
spiritual
Multiplication
one conversation + one open heart x telling others= lives changed for eternity

August-September 2023
The Lord's right hand is lifted high; the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!
Psalm 118:16
Quick Note From Us

At one of the many diners we visited.
After 12 years on Cru staff, we were encouraged to take a sabbatical this year. The summer made sense as our work load ramps up after August. Wow, to state the obvious, it was HOT. However, there's much to be thankful for. We both took advantage of the extra time to get refreshed in God’s word, read books, check out diners, celebrate Zane's 25th, update our kitchen, and spend carefree time with family and friends. The Lord made sure we slowed down when we both picked up Covid in mid-July (on Julie's birthday we might add). This forced us to relax and get lots of rest. We are so thankful to be back at work, jumping in and re-learning things that we forgot.
There is Always Hope in the Darkness
God is always giving us new strategies to fruitfully join in as He rescues millions trapped in darkness. We are very thankful for your prayers and walking beside us. You allow us to fully give ourselves to this work. We have a few major updates we’d like to share with you that took place just before we left in mid-June.
We’ll keep it simple and start with this one update:
In the Spring of 2022, we participated in an outreach for Ramadan via digital strategies, and it was so touching to celebrate 109 new believers at the end of the month. This year, in 2023, we were able to participate once more through prayer, fasting, and supporting the digital team. This digital team was made up of only FOUR people at our Orlando headquarters who were typing and texting for a month (500+ hours total!) as inquiries from our social media ads came in. Our ads reached 7,337,881 people in the country we had selected. Out of that, this small digital team shared the gospel with 4,982 people, resulting in 222 new believers! That is in one month in countries closed to or hostile to the gospel of Jesus. The ads we placed were directed at those who were seeking answers about faith and Jesus. New believers were taken through online follow-up materials and then introduced to someone in their home country. The multiplication continues! Since then, the new believers have been sharing with their family and friends.
The following is an excerpt from their messages. Actual names and images are withheld for security reasons.

Story of “D”
D accepted Christ in live messaging during the fourth week of Ramadan.
D quickly began growing as she continued in digital discipleship, learning how to share the gospel with those around her. Just six days after starting to follow Christ, D shared the gospel with her sister, and her sister believed!!
D said, “I was happy to discover that I can also teach Jesus’ words. More will come!”

Story of “A” - From Instagram
A responded to an ad asking “Has Jesus Christ come to you in a dream or a vision?”
A responded, “Yes. I was younger than I am now, in an arid place. I was thirsty. I saw Him, he was walking to me. He didn’t talk, but he was smiling. I drank water from his palm. I held His hand and cried.”
A trusted Jesus as Savior the very day we messaged, and went straight into digital follow up. He has already completed three lessons, and even named four friends with whom he is going to share the message of Christ!
“Digital Strategies”
Explained below
4 Minutes
Thank you for being such a vital role in sharing the Great Commission. You should have a link to our personal prayer requests. If not, contact us and we will send it. Please spend some time on our website to learn about our ministry, past updates, etc...
Rick & Julie
