When Vladlen Stefanov went to New York City as Bulgaria's representative to the United Nations, Christianity was only cultural to him. He met people from the Christian Embassy, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, and began to understand the gospel. "It was the beginning of a life change for me," says Vlen (as friends call him). He accepted Christ and attended Bible studies.

When he returned to Bulgaria four years later, Vlen (far left, with wife, Irena) had changed. "I started seeing the world around me in another light," he says. "My faith influenced decisions I made."

In 1998, the World Cup was held in France, and millions of Bulgarians watched from home. Bulgaria's Campus Crusade movement had planned its largest outreach, airing commercials advertising free JESUS videos, with personal stories about Jesus from three Brazilian soccer players.

"We were all gathered around the TV to see the first commercial," remembers Scott Gill, who directs Campus Crusade in Bulgaria. "The commercial break came and went, and our ad wasn't there."

Vlen found out about the situation, and began making phone calls. "I found out the TV station had suddenly become suspicious about the Campus Crusade group, wondering if they were a cult like so many other groups in northern Europe." The commissioner of religious affairs didn't know about Campus Crusade, so the television station cancelled the contract.

Vlen called the commissioner, and vouched for Campus Crusade's validity. The campaign was reinstated, and the television station even reimbursed the ministry with an extra commercial, aired during a time when even more people were watching. Around 10,000 videos were given out.

"I was impressed with Vlen," says Scott. "Even though everything he did was legal and confined to his responsibility, he still took a risk. Anyone who took a stand like that could be pressured and discriminated against, or not considered for future postings and desirable positions."

Today Vlen uses his quiet courage in the country of Georgia, serving with the United Nations to help keep the peace after a deadly civil war.
—Becky Hill

The roads in India are packed with scooters, motorcycles, cars and rickshaws—mostly driven by men. Campus Crusade for Christ staff member Elizabeth Purti is an exception.

For many years her husband would travel outside their hometown of Ranchi, India, leaving Elizabeth, a 14-year staff member, at home. "I always had to depend upon my husband to go anywhere," says Elizabeth. Because of this, she didn't have many ministry opportunities.

At a Campus Crusade forum for women leaders around the globe, Elizabeth was encouraged to take bold steps to bring Christ to women around her. For Elizabeth, this meant learning to drive a motorcycle. "Now I have the freedom to go anywhere, anytime," she says.

The mother of two divides her time visiting women on college campuses and others in the community. She shares the gospel, leads Bible studies and mentors women. "Wherever I go, I take one or two disciples along with me," says Elizabeth. Always looking for ways to multiply her effectiveness, Elizabeth encourages those she is mentoring to teach others what she is teaching them.

Elizabeth sees great value in spending time with other women. And now that she can drive a motorcycle, she is praying to be able to drive a car. "Then we could go in a big group," she says.
—Jessica Cline

Tradition reigns on high at Texas A&M University, and two traditions especially stand out among the student body—the cadet corps and the athletic program.

A&M began as a military school, and nearly 2,000 active cadets assure that the school's traditions continue. Athletes are also admired there, becoming campus celebrities. In the spring, over 6,000 people attend weekend baseball games.

"These are two different traditions," says Campus Crusade for Christ staff member Jim Roselius, "but one thing they have in common is their relationship with Jesus Christ."

Players and cadets came together to share their passions with each other and with the campus through an event organized by Campus Crusade staff members from Athletes in Action, Military Ministry and the Campus Ministry. They called it United Passion.

Nearly 100 cadets, baseball players and friends showed up. A player and cadet each spoke about a typical day in their own lives. Another player explained Jesus' offer of salvation, and 11 cadets indicated decisions to receive Christ.

Then the groups expanded their outreach, printing 21 different trading cards featuring a Christian athlete or cadet, including their personal story on the back. They handed out 100,000 cards throughout campus, creating many opportunities for spiritual conversations, especially among the players and cadets.

While at batting practice, junior John Infante approached freshman Todd Sebek and asked him a question about the Bible. "That's where you drop your bat and give your full attention," says Todd. The freshman told John about what Christ had meant in his own life, and John showed signs of wanting to grow in faith.

Their Web site, www.godsperspective.org/aggiecru/UnitedPassion, includes student's stories of meeting Jesus, as well as a link to a gospel presentation.
—Becky Hill

Seven-year-old Stuart Yorty ran around the warehouse in Pennsylvania with boundless energy. Surrounded by hundreds of others, the thin blond boy helped sort through boxes of shoes, clothing and school supplies.

Everyone was packing supplies for the Global Aid Network, or GAiN, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, to send to the former Soviet Union.

During one of the breaks from packing, Stuart (left) watched a slide show about the children who would be receiving the gifts. He felt God stirring his heart.

"It brought tears to my eyes and made me want to go help them," he later wrote.

A few months later, Stuart and his mom, Ann, boarded a plane to Belarus. They spent two weeks visiting schools and orphanages, passing out supplies and talking with children. "We gave out Christmas boxes and Bibles," says Stuart, "and gospel bracelets, food and clothing. We got to tell them about our life here, and sometimes we played a game."

When Stuart returned from Belarus, he was still a bundle of enthusiasm, but this time with a greater purpose."One to one, Stuart is very outgoing with people," says his mom, "but he doesn't like to stand in front of groups. It really surprised me how much he blossomed at being able to stand up in front of people and talk about the trip." Stuart gave a presentation to his Cub Scout troop and spoke in front of 200 kids at a nearby church.

"He has more awareness of living for Jesus than he ever had before," says his mom. "He definitely wants to go back."

GAiN is currently moving to a permanent location near Lancaster, Pa., to store and gather donations year-round.
—Becky Hill

For more information, visit www.gainusa.org or call (972) 234-0800.

This fall, Hope West Africa, a huge evangelistic outreach, will sweep 60 major cities along the western coast of Africa, 40 of them in Nigeria. Phase one has begun: showing the JESUS film and mobilizing Christians. Phase two begins October 1 and will use many more evangelistic strategies like seminars, dramas and HIV/AIDS awareness.

"Partnership is the key," says Campus Crusade for Christ staff member Jeff Walthour, "as we are seeking to partner with many churches and Christian organizations who share our burden and vision to reach 35 million people for Christ."
—Becky Hill


Missouri

Jessy Beard stood on tiptoes. The 20-year-old scanned parade deck 22 at Camp Pendleton. Family members of returning Marines packed onto bleachers behind a long, white line guarded by Marines. "Don't cross the white line," blared the overhead speaker frequently, "until the Marines start filing off the buses!"

Then a bus pulled up, and Jessy's husband of less than a year ran into her arms. He was home. Reuniting that sunny March day, he was a different man. And she was a different woman.

On September 1, three days after her husband departed for Iraq, Jessy talked with two students involved with Campus Crusade and placed her faith in Christ. A sophomore at Maryville University of St. Louis, Jessy started praying that Jordan would also surrender to Christ. Despite the reality that her 6-foot 3-inch husband flew to Iraq an atheist, she began e-mailing him about the change in her life, and included Scripture verses.

On January 6, the Marine field radio operator wrote back that he chose Jesus, too, in the middle of the insurgency in November. "I laid down my life in Fallujah," he explained.

Jordan had served seven of their eight married months in Iraq, so the reunion marked a new beginning. The white line Jessy waited behind symbolized a starting line for their marriage: a fresh start for two new people.
—Angie Bring


Real Life

Many believers spend 40 hours a week or more at work. Yet many struggle to apply their faith to everyday decisions and relationships.

Priority Associates, Campus Crusade's marketplace ministry, created www.workplaceministrytraining.com, a Web site to help believers become ambassadors at work.

The Workplace Ministry Training and Certification Center, available 24 hours a day, includes a series of short videos on topics ranging from seeing the workplace as a mission field to telling co-workers about Christ.
—Jessica Cline


Arkansas

Paula Dafani was nervous and disgusted. All she could see were immature teenagers throwing their lives away. The 44-year-old mother of four was trying to apply her Christian faith by volunteering at a crisis-pregnancy center. But she didn't know how to connect with the women or share the gospel in a relevant way. Paula (left) found help when she met Lisa Pineira, a spiritual mentor for women. Lisa is a staff member with Life Builders, a community ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ.

"I prayed for a greater love, Jesus' love, so I might see them through His eyes instead of my own," Paula said.

After a few meetings with Lisa, Paula returned to the center with newfound confidence and love, helping three women invite Jesus into their lives. "It's definitely been a 180 as far as my attitude," she says. "I love it now and have a deep compassion for these girls."
—Gabriel de Guia