Robin and I have had an enjoyable and fulfilling summer serving on the Cru staff conference team in Fort Collins, CO. Beginning in early June, about 200 people were trained to become full-time missionaries with Cru. An additional 400 Cru staff attended Cru’s seminary to deepen their understanding of God and the gospel so that they will be more effective in evangelism and discipleship. 90 of our staff went through cross-cultural training to minister in 24 countries around the world.

On July 13, over 5,000 U.S. Cru staff arrived in Fort Collins for our U.S. Staff Conference. Here’s a photo of our Cru family listening to our president, Steve Douglass.

The overall theme of the conference is “Together.” The vision of Cru is to give everyone the opportunity to hear the gospel. Together, with all of the body of Christ, we strive to share the gospel with “every tongue, tribe, and nation” in the U.S. and around the world.

Speakers challenged us to think about racial reconciliation and ethnic diversity within Cru so that we can effectively reach an ethnically diverse population. We talked about the importance of working closely with other believers, churches, and Christian organizations. Because the task is so big, we must work together so that we can reach everyone with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Robin and I were able to spend time with the current NYC Cru staff and those who will transition to NYC in the future. We had dinner one evening with the Cru Campus team (left). Until recently, this team consisted of only 5 people. The rest of the people in the photo will be moving soon or are raising the additional support needed to live and minister in NYC.

Speaking of NYC, we will be moving there on July 27! It is still amazing to us how God orchestrated everything to call us to NYC, provide the needed financial support, and provide a wonderful apartment. Our apartment is in a rent-controlled, moderate-income building in Hell’s Kitchen, west of Times Square. There are two Cru families currently living in the building, and a fourth Cru family will move in shortly after we do. Please pray for our transition to the city and for us to keep our eyes on the Lord amidst the many changes.

We give thanks to God for His call and provision. We also give thanks to Him for you and your willingness to partner with us in reaching the world for Christ.

Yours in Christ,

Steve & Robin

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