The World Cup is Here – An Eternal Opportunity in Your Living Room!

Last September, we wrote to you about an unprecedented opportunity to share the light and life of Jesus. Today, we are thrilled to say: the world is officially standing still, and the tournament has begun! Over the course of June and July, an estimated 5 billion people will engage with this global soccer event hosted right here in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This year feels especially significant as we celebrate 75 years of Cru faithfully helping people take their next step toward Jesus. Since 1951, Cru has been part of reaching people across the globe, and is now impacting lives in over 190 countries. We are stepping into a historic opportunity through a global initiative called Victory Beyond the Cup. Our bold, shared vision is to mobilize 100,000 believers and 10,000 churches to utilize this moment and share the hope of Christ in simple, relational ways.

In our previous letter, we encouraged you to ask the Lord for five people He was putting on your heart. Now is the time to invite those neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and friends into your living room to watch a game. This is not about complex programs; it is about gathering neighbors, building trust, and creating space for conversations that matter for eternity. Your living room is a powerful mission field!

As we launch into this exciting five-week season, would you join us in praying for a few key areas?

• Pray for open doors: With so many gathering around the World Cup, ask that God would create natural opportunities for connection and conversation. Pray that homes would become places of welcome.
• Pray for boldness and clarity: Pray that believers would feel equipped and confident to step into these moments with love and authenticity, and have the ability to clearly share the hope they have in Christ.
• Pray for unity across the Church: Pray that this initiative brings together churches and believers across cities and nations, reflecting the true heart of God.
• Pray for lasting impact: Our hope is not just for conversations during a tournament, but for transformed lives—individuals, families, and communities changed by encountering Jesus.

Let’s trust the Lord to see what He will do through this incredible outreach, as we all play a part in His global mission! To stay informed and access resources for your own micro-outreach, visit: http://www.victorybeyondthecup.com/.

Highlight of the Year

March 31st was a highlight in Leslie’s ministry career.  Five months of planning, praying, and preparing, she and a team crafted a full-day MPD (Ministry Partner Development) workshop for U.S. Capacity.  It is the department Leslie and Mike have served since they moved to Orlando.  U.S. Capacity consists of behind-the-scenes roles that give foundation (think Human resources, technology, communications, operations) to Cru so that staff can share the Gospel.  This full-day workshop wove Leslie’s MPD coaching/coordinator role and wisdom, production (AV, Technology) experience, and event planning.  There were about 150 people from Central Florida who met at Cru Headquarters and 40 who joined remotely from across three time zones (6:30 am for our West Coast staff).  

The morning session began with a leader in Cru who gave a pastoral devotional.  We then dove into table discussions revolving around lies and truths we believe about: Ourselves, Others, MPD, and God.  That was a monumental moment for some of our staff to verbalize deep-seated thoughts.  The afternoon session included times of sharing the latest tools and resources in MPD (ie, how to communicate your ministry) as well as coming up with personal next steps.  The feedback from this full-day workshop was INCREDIBLE!  Staff felt seen in their behind-the-scenes roles, equipped with new tools after being reminded of truths and their calling to serve the Lord.  

• 
  I… equip, mobilize, and send missionaries, who are fully funded and financially faithful, so that lives are changed because of the Gospel.
• I get to be a part of the mission in sending laborers into the harvest for the Gospel.
• I get to be a part of building disciples in their faith and propel them in their trust in the Lord.
• I get to point staff to their identity in Christ.
• I get to remind staff of the importance of their behind-the-scenes roles in the Kingdom.  
• I get to remind staff of their calling from God.

Finding Jesus at Disney World

We hope the story below encourages you. The Disney Team story is one example of how Cru teams are reaching the world. Your support is helping to change lives globally as people encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and are mobilized to share His good news.

Cru has a unique and powerful ministry team dedicated to reaching thousands of college-aged young adults from around the world who work at Disney World. Here is one recent story:

Jia* (name changed) moved from East Asia to the US and was connected with a Cru staff member for two years. When she relocated to Orlando for a job at Disney, she was connected to Cru’s Disney ministry team (picture of the team to the right). 

Though open to Jesus, Jia had not yet made a decision to follow Him. One evening, frustrated, she confessed, “I don’t know how to connect with God. I’m trying, but I can’t.”  

A staff member shared how Jesus alone restores our relationship with God. Jia read the prayer from Honor Restored (a version of Knowing God Personally). When asked if she meant it, her emphatic reply was, “Yes!” Tearfully, she added, “I’m so emotional, and I think it’s because I’m feeling God’s love.”

It is a joy to see the world reached through Cru, right here in Orlando.

Prayer Requests:

• For the Lord to move mountains in two coaching situations Leslie is overseeing.
• Continued wisdom and the Lord's strength as Lelsie is planning an all-day MPD workshop (March 31st) for staff in behind-the-scenes roles. Pray God would be glorified and the staff encouraged. She'd continue to see that God is bigger than her planning and human efforts.
  

Our work impacts a believer in Central Asia

 

Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership. As you know, we serve in the Capacity Ministries of Cru. While "Capacity" sounds technical, it simply means we provide the systems, structures, and healthy leadership that make ministry possible in complex environments. But systems don’t run themselves—people do. And that is where our specific roles come in. The End Result:  Sasha’s Story: To understand our work, look at the impact on the field. Sasha (name changed), a young man in Central Asia, lives in a region where sharing the gospel is dangerous. After seeing an online ad and watching segments of the JESUS film, he drove five hours to meet a team of believers. There, he heard the Word of God in his heart language and believed. Despite being beaten by his clan for his new faith, Sasha refused to renounce Jesus. He returned to the believers who led him to Christ, finding discipleship and care. Our Role:  Sasha met a missionary because that missionary was sent and sustained. That is the work you enable us to do every day within Capacity. Sending (Leslie):  Before a missionary can reach someone like Sasha, they must get to the field. I (Leslie) am responsible for the Ministry Partner Development (MPD) function for missionary staff in Capacity. I coach, train, and equip these staff members to be fully funded and financially faithful. My goal is to ensure they are mobilized quickly and effectively so that financial lack never hinders the gospel. Sustaining (Mike):  Once on the field, staff need resilience and healthy leadership to survive difficult environments. I (Mike) serve to lead care initiatives for U.S. staff. By developing training for supervisors and creating systems for staff care, I help ensure that the missionaries supported by our infrastructure are resilient, cared for, and spiritually healthy. The Connection  We may not meet Sasha face-to-face, but our fingerprints are on his story. Leslie ensures the staff member is funded to be there; Mike ensures the team is healthy enough to stay. When you partner with us, you are not just supporting "operations." You are fueling the engine that sends and sustains laborers for the harvest. Prayer Requests Leslie and a group of leaders are planning a MPD training day for all of US Capacity (200 staff).  Pray for wisdom as there are many facets (virtual-technology- and in person), Content would be well received and applicable to our staff.  Praise & Praise:  February Leslie will be going from a marriage retreat with Mike to a MPD Coaches week long training.  Pray for Mike as he single parents as Leslie is away.   Praise: In December a staff woman of 50 years has reported back to her assignment after a season of raising support being coached by Leslie.

December 2025 Greeting

Amidst the rush of Christmas, I’ve been meditating on one simple, powerful word found in our carols: Come.

From the deep longing of O Come, O come Emmanuel to the joy of O Come, All Ye Faithful, this word is a profound invitation—an expectant, personal welcoming of our Sovereign Savior.

God’s coming to earth as a baby, Jesus, changed the trajectory of humanity forever. His arrival was the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, offering us freedom, deliverance, and rescue. This miracle of Christ coming down to us is the center of our hope and the driving force of our ministry.

May you experience the full joy and expectant peace of Jesus this Christmas season.

Thank you for your faithful partnership.

The World Cup – An Eternal Opportunity for YOU!

The world is about to stand still, and it's not just for a game – it's for an unprecedented opportunity to share the light and life of Jesus! The World Cup is coming in June and July of 2026, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With an estimated 5 billion people engaging with this global soccer tournament, it's a moment we, as followers of Christ, simply cannot miss. This is a chance to tap into a global conversation and introduce countless individuals to the hope we have in Him.

You might be thinking, "Soccer? Sports? That's not for me!" But this is bigger than sports; it's a strategic moment for global evangelism. Consider the Super Bowl, which draws 125 million viewers. Now, multiply that by 12 – that's how many people will watch just the final game of the World Cup: 1.6 billion! Over five weeks, 5 billion people will be engaged. This is where the world is, and you, our dear partners, have a unique chance to meet them with the love of Jesus, extending the reach of the Gospel far beyond what we can imagine.

Your Living Room: Your Mission Space – A Micro-Outreach with Global Impact!
We believe that your home can be a powerful mission field, a local hub for global outreach. Imagine inviting your neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and friends into your living room to watch a game and, in doing so, creating natural, accessible opportunities to introduce them to the love of Jesus. How easy is that? Ministry in your living room! This is an accessible and natural way for you to engage with those around you, making a tangible difference right where you are.

How YOU Can Prepare to Get Involved:
Cru is actively creating a special digital and physical kit to equip and empower you to have spiritual conversations and share your faith during this incredible moment. Our goal, in alignment with Cru's global vision, is to mobilize 100,000 believers and 10,000 churches to utilize this opportunity, and that includes you and your church family.

While the kits are still being finalized, we want to encourage you to begin preparing your heart and home.

A Vision for Hearts: Cultivating a Heart for God and Others
This initiative is not just about the World Cup; it's about cultivating a lifestyle of sharing your faith for the rest of your life. We encourage you to take a few minutes to ask the Lord who the five people are that He is putting on your heart – those individuals you can intentionally pray for Him to move in their lives over the course of this year and through the World Cup.

Let's trust the Lord to see what He will do through this incredible outreach, as we all play a part in His global mission! To sign up to stay informed, go to: http://www.victorybeyondthecup.com/.

DEATH, a reality check

Death is an unavoidable reality, it will happen to each of us. Since Oct. 18th our family has known 12 people that are no longer alive. Among them were Mike’s former roommate, a woman we did ministry alongside with at church -- Mike knew since his early 20s, a childhood classmate of Leslie, our son’s classmate’s father, a young child of fellow adoptive parents, Mike’s childhood Boy’s Brigade leader. All but two we know are believers -- people who had a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. Grief has been a heavy, dark cloud over our minds and hearts these past months.

One specific relationship has had immense-lasting residual effects. Ms. M, was a therapeutic provider (play therapist) for one of our kids. Her unexpected death was like a sucker punch. We’ve known her and saw her weekly for two and half years. Ms. M was an immense blessing and answer to prayer as she worked tirelessly with our son. She has a son, the same age as ours, that she’d often speak about with our child. What continues to cloak my mind is her spiritual reality upon her death. Ms. M from what we know, didn’t know the Lord as her Savior and Lord. It’s haunting to think she’s eternally separated from God. I wonder on occasion what opportunities I missed in sharing
my faith in Christ with her.

“All mankind is sitting on Death Row. How we die or when is not the main issue, but where [we] go after death,” said Billy Graham. God gives life eternal to those saved by Christ, as He conquered death. The New Bible Dictionary has this to add regarding death, “For those who are apart from Christ, death is the supreme enemy, the symbol of our alienation from God the ultimate horror. But Christ has used death to deliver people from death. He died that believers may live [eternally]… Heaven is the abode of God and those closely associated with him.” Christ conquered spiritual separation from God for eternity. One of the deaths was Mike’s former roommate, Stan.

Processing these many months has left me with a newfound ache for the Lost. At another level it has hit our family hard as Ms. M is another loss for our son who has already faced so much loss in his decade of life. Add to that three additional people we are close to, have a cancer diagnosis.
These deaths: friends, parents, classmates, elderly and the like have brought about the brevity of life that it’s easy to take for granted. We (Mike and I) are in the vocation of life and death matters. It is a humbling yet weighty place to steward.

 

Year in Review of Cru's Digital Strategies One of the ministries of Cru is focused on how to use our internet presence to share the gospel and to continue to enhance people’s walk with the Lord. Here are some of the things that happened in 2024.

6,000,000 Total Visitors Our main website, cru.org, had 6 million global visitors! The team creates and edits articles, studies and resources available on the site. The top five countries with the highest viewers were the U.S., India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Egypt. The site reaches nearly every country in the world, including those “closed” to the gospel 65,000 Monthly Newsletter Subscribers We provided discipleship and evangelism resources to 65,000 Cru Newsletter email subscribers three times every month.

9,600 Evangelism Series subscriptions We created a series for people to learn how to share the gospel and their testimonies. Nearly 9,600 subscribers have joined us to more effectively get the Good News to more people. 13,680 Christmas Devotional Subscriptions We created a 7-day Christmas devotional series to help people connect with Jesus through Scripture, thoughtful reflections, and guided prayer. More than 13,000 people joined us through email, PDF and YouVersion.

11,600 Holy Week Devotional Subscriptions Our 8-day Holy Week devo series had 11,600 subscribers on YouVersion. The series discusses the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection and the significance for us today. 10,750 Easter Guide subscriptions We created a truth and reflection guide for people to understand how Jesus’ resurrection changes everything.

This is a small fraction of the kind of work that we support in our roles. Leslie presently is coaching a staff person on this team to get her full support raised to engage even more in this work. Mike provides leadership for the overall care of all the employees within this department. "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now..." — Philippians 1:3-5, NIV

Christmas Greeting and Photo Card

As Christmas approaches, it conjures up a myriad of emotions.  For me, the hustle, bustle, externals and present challenges cloud my thoughts this season.  Yet, I desire to soak in the fundamental meaning to this season.  In reading a devotional about The Heart of Christmas, I was struck afresh with the teaching in Matthew chapter two about the wise men following the star.  The story -- the three wise men followed a star that led them to Jesus.  This baby was one who would change the world forever.  There wasn’t a palace for this future king to be born in, rather a manger.  Imagine the three wise men’s expectations upon finding this prophesied child.  

Author, John Maxwell, writes his excerpt in On This Holy Night; “Every one of us has had times in life when we’ve followed a star.  Everything looked so promising, but we were to find out at the end that we were in a stable… Sometimes when you follow the star it doesn’t lead you where you want to go… Strong Christians see God in both the good and the bad.  The mature believer sees God not only in pleasures and palaces but also in the barnyards and stables of life.”

I know 2024 has been trifling for some, others faced loss of hopes and dreams or even loss of a family member. While others still may have had a jubilant year.

My prayer is that you can cling to the fact “God is somewhere in this.”  Even when we don’t have answers to our “whys”, in faith, an act of obedience we declare His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).  Like the wise men thousands of years ago on that dark night, followed the star that led to a baby -- the Future Savior of the World, a humbling experience that no doubt changed their lives.

Growth Project

It isn’t often that Mike can talk about the work that he does -- given the fact that it is mostly reactive work about personnel issues. However, over the last year, Mike has been working on a proactive project.

The project is crafting a training for everyone who is a supervisor in Cru to be better prepared for managing their people. As a ministry, our focus is to fulfill the Great Commission through Win (evangelism), Build (Discipleship), and Send (doing ministry). Sometimes the skills of being a good supervisor and team leader are missed in favor of doing more effective ministry.

The team that Mike has been working with has been crafting a training course to help supervisors understand their role and responsibility for the people they steward on their teams.

This training would be provided to just over 1,800 staff who are supervisors in all of Cru. Hopefully, it will enable us as a ministry to have a more unified approach to how we care and correct.

Recently, a film crew was brought in to finish the final videos needed to complete the curriculum. Our approach is to live out our value of growth. While we want and, in many cases, need certain things to change, we invite our people into a process focused on growth.

A series of role plays were recorded to show how the process looks and what happens if growth doesn’t occur. Our aim is always restoration, which we see as a Biblical mandate. But also, as an employer, there are times that the restoration just cannot be done with us. Whether someone stays or someone goes, it is our desire that we have pointed them to Jesus.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Pray for Leslie as the role she serves with our staff conference in the summer of 2025 is beginning to pick up. Pray for balance in the variety of work she is responsible for.
• Pray for the completion of the training this newsletter references.
• Pray for Mike to have wisdom in each of the personnel cases he works on — to be able to balance grace and truth. Mike always seeks that each appointment results in the individual(s) being pointed to Jesus.

A Conversation & Sending Missionaries

On a Tuesday around 9 AM, I was returning from breakfast at our Ohio, inner city hotel. I turned the corner of our building and found a man artistically drawing with chalk on the sidewalk. His room happened to be underneath ours. In complimenting him for his work, we started up a conversation. Somehow the conversation went deep fast. Josh relayed how tough life had been for their family of 5. He and his wife, Michelle, had been living in hotels and motels since the insurance money ran out 3 months ago after their house burnt down 9 months ago. In the 15 min. conversation he shared and asked questions that hit me afresh. Josh added, at age four, he prayed to the devil and dappled with the Ouija board. He asked if I believed in the devil. I confirmed there is evil in this world. Josh then asked if I believe in spiritual things as well as a higher power. I of course replied with “absolutely, and God is the higher power in my experience.” Josh is an example of a man who I believe is searching for God -- though he says he doesn’t believe in God. While my divine appointment with Josh was perhaps planting seeds, it reminded me how every human being has a story. Some darkness cloaks one’s thoughts, but they too are curious and or searching.

Summer months have been spent by Leslie, coaching 3 groups of staff raising support so that they can return to their ministry assignments. Every Mon. and Wed. 37 staff log on for our weekly virtually meeting. What has been amazing to me is the gift of these communities. They share their highs, lows and what God is doing. The staff serve in various ministry roles such as Technology, Cybersecurity, Unto, Bridges, Campus ministry, City. I get to facilitate the discussions that plunge them into deeper conversations about their support raising. I marvel at how privileged I feel to get to bolster, equip and mobilize our staff so that they are fully funded and financially faithful. Because of your partnership we are sending out missionaries to various parts of US so that they get to win, build, and send. That is something to celebrate!

Prayer requests:

• Wisdom for Mike in his role as he navigates crucial decisions regarding staff care.
• For Leslie: pray opportunities to collaborate with staff in various ministry roles as she seeks to serve them well.

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.

The bad & good news of Christmas.

 

Jesus’s birth is both the worst and the best news ever and understanding both will change your life forever. Only when you accept the very, very bad news of Jesus’s birth will you then be excited about its very, very good news (Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp). 

The bad news of the Christmas story is human beings are born flawed, desperate condition and deluded, thanks to sin. The good news is God has a solution for man’s sin thus restoring relationship with God.  He sent His son, Jesus, an infant born to offer humanity the solution for the brokenness of sin. 

Tripp adds, Confessing our brokenness is the only way we will ever fully understand and celebrate the birth of the Messiah, Jesus. The Christmas story is not intended to teach you a bunch of moral lessons that require no history to be helpful.  The Christmas story is about a God of glorious grace on the march, invading human history with the grace of redemption.

In life and death, man has one hope, a sinless person, that is the glorious gift of Jesus.  This Christmas may you see with clear eyes the good news -- hope lay in a manager, the birth of a Savior.

Got GodTools

What if you could share the Gospel anywhere? GodTools is a free app you can download to your phone, a Gospel resources at your fingertips. This tool can help you engage in spiritual conversations with others ANYWHERE.

• Knowing God Personally
• The Four (symbols to explain the message of the Bible)
• Satisfied (presence of God’s Holy Spirit)
• AND MORE

*Tips and Ideas to help you share your Faith as well as Christian Growth.
*“Openers”- a recent new feature. Fun and interesting questions organized into 14 categories to help you begin conversations.

Haku arrived at University of California, Irvine (UCI) from Japan in early April for a 10-week ESL (English as a second language) course. In fact, it was Passion Week leading up to Easter, and Haku, whose Christian grandmother had taken him to church many times in his childhood, was eager to join the Good Friday and Easter church activities. Haku not only joined those services but continues to go to church with our teammates. He expressed much openness and joined many of our events, including the May 5-7 retreat at Yosemite. The only problem: he is just beginning to learn English, so communication in many areas has been difficult. God’s solution: Rachel.

Rachel is a transfer student from Oakland who was involved in our Bay Area Bridges ministry before coming to UCI two years ago. Rachel is an American student in the business school of UCI. She is a mature, committed, and excitable follower of Jesus, and she is fluent in Japanese! Rachel said, for some strange reason, God gave her a desire to join the trip for the first time. God is so good!

In the picture to the right, Haku and Rachel are seen using the Japanese function on the GodTools app. Trey is in the driver’s seat as we make our way through the Grapevine into LA, coaching Rachel as she shares the gospel in Japanese with Haku. Several of us--and a host of angels--were celebrating as Rachel led Haku in a Japanese prayer to begin his new relationship with God. A week later, one of our Japanese-American volunteers took Haku to a Japanese language church service. We hope to encourage and support Haku as best we can before he returns home in June.

GodTools STATS:

• Translated into 100 languages - can be shared with others in their own heart language.
• In 2022, the app was opened 577,730 times by 229,918 people in 216 countries/territories.
• Most opened tool is the Four Spiritual Laws
• Most completed lesson was the Family Lesson.
• Already this year, GodTools has already been opened by 500,000 people
• It's been downloaded over 1 million times on Android alone since it first started (2010).

Download at: http://bit.ly/godtoolsapp

In an Instant

On a Wednesday night in early May, our family was traveling eastbound on a major road in Orlando. Traffic was the normal flow. The SUV in front of us was abruptly stopping, later to find out the car in front of him was “break checking” the driver in front of us. We were in a car accident and airbags deployed. Our car totaled!

While at the scene of the accident, I was starting to experience pain. While not overwhelming enough to take the ambulance, our youngest son Zachary and I did go to the ER that night. Zachary was released after being evaluated for the bump on his head, while I remained in the ER the entire night. At 2am the doctor came in and said the CT scan taken to assess pain from the accident came back normal, but we did find something else, “a nodule on your left lung. We are going to take another CT scan, it could be cancerous. But you need to see a pulmonologist.”

That 8 hour span changed our lives in an instant. May-July Leslie underwent 4 CT scans, 4 blood draws, 2 ER visits, ongoing medical practitioner visits and various medical tests. BUT, God had a plan. The nodule healed — gone on its own! WHAT A PRAISE! Going from “I may have cancer to it’s GONE!” (The pulmonologist and the entire tumor board he presented my case to were quite surprised as well. A follow-up CT scan is schedule for 6 months, just to be sure.)

In a similar way, the GOSPEL changes lives in an instant. Eternal separation from God to forever home in heaven with Him. Freedom through life giving grace and forgiveness. In an instant, Jesus’ death paid for ALL, each man’s sins, and making possible salvation from God’s wrath.

While we still experience the ravages of sin, we have hope. Minutes after this car accident, standing in front of the mangled front bumper and engine compartment, I had this look of “what are we going to do!” My husband replied, “God must be up to something!” That simple statement garnered hope in my physically pained body.

In May Leslie lead a training (Ministry Partner Development Launch) for 33 Lake Hart Stint (Leadership development program) participants. This training equipped them with the latest tools to cast vision for their new ministry assignments, dispel lies from the enemy, best practices in engaging potential ministry partners, as well as prepare them for their transition.

Mike gave a talk on transition which gave the participants a framework for the emotional realities of the broad changes happening in their lives. Mike and I had a BLAST equipping these staff to be fully funded, financially faithful and fully engaged in the mission!

Some comments from the participants:

Thank you so much! I expected more practical about our specifics (my MPD role, our specific goal, etc) but it tended more motivational. The content was good!

Knowing our audience and my eyes opened to see strategies related to our audience. That feels exciting and fun!

SO GOOD to name & normalize what comes with transition & change. Do this [transitions talk] again!!

Really appreciated Mike's talk on transition with the actual emotional realities in the MPD process.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

-For Mike to receive wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit as he makes weighty decisions regarding the staff he cares for and overseas.

-For the 19 staff Leslie has coached this summer in her MPD ReConnect groups, they’d experience God is fresh ways and persevere in their present circumstances.

PRAISES:

-Benjamin, our oldest, made the decision to be baptized in May! (photo on rt.)
-Mike’s talk on Transition was impacting and requested to be included in future trainings.

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.“