A Family of 5,000

Yesterday was the first full day of the Cru U.S. Staff Conference in Fort Collins, CO.  We have been here all summer getting ready for this - Jonathan also ran a pre-conference event called Legacy Track for our staff 60 yrs and older.

Vonette Bright with son Brad
at the 2003 Staff Conference

10 years ago, Dr. Bill Bright, the founder of Cru, died during Kerri's and my first Staff Conference - really, our first experience at all with Cru.  For me, this was a turning point in how I viewed my new vocation.  When the news of Dr. Bright's death reached the auditorium where over 5,000 of us were gathered, the grief was palpable.  That night, Mrs. Bright flew from Orlando to Colorado, to be with her staff family.  She graced the stage that night wearing a bright red dress, as her husband had asked her to do, and the celebration of Bill Bright's life and legacy began.  Kerri and I knew then that we had not simply joined a company, or an organization - we were now part of a family, a caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ.

That was 10 years ago today, and again we are gathered on the campus of Colorado State University, hearing powerful teaching and inspiring faith stories from around the world.  Most of all, we are together, as a family, to encourage one another to "keep on".  I'm so thankful for my Cru family!