We met Clark and Virginia Corbly on their back porch in 1986. After we introduced our ministry, we invited them to become financial partners as we were just beginning to raise support with Cru. They stepped back into the house and began a little argument about what they could do. We heard Virginia assert strongly, “They are helping our young people!” When they returned they agreed to support us for $12 per month! And they supported us the rest of their lives. They were among our first partners.
As we have raised support over the years, some partners have said, “I wouldn’t want to have to raise support like you do.” I understand, because there is some discomfort with asking people to invest in us and our ministry. However, I would not want us to serve as a missionaries without the team of people that is investing in us, praying for us, and that care deeply about the work we do with Cru.
We started raising support in Cincinnati, OH, and there are people still on our team that joined us that first year (you know who you are!). Some of our original partners who were dear to us have died. Faith Free Church and Anderson Hills UMC, where Dayna grew up, have been a faithful support through these years.
Many more have joined our team throughout these years and even within the last year. Our support team is now spread across the country. It is encouraging to us to have your generous and faithful help. We want to celebrate you during this milestone year and to thank you! It is humbling to know the sacrifices you make financially to enable us to serve with Cru. We are honored by your faithfulness to the Lord and to us.
Because of your investment, we have been able to serve in many different ways. We have worked with Cru high school, the Campus ministry, The Jesus Film Project, International Sending, as Cru’s Global Crisis Manager, and HR Director for our World Headquarters and half of our US Staff Overseas.
Over the last 6 years we’ve invested in many parts of Cru: Providing nursing care for our staff conference, Unto, Athletes in Action, The Jesus Film Project, our Communications Teams, developing online training for all Cru staff, coaching leaders, developing Cru’s compensation philosophy, assisting several senior leader transitions, and a renovation of our World Headquarters.
Reaching every person with the saving knowledge of the gospel is an amazing purpose in which to invest our lives. Thank you for joining us on this 35 year adventure! God bless you for all you do to keep us on the job!
With love and thanks,
