Remember

Lately, I (Leslie) have been mulling over the word “remember”. Many instances, not only in our lives but in ministry as well have caused me to ponder “remembering”.

• When I’m overwhelmed by the mountain of home and ministry responsibilities, I pause and remember to cast my cares unto Him. Take a deep breath. Ask for help. Admit I can’t do it all.
• Challenging staff to remember their call (the why they do ministry) to ministry as they prepare to engage with potential ministry partners.
• While waiting for a major decision to be made, I have a choice to “worship” while I wait and not be anxious. Remembering, how God gone before me and already knows what lies ahead.
• When Scripture is filled with “recall to mind, remember”. The concept of “Think about my thinking.” The act of remember is ushering me back to my foundation, which is Christ.

One of the privileges of working at the Cru Headquarters is the opportunity to remember the staff who have come before us. On days that can be hard, Mike will often walk out to the Legacy Wall of Remembrance. There are plaques of the names of staff who served 40 years, or those who passed away after 25 years of service. It reminds Mike of the shoulders of those he stands upon as he does the work of engaging in Staff Care.

God commanded the Israelites to remember with standing stones. It was a way to remember what God had done. We often think of the standing stones in our lives of what God has done and are reminded of his immense love for us. Our standing stones include many of you – those that partner with us in financial support and prayer. We praise God for each one of you that partners with us so that the Gospel is not just remembered, but professed and shared with those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ.

Favorite passages in the Bible about Remember:

• Genesis 9:16 (rainbows)
• Deuteronomy 8: 2-3 (when in wilderness)
• Psalm 77:11 (miracles)
• Acts 20:35 (giving)
• Ephesians 1:16 (give thanks for people)
• Philippians 4:8 (thinking)

Behind the Scenes

In the early evening of Jan. 9th Leslie and the kids took cover under our stairs in a closet. A tornado warning had just been issued on Leslie’s phone. Being from the Midwest (IL, IN, OH) we knew better than to disregard the alert. The warning was a precaution for the storm headed toward our home which had the potential for a tornado. Taking proper cover to prevent a crisis seemed prudent. Flashlights illuminated the tight quarters as we played Uno and kept our dog from getting to our dinner. Memories were made that night.

Mike and Leslie both serve in the staff care department of Cru. We have the distinct privilege to provide proactive training and equipping to staff in the organization. Yet, we also have the responsibility and honor to come alongside our staff as they face a crisis. We provide care on multiple levels. While what we do may be unseen, behind closed doors and even confidential, we have the opportunity to be alight in some of the darkest times a staff person may have.

Much like being prepared for a tornado, our jobs ensure we have resources prepared and ready when a need arises. At times, it is providing resources that are preparation. At other times, it is entering into a time of crisis. It is a privileged place to serve!

 

Above: Mike works side by side with these women on a daily basis.

Below: Leslie leading a group of new staff through our stewardship training.

Above: The various staff care leaders throughout the ministry at a recent training.

Below: Leslie was one of the MPD coaches at a training for launching new staff.