Our Ministry with Bridges International
Our VP of Global Leadership gave this powerful talk at the Cru22 Staff Conference. Key quote: “We can see the Great Commission fulfilled in our lifetime if all of God’s people use all of God’s resources to reach all of God’s world.”
What spiritual purpose does fiction serve in our lives?
That’s one of the big ideas of the podcast I (Zack) co-host, called Fantastical Truth. Although it’s technically a hobby, the podcast is something I take seriously as a medium for discipleship. We hold weekly discussions about Christian novels, pop-culture, and pressing cultural issues…all through a gospel-centered lens.
We recently hit a milestone for our show: 125 episodes! We’ve been blessed by many great discussions with Christian authors and other guests. So, I would love to share with you my ten favorite episodes so far. Please take a listen and let me know if any of them minister to you.
125. Why Do ‘False Prophets’ Predict Doom for Movie Theaters and Other Cultural Experiences?
Christians often sound negative about popular culture, but some secular critics seemed to forget that God made humans to gather in public and celebrate stories.
From absent hairbrushes, to kitchen-based boy bands, to Merle and Pearl Squirrel freshly thawed from the first century, Mike Nawrocki shares his stories.
This Christian-made audio drama series explores fantastical themes in a small town with big personalities, delighting generations of fans since 1987.
88. Can We Positively Engage Culture in a Negative World? | with Bethel McGrew, aka Esther O’Reilly
The world has changed. We feel it in the earth. We smell it in the air. It’s no longer positive or neutral, but negative toward Christianity.
Christianity Today news editor Daniel Silliman explores why fans loved top Christian fiction, including This Present Darkness, Left Behind, and The Shack.
83. How Can Fans Heal from Stories That ‘Wreck’ Us? | with Marian Jacobs
Some authors brag they want to “wreck you, the reader,” yet Christ promises a happy end that redeems all our harms.
81. Should Christians Use ‘Clean Fiction’ to Fight a Dirty World?
“Clean fiction” may leave out nasty elements like sex and self-worship, but poses other risks for Christians.
50. Do Christians Really Need Fiction? | Fiction’s Chief End, part 1
Fiction isn’t just optional for Christian readers, but a God-given gift we actually need to grow as redeemed people.
7. How Does Jesus Define and Redeem His Gift of Imagination? | with Brian Godawa
Novelist and nonfiction author Brian Godawa joins our team to explore the epic theme of imagination in light of Scripture.
2. What Do We Mean By Saying ‘It’s A Christian Story’?
Let’s explore a big debate: Should we look for the “Christian label” on Christian-made novels, movies, music and other creations?
You can find Fantastical Truth on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and most other podcast players. I hope these episodes will be a blessing to you on your commute, in the carpool line, at the gym, or whenever you need something encouraging to listen to.
Our next update will be all the great things God did at our recent Cru22 staff conference. Thank you for your prayers and partnership in ministry.
On June 5, Zack had the great joy of baptizing our youngest daughter, Cassia. She has talked about getting baptized for several years, so was more than ready. The first thing she said when she came up out of the water was “I can’t believe I am baptized!” She read her testimony in front of the church beforehand, and we wanted to share it with you…
When I was not a Christian, I was doing a lot of bad stuff and I wasn’t even caring about it. I didn’t say “I forgive you” or “I’m sorry.” I heard about Jesus from my parents and my big sisters and church and Awanas. I learned that my sin is bad. And that Jesus died on the cross for my sin. He took it away. He has forgiven me. On the third day, he rose from the dead.
When we were driving home from “Mom’s Prayer” Mommy asked me, “Cassia, do you want to ask Jesus into your heart? and I said yes and asked Jesus into my heart. And it made me change and I was not super bad. And now I say, “I’m sorry and I forgive you.” I will go to heaven after I die because I believe in Jesus Christ and I know He will take me up there.
Many of Cassia’s friends were able to either attend her baptism or watch the video online, and it’s spurred several conversations about Jesus. We are praying for her friends who were excited for her but don’t know the Lord yet.
Zack just completed a very powerful testimony video of my friend, Adejoke, from Nigeria. She was told by friends back home that sharing the gospel was something that only special Christians who were “called” were allowed to do. She always wanted to share the gospel, but thought she wasn’t special enough to do it. Through our Vision conference in Atlanta in 2019 (when I met her). She was taught that all Christians are called to share the gospel, was trained in sharing it, and shared it for the first time.
Her video below. Please take a moment to watch this video and be encouraged by Adejoke’s story.
Our family will join thousands of other Cru staff and staff kids in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from July 16-23 for Cru’s biennial staff conference. The last time we all gathered was in 2019, pre-pandemic. We have friends that we are very eager to see, but we both feel apprehensive about the content of the conference. In 2015, 2017, and 2019, the conference had some controversial speakers and topics. This led to a lot of hurt, pain, and division among the staff, and has also resulted in many leaving staff, on both sides.
Please join us in praying that this year’s conference would be focused on Jesus and His Great Commission, unifying to our staff family, and spiritually refreshing for us and other staff. We really need the Lord to speak to us personally as well as Cru collectively.
As we drive to and from Milwaukee, all the way from Austin, we are facing unusually high costs at the gas pump, grocery stories, and overnight lodging. Would you please consider making a special donation to our ministry? You can give right here.
We are traveling to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the Cru22 staff conference.
•Cassia chose to get baptized!
•Adejoke’s video is complete, and more importantly, she is trained and excited to share the gospel with many others.
•God would use Cassia’s baptism to lead others to Christ.
•Adejoke’s video would spur others on to evangelism.
•Cru22 would be a time of spiritual refreshment for all staff who attend.
•Cru22 would be a time of healing and reconciliation.
•God would speak clearly to both of us at Cru22.
Adejoke grew up in Nigeria, where she heard that you need a special calling to share the gospel. But she always wanted to talk to others about Christ’s love. She is, after all, a people person. Through her local Bridges ministry and the Vision conference, she learned how to share the gospel in-depth.
As Ukraine has dominated headlines, you may have heard that six million people have left the country as refugees. Estimates are that 100,000 of them will come to the U.S. In addition to this, approximately 76,000 Afghan refugees came to the U.S. last year.
When refugees come here, we have a wonderful opportunity to reach them with the love of Christ. Zack has finished editing a new video series for EveryInternational to train Americans to reach refugees and immigrants.
Some of the new topics:
If you are interested in viewing any of the training videos, everything is free on the website everyinternational.com. You just need to create a login to access them. I (Naomi) just watched Biblical View of Immigrants, and it was wonderful. I was literally tearing up at the end of the video.
Because Zack and I are not currently on a campus team, the majority of our interaction with internationals is with immigrants. Through our kids’ school, we have been blessed to befriend immigrants from Vietnam, Honduras, Morocco, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa, Kashmir, and Ethiopia. Pray we can reach them with the love of Christ.
People from the Middle East have become even more near and dear to our hearts, as the Lord has placed us at a school where all of our kids have friends in their classes who come from this part of the world.
With Cassia’s upcoming baptism, I (Naomi) have had the opportunity to talk to three Middle-Eastern moms: “Faye,” “Allison,” and “Molly” about the meaning of baptism and the free gift of forgiveness that Jesus offers us through his death on the cross. (They believe that Jesus never died, but that he was an honored prophet who was taken to heaven like Elijah.)
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, ended in early May. This period follows a lunar calendar so the exact date of the last night, called the Night of Power, is uncertain. Most devout followers will stay up praying all night the last ten days of Ramadan to make sure they don’t miss it. They deprive themselves of food and sleep to gain Allah’s favor.
“Faye” and her husband “Ferris” are extremely devout. At the end of Ramadan, I spoke with Faye. She said they were up all night for the last few days, praying and hoping that they will be accepted and forgiven.
What this mom of young kids puts herself through in an attempt to earn God’s forgiveness! I shared Bible verses with her about the rest and free gift of forgiveness that Jesus offers, but she responded with a common belief that the Bible has been corrupted. Please pray that Jesus would speak His truth to her.
Zack was able to attend Vision Conference in person this year and I (Naomi) was on the Virtual Vision Prayer Conference team. I want to thank the many of you who read my daily prayer updates and joined my prayer team in battle for the hearts and souls of these precious internationals. God heard and answered our prayers. Here are some highlights…
-Vision Conference did not become a super spreader event for Covid; just a handful of people got sick.
-A seeking student studying in Michigan named Samuel texted his Bridges staff saying, “the conference was truly amazing and I’ll never forget those 5 days of my life. I really thank you so much for your help and guidance…Bridges International has the best motive for connecting international students and I enjoyed so much in the Multi-nations group.”
-A Christian student, Nicole, was trained in how to more effectively share her faith and caught such a vision for reaching internationals where she studies in London. She said, “I wish I could quit school and work with you guys!” She is considering interning with Bridges after graduation.
-A Seeker from China shared how the conference impacted her and how she could see that Christianity was not only for Americans but for people from other cultures too! She is now considering becoming a Christian and has started attending a Mandarin Bible study.
-“It’s been like a reconnection with God,” said a Brazilian student from the University of North Carolina. His wife agreed. “Something happened there. I want to spread the word.” Already this couple is seeking ways to serve at their local Bridges movement.
You can read more about the amazing things God did at Vision Conference in the full report.
Zack and his film team spent a lot a time with five Christian students from Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India capturing the stories of ways God has worked in their lives. One of those students was my friend Joke (pronounced Joe-Kay) who was in my Multi-Nations group when I went to Vision 2019.
Joke (pictured below) attended the Ambassadors Track, our highest level of training for students at Vision. Joke said “It was an amazing experience to learn how to be a leader and to share the gospel using PLANT: P- prayer, L- listen, A-articulate, N- invite, T- try again.”
Our entire family got Omicron in mid January. Zack, Miah, and I are still dealing with some lingering symptoms. Thankfully I was able to get medicine that prevented a major flare of my Epstein Barr. I am still experiencing some fatigue, but I don’t know if it is from EBV or Covid.
Annalei was our biggest concern, as she was experiencing shortness of breath (the same thing happened when she got the vaccine). Praise God, she is fine now, but she has seen a pulmonologist and will undergo testing because this has been an off-and-on exercise induced problem since she was vaccinated.
We were challenged to each pray for 3 people we wanted to share the gospel with. All 4 kids have been having spiritual conversations with friends at school. Cassia was nervous, but actually saw a friend ask Jesus into her heart!
God changed many lives at Vision conference.
Covid did not trigger another huge setback for Naomi.
Our kids are each gaining a heart for evangelism.
For students who attended Vision: Seekers would believe in Jesus, and Christians would share their faith.
Our kids would continue to be bold for Jesus at school.
Cassia’s friend would grow in her new faith.
The new EveryInternational video series would train many people to reach immigrants and refugees with the gospel.
Total healing for our family from Covid symptoms.
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!
Thank you so much joining us in prayer for for UT’s Thanksgiving outreach, Friends-for-Dinner. The program was a great success, and UT Bridges is planning on doing it again next year. Here is some feedback from international students and hosts:
The Lord answered so many prayers for this event!
Naomi’s joint pain returned. Meanwhile, Thanksgiving offers ministry opportunities.
I (Naomi) was given an injection that contained epinephrine. This drug, unfortunately, reactivated my Epstein Barr Virus and has caused my Mono symptoms to return. Joint pain and fatigue came back in full force. I was able to see a Nurse Practitioner who suffers from Epstein Barr herself. She has gotten me on some wonderful supplements that have greatly reduced my joint pain. I am still struggling with fatigue and am relying on an afternoon nap to get me through the daily demands of life and motherhood. Zack has had to take over the majority of chauffeuring of our kids, as driving is especially exhausting to me. We would appreciate prayer, as this has felt like a very discouraging setback.
One wonderful blessing for me that has come out of this pandemic era is zoom prayer meetings. Even though I’m not physically able to drive and attend an in person prayer meeting, I can attend, lead, or host a zoom prayer meeting.
A Bridges staff member on the UT team recently asked me to host prayer for their Thanksgiving outreach called “Friends for Dinner.” This is a hospitality program that partners International students with American Christian hosts for the Thanksgiving holiday, in the hopes that friendships will be built and the love of Christ shared with these precious students. I was very excited to hear that the UT team is using an EveryInternational video (below) that Zack produced to train their hosts:
It features our friend and former Houston Bridges Teammate, Blake Ackerson. He has some wonderful wisdom to share about hosting an international in your home.
If you live here in Austin, the UT team is still looking for Americans to host. Please reply to this email if you are interested, and I can send you info. The sign up deadline is Sunday, 11/14 at midnight.
Please pray…
-Total healing for Naomi
-That God would enable Zack to be productive with video editing and handle driving duties for the family
-More UT students and American hosts would sign up for the Friends for Dinner program
-Deep friendships would be built that would lead the Internationals one step closer to trusting Christ
-Hosts would gain a vision for reaching the nations that have come to us
Thank you for your prayers and partnership in ministry.
Zack and I (Naomi) were blessed to take a sabbatical this summer. It was a much needed break from the weight of the internal strife within Cru this past year. (See our June update) I took the time to read a book written by our founder, Bill Bright, shortly before his death called My Life is Not My Own: Following God No Matter the Cost. Dr. Bright shares his testimony about how he surrendered his life to Jesus, and the adventure and blessing that followed. He also challenges the reader of the book to surrender his/her life to Christ as well.
For me (Naomi), reading this book was a reminder of why I joined staff with Cru and a renewal of my decision to surrender my life to Christ. Jesus has shown me that I need to surrender the small, daily, mothering decisions and actions, as well as the large life choices up to Him. He honors a surrendered life!
The highlight of my Sabbatical was taking a trip to Oregon by myself! I stayed with two of my Bridesmaids and visited with several close friends from my time on Cru staff at Oregon State (back in my single days). The Oregon coast is so incredibly beautiful, and every friend deeply encouraged and renewed my heart.
On the flight back, being in a posture of living a surrendered life, I told God that I was available to talk to someone seated next to me. And He gave me an opportunity! I sat next to a CSU student named Destiny. Since I graduated from Colorado State, it was easy to make connections with her. And as the Lord opened the door to discuss spiritual things, He prompted me to share a part of my testimony that I don’t typically share. It turns out that she had a similar experience, but it had led to her walking away from the faith. I was able to speak some truth to her. Destiny is very open spiritually but not sure what she believes now.
During my (Zack’s) Sabbatical, I dove into a book club to work through Live Not By Lies and Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth. Both of these books have been helpful at discerning through the issues going on in the broader culture and within Cru.
Since launching EveryInternational.com in 2018, the site has been viewed 134,034 times in 136 countries. 2,293 people have registered to use our free training and have completed 5,188 lessons! I (Zack) am now editing a new batch of training videos about bringing the gospel to immigrants and refugees (a relevant topic in light of Afghanistan’s collapse).
My team and I filmed ten new lessons, including “Three Stages of an Immigrant’s Experience,” “Using ESL Classes,” and “Reaching African Immigrants.”
In one of the videos, Emmanuel, an Intervarsity staff member from Cameroon, shared his vision: “As an African proverb teaches us that a small house can hold hundreds of friends, my prayer is that God will give the ability to host hundreds of African immigrants in our hearts.”
Zack and I signed up to help with some refugees from Afghanistan through our church. Even as Zack is editing the lessons, we are excited to put the material into practice.
Annalei has started driving lessons. Our other kids are glad cooler Fall temperatures are here in Central Texas.
