too long ago. Our last Squad night we had local worship artists come in to lead us in worship in our home.

Our guest speakers and chapels were all on point as each person brought their best each week. We actually started having Church as the season progressed. While in London (UK), we were blessed to be connected with a local church, and they sent two young worship artists to lead us in worship. The presence of God was tangible in the room; it was awesome to experience.

This season we were stretched, challenged, and ultimately grateful as God chose us to minister to a team that is young and open to God. Our prayer sessions before games were special as I was able to lead them weekly in prayer for protection, blessing, and a reminder to honor Christ with our platforms. No man or coach is perfect, but I was blessed to see the entire team weekly line up for prayer as we thanked Jesus for the opportunity to play this game. This is just the beginning after being with this team it’s almost as if this had to happen as our team was probably not entirely ready to handle the success of winning a Super Bowl. Next season will be different, but what took place this season spiritually allowed God to establish an even stronger presence on the team, and we further discovered the blessing of following His leading, which brings the victory. 

This was a team that started off with so much promise as they hoped to position themselves to win a Super Bowl. The team was truly humbled after a 3-1 start they watched a promising season turn into a real disaster. However, amongst the darkness, there was light. Spiritually, we laid the foundation for a strong ministry presence within the stadium. We had four players pray to receive Christ, two re-dedications, and it was awesome watching God open doors for effective ministry each week. This year was an excellent opportunity to build relationships with the players and influencers in the organization. To close the season we ended in communion, which was another precious moment as we took time to remember the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf

The media especially on Super Bowl Sunday does not showcase what these chaplains do, but they are fully committed to the Cause of Christ. Praising the Lord for raising up 32 people that serve behind the scenes of these favored NFL teams to bring the word of God as a platform in this well known and loved sport.

PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS:

• PRAISE: AIA is onboarding 15 new long term missionaries this spring and summer who will serve on college campuses or in departments of our ministry.
• PRAISE: AIA has onboarded 22 short term missionaries in April at the Cru Orientation (see photo below) and another 16 will come in June (all of which Mike and Leslie train).
• PRAISE: The FULL season of ministry and fruit we’ve seen because of faithful ministry partners choosing to invest in His Work through us. GRATEFUL!
• PRAYER: Because of the bountiful work in our ministry, we are praying the Lord would provide help for some of our needs around the home. Babysitting (a few hours a week so that Leslie can tackle work) so that she can give her full attention to the kiddos this summer and not be distracted.
• Also, labor for routine house projects looming we need to get done (ie: carpets cleaned, small jobs we just can’t get to).
• PRAYER: Mike is taking two required seminary courses July 3 - 17. Pray for his ability to work on homework in this busy season to be on track for the condensed 2 week format.

PHOTOS:

*(Top Right) Leslie met Haley face to face for the first time at Cru Orientation in April. For Leslie it was a joy and privilege just a few weeks prior when evaluating her application to offer her an acceptance to join the campus of Wake Forest for this next year. What a huge step of faith for Haley as she has deferred med school for a year!

*(Top rt. & Bottom) April 12- 14 Mike and Leslie equipped 22 Interns, Part- Time Field Staff and STINTers (going overseas) at the Cru annual short term mission’s orientation AIA hosts. This was the 3rd year Mike and Leslie have co-taught the 9 hour intensive training equipping new laborers!

Haley’s email to Leslie the day after she gave her the acceptance for internship.

Leslie,
Thank you so much for this and for taking the time to chat with me yesterday. I am reflecting on the phone call and amazed that you spent the time reassuring me of Christ's love and expressing your care for my future rather than only assessing my adequacy or qualifications. I'm not certain I'll ever have an interview experience similar again, so I am feeling very thankful and peaceful. Thank you again for the trust that you, and the whole of AIA, are giving me to serve throughout this next year. I am excited about growing under AIA's guidance, getting to take part in God's growth of His kingdom, and to meet you in a few short weeks! -Haley

NFL's tribute to Bart Starr upon his death yesterday, May 26, 2019

http://bit.ly/BartStarrTribute

The Why Behind It

One of the first assignments our new missionary staff are tasked with (even before they arrive at new staff orientation) is writing what our ministry refers to as a, “calling testimony.” I asked over a dozen new staff to share with me a snapshot of their calling testimony. It is essential for our new staff to process and articulate their calling to full time ministry. Without the “why” the enemy will seek to derail, discourage, deter them when the “rough” times comes to finally throw in the towel- ultimately defeated by the enemy equaling one less full time laborer for the plentiful Harvest.

My life was radically changed by Jesus through Cru while in college. A couple of years later, I was presented a need from Athletes in Action and knew God was calling us to fill that need with our talents. The vision and mission of Athletes in Action (as well as Cru) was something I wanted to be a part of. Being a part of building spiritual movements everywhere through the platform of sport by winning, building, and sending is something I can't apply a monetary value. –Kyle Holmstrom (AIA HQ’s –Sports Complex)

I joined staff with AIA after seeing the power of sport connecting to the gospel while serving overseas. The ball breaks down barriers which otherwise would remain. What better way to use the opportunities it opens up than to share the gospel? A 'profitable job' is really in how you look at what that means. I'd say being a vessel of God to save the souls' of people is the most profitable a job can be. - Pittman Kutchers (AIA Campus in NC)

I joined staff with Cru because I felt the Lord calling me to be a spiritual resource that I did not have when I was a student athlete at the University of North Texas 25 years ago. The reason I want to be a part of Athletes in Action is to be the resource that I did not have. I would have given anything if someone had shown up at a team meeting and extended an invitation for Bible Study and discipleship. God was faithful to provide for me, but my life would have been so different had I had the opportunity to grow in my relationship with Him much earlier though a ministry like Athletes in Action. Many Godly people have poured into me and I wanted to now be able to encourage others with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We gave up a profitable job in the marketplace to go serve the Lord with Athletes in Action. The Lord was so faithful to provide the financial support that we needed and taught us so many valuable lessons during our journey of raising support. - Carmen McWhorter (AIA Campus in Texas)

I can't explain it! God did something in my heart. He brought me to a place where all the things that I thought were important and pursued were no longer important. He made me realized that only what I do for the Kingdom of God would last. It certainly makes no sense in the natural at this point in my life, but the peace that He's given me in this transition and for the future is unexplainable. As I key this I think of the scripture in Matthew 6 about seeking first Him kingdom - I know 4that He has me and all I want to do is be in the center of His will. –Mel/Cherie Jones (AIA Campus in Minnesota)

People are living life apart from the gospel. Because of your faithful prayers and partnership we have the privilege of mobilizing and equipping laborers to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ so there is a Christ follower on every team, in every sport, in every nation.

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us, so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations” (Psalm 67:1-2).

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14).

For prayer requests and a photo of our most recent family photo (including a new foster son) please comment on this post and we will email you a copy.