November 2011

How many people does it

take to change a life?

God is doing an amazing work in college students throughout the US.  In my temporary role in communications for the US campus ministry,  I read accounts of students whose lives were a mess and then they came to faith in Christ. 

Brenda in Wisconsin is a good example. Just before the school year began, Brenda’s parents separated and she broke up with her boyfriend.  Then her brother committed suicide two days before the start of her freshman year. A friend coaxed Brenda into attending a CCC retreat last month.  She didn’t want anything to do with God or CCC, but God drew her to Himself.  Brenda’s life continues to change, and she meets with others who have a passion for Christ and who help her grow in her new faith.

Many people were a part of Brenda’s story. The student who invited her to the retreat, the speaker at the conference, and the Cru staff woman who led her to put her trust in Christ for salvation. There were many others too, like those who prayed for the students at her university, and those who financially supported the ministry on her campus.

But in between are people like those in my office who bring the needs of the campus to the attention of those who want to get involved in God’s work through their financial gifts. And then there’s you who make our work possible for students like Brenda. Thank you.

I just received e-mail from Harumi, my friend about whom I’ve written before (trusted in Jesus after we met 15 years ago; she led her own daughter to the Lord, and I’ve been able to disciple her over the years). Harumi has been sharing her faith with her family all these years. This summer, her father was diagnosed with cancer. Her email informed us that she was able to share the gospel with her dad again at his hospital bedside just before he lost consciousness. He said “Amen” as she prayed a prayer of salvation, and also as her and her daughter prayed for him.  Harumi’s pastor baptized him in the hospital two days ago just before he passed away.  She wrote that though the family is sad, they have peace that he is in heaven, and her mom told Harumi that now she wants to believe in Jesus before she dies.

KEVIN, PEGGY, LAUREL, JAMIE & MATTHEW GRIP

2627 CHEVAL ST. #103

ORLANDO, FL 32828

TEL: 407-384-1805

GRIPJAPAN@YAHOO.CO.JP