You may remember us stating in our previous posts that we are preparing to move overseas once again. In August of this year, our family will be transitioning back to the United States to pursue a new role within Campus Crusade for Christ, working out of the Great Plains Regional Office in Colorado.
Our passion to see students’ lives transformed for Christ hasn’t changed, but the way in which we see it happening through us has. It has been a privilege for us to serve in New Zealand and lead the local campus movement. But it has also become clear to us over the past four years that there are some very strong gifts that both of us have that are not being used to their full potential. We feel that if we stayed in our current position and location that we would not really be able to exercise these gifts for the greatest impact in God’s Kingdom. So, with a desire to be good stewards of what God has given us, we are pursuing a change that will allow us to impact more students for Christ in a wider reaching role.
I will be taking on multiple responsibilities within the Operations Division of the Great Plains Regional Office. One key area that I will be working on is Partnership Development. In this role I will help give vision and direction for how CCC partners with local churches and other Christian organizations in the Great Commission, as well as developing a framework for these partnerships to exist in. Other areas include Resource Stewardship, Creative Media Development, and managing the production process of Regional Conferences & Events. With my management background, campus field experience, and growing expertise in these areas, I hope this transition will prove to be a great asset for the Great Plains as they pursue their scope of reaching over 1 million university students in a 6 state region with the Gospel of Truth.
Jill will be dabbling in some areas that employ her deep heart of compassion and hospitality. These could include, but are not limited to, the ministries of Hope for Orphans and GAIN (both ministries under CCC), staff team care and development, and team profiling using assessment tests like the Birkman and Strengths Finder. With Jill’s extensive staff experience in multiple locations around the world and in different roles, she will be great at helping staff and students know how to relate to and care for one another.
With our hearts turned toward home, we are eager to begin a new chapter in the mission God has called us to. But in order for us to finish this chapter well and “turn the page,” we face some considerable financial obstacles. Moving our family home and shipping necessary items from our household does not come without some significant cost. We are trusting the Lord to provide what we are lacking to help us make this transition.
Despite the costs that come with serving the Lord overseas, we are so incredibly grateful for all we’ve seen Him do in our ministry and for all the ways He has blessed us. We rejoice that Studentlife in Wellington will continue to have an eternal impact on the lives of university students in this nation’s capital—and all of this could not have happened without the faithful partnership of those who stand behind us!
As at other times in our mission and now, as we prepare for this major transition, we of course are thankful for anyone willing to give us a special, one-time gift to help us in our times of need. We recognize that many others may be facing financial challenges as well, so if helping us at this time is not possible, we understand. God has always been faithful in providing for our needs.
If you would like to help us, here is where you can Donate.
Above all, know that we remember you fondly and are incredibly grateful for all you already do! Your prayers, financial gifts, and friendship are vital to the success of our ongoing mission.
Sincerely,
Josh & Jill
