My team is made up of leaders from 10 different countries. Our South African colleague hosted us for a week of planning meetings. The country’s diverse topography and rich cultural heritage deepened our appreciation for the unique contributions each of us brings to the team. Along its coast, the cold Atlantic Ocean meets the warmer Indian Ocean, creating a distinctive climate that supports a wide variety of marine life.
During our time together, we reflected on God’s work through the global church-planting ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International. I led several sessions where we analyzed reports from the 148 countries where we serve. It was inspiring to see how God has been moving through our thousands of National Staff and Movement Partners. We also explored ways to adapt our efforts to align with how God is working across different continents.
On my return flight from South Africa, the plane was filled with college students who had spent their Spring Break enjoying the warmth of the southern hemisphere. I was seated next to Nick, a law student at Columbia University. As we talked, I shared my own college experience—how I discovered a deeper sense of purpose beyond just building a career. The conversation felt much like giving fatherly advice to one of my own children about the journey into adulthood.
Nick had some past exposure to a Christian church, though he is not currently involved in any faith community. As our conversation came to a close, he asked me to pray for him. Perhaps our paths crossing was no coincidence—maybe it will spark a renewed thirst in him for the Living Water.