“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This is verse one of Psalm 46. Then in verse 10 God says, “‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’ The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” It’s understandable to be uneasy in these historic, challenging times, but it helps bring peace to keep your mind and heart focused on the LORD of hosts. Pray that God is exalted in all the earth now that the COVID-19 virus has brought this world to a standstill!
People are continuing to follow God's call to become full-time missionaries and spread the good news of the gospel around the world. Robin and her Applicant Liaison Team are working (from home, of course) to assist the hundreds of people who have applied to become missionaries with Cru in the last few months. One of the recently accepted missionaries wrote, “The guidance you all provide at Cru is a great encouragement to me. I liken it to a picture of Jesus coming alongside His disciples :).”
But due to the changes COVID-19 has brought to our world, these new staff will not be able to attend this summer's Cru New Staff Orientation training in person for the first time in the 69 years that Cru has been training missionaries. Pray for wisdom for the Cru team that will create online training for the new staff. Pray that it will be as effective as the in-person training. Please pray for Robin's team and for these 150 newly accepted full-time missionaries.
Earlier this month, Cru hosted several online trainings for approximately 400 interns and part-time staff. Please pray for these 400 missionaries as they raise their financial support so that they can report to their assignments in August. They will serve with Cru in cities and on campuses all over the world, Lord willing.
The world has turned to the internet more than ever before, so how can we minister to others online? EveryStudent.com and EveryPerson.com are Cru’s most successful online ministries.
Marilyn Adamson, Cru missionary and founder of EveryStudent.com, has a 30-minute video that will show you how you can use these sites to reach others: www.everystudent.info/r/training2.html. Another video you can use in a group or church setting: www.everystudent.info/r/training.html. A PDF of her talk: www.everystudent.info/coronavirus/.
Thank you for your faithfulness to help fulfill God’s desire that everyone has a chance to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. We are praying for you. If you have specific prayer requests, please contact us.
Yours in Christ,
Steve & Robin