Merry Christmas from the Russell family! Whether you are traveling or staying home, gathering with loved ones or keeping it simple, we hope you have a wonderful celebration of Christ’s birth.
The Vision Conference this year will be a hybrid virtual and in-person event (in Baltimore/Washington DC). I will attend the conference in person and Naomi will be a member of the Virtual Vision Conference Prayer Team, as she is at home with the kids. Every year, the Lord is so faithful to change lives at this conference. We are praying the Lord will show up again in a mighty way.
This is our largest and most strategic ministry event of the year. Be sure to check your inbox for daily prayer request/praise report updates from Naomi 12/28-12/31 to join us in prayer.
One highlight for Naomi has been staying in touch with a Nigerian student she met, named Joke (Joe-Kay), at Vision 2019. Joke (pictured below on the left) said this about Vision…
I had the opportunity to attend the Vision Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2019. It was a time of refreshment and belonging for me. Most international students like me do not have the opportunity to go back home and spend the holiday with family. My experience in Atlanta led me to participate in the conference again last year, even though it was virtual. The Vision Conference was an avenue to share my faith and the gospel of Christ with other students.
I have made friends from all over the world from the conference, and I still stay in touch with them sharing my experience and growth in Christ with them. Also, I experienced growth in my walk with God from the teaching and discipleship during the conference. I now boldly share my faith with whoever comes my way.
Presently, I have a YouTube channel (“jokemoore”) that is dedicated to the Kingdom & work, and the propagation of the gospel. The best decision I have ever made was surrendering my life to Christ and trusting him from that day onward. I believe in using my gifts and talents to serve God. It will be an excellent opportunity for me to attend the Ambassador Track training, which is the highest level of the tracks to prepare me for a leadership role on my campus and even beyond.
I will be doing videography at the Vision Conference, and Joke will be one of the students I get to interview! I can’t wait to share more of her story with you.
As 2021 draws to a close, we invite to you to further your partnership with our ministry to students like Joke. If you haven’t yet, would you prayerfully consider a year-end gift? You can give directly on Cru’s donation website. Thank you for considering us and for how you already bless our family!