August 2001
The guys Nate worked with in Virginia Beach. (L to R) Todd (Baylor), Markell
(Butler), Chad (Wright State), Dave (James Madison).
The
Evangelized Becomes an Evangelist
For years and
years, Campus Crusade had been a part of
beach evangelism on spring break trips and summer projects. This summer in
Virginia Beach was no exception. This evangelism serves two purposes. First, we
get a chance to share Christ with people who are spiritually lost. Second, it
gives our students experience in evangelism and that will help them be more
effective on campus.
While we do see
people trust Christ on these trips, it is not often that you get to see how God
continues to work in their lives. This summer I got to experience first-hand how
God can use brief evangelistic encounters to change someone’s life forever.
One and a half
years ago Chad was just your average college student on a spring break trip to
Panama City Beach, Florida. This Wright State University (Dayton, OH) student
was in Florida to take a break from school and have fun. Little did he know that
his life was about to change forever.
One day he was
hanging out on the beach when another student from Clemson University approached
him and asked him if he was interested in talking about spiritual things. Chad
was willing to talk and over the next several minutes this student shared the
gospel with Chad. The message seemed clear and attractive to Chad and right
there on that beach he asked Jesus to come into his life and pay the penalty for
his sins.
Often that is
the end of the story as far as we know, but not this time. The Clemson student
kept in touch with Chad, encouraging him in his new walk with the Lord. Chad
also sought out the local Campus Crusade movement on his campus. He quickly got
involved in the ministry there and continued to grow as he attended Bible
studies and a local church.
This summer
Chad decided to get additional training and was a part of our project in
Virginia Beach. I had the chance to work individually with Chad this summer,
training him in evangelism and teaching him from the word.
Chad came to
project during our Killing the Giants week, a week emphasizing evangelism.
Though he did not have a lot of experience, he stepped out in faith and began to
share his faith on the beach and boardwalk. On two occasions he went out by
himself and on both occasions he had a chance to lead someone to Christ. So this
guy who was himself led to Christ on a beach through the ministry of Campus
Crusade, found himself leading someone else to Christ on a beach as a part of
Campus Crusade.
Chad coaches
basketball at Northwestern High School in Springfield, Ohio. He has also been
pursuing his teaching degree. As a result of what God has done in his life Chad
is now considering full-time ministry. Please pray that God would make it very
clear what He wants Chad to do.
Thank you for
the continued part you play in allowing us to influence men like Chad for the
kingdom of God!
Allison Injured
As
most of you have heard, our co-worker (and neighbor down the street), Allison
Rose, was injured after diving into
a wave and being crashed to the ground in California. She is now in Atlanta at
Shepherds Center, which is well-known for their work with people with spinal
cord injuries. Allison has feeling throughout her body, but can not move her
hands or anything from mid-chest down. Praise God that she is alive and that
there were many people around her who knew what to do. She has had many friends
visit her, both in California and in Atlanta. Many of her nurses and therapists
are Christians and have been very encouraging to her. Please pray for
Allison’s continued healing and restoration of movement, spiritual and
emotional strength, and wisdom for future decisions. Please also pray for her
family. And pray for our team as we adjust our plans for the fall.
New President
Nate was in
Fort Collins, Colorado a week
ago for the U.S. Staff Conference. In addition to hearing about our future
direction as a ministry, we celebrated Campus Crusade for Christ’s 50th
anniversary. Nate was able to see
many friends from all over the world and received additional training in various
aspects of our ministry.
On Sunday, July
22, Steve Douglas was inducted as the second president of CCC. He takes over for
Bill Bright who founded the ministry in 1951. Dr. Bright will continue to be
involved in Campus Crusade, although his involvement will be limited because of
his declining health.
Andrew’s Update
I am becoming a
water baby! I really like to play in the water. Mommy and Daddy keep trying to
get me to blow bubbles in the water; I try but just end up drinking the water
instead!
I like to go
down the slides at the park without any help. Mommy always gets nervous because
I look like I’m going to go down standing up! I usually go down on my tummy.
I guess I may
have a baby at my house when my parents send you the next newsletter. It will be
so much fun—we can play with my blocks together. I have been trying out some
of the baby’s toys to make sure they are fun enough for her.
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