The DNA of Campus Crusade for Christ is WIN, BUILD and SEND.  It’s a natural tendency to care for someone (like my son or daughter) and not want them to leave.  Discipleship (and parenting even) is just the opposite and in many ways the same.  Sit a group of people down and ask them all, “What’s the some core objectives in discipleship or parenting?”…you’ll get an array of answers, right?!  Perhaps you’d agree that in both an objective is to Equip and Release.

Patrick, who gave control of this life his freshman year by a CRU student leader knocking on his dorm room, isn’t a parent, but a disciple.  I’ve discipled Patrick for two years, meeting almost weekly to help him 1) walk by faith, 2) communicate his faith and 3) multiply his faith.  In general the results could be tracked on a pad of paper, but the countless ‘life’ conversations we’ve had about dating relationships, parenting kids, school, time management and more are the times unaccounted for.  My family has had the unique opportunity to have Patrick become a part of our family.  Unlike most families, we’ve had students, like Patrick, play an integral role in Cooper’s life.  The college men are some of his heroes if they know it or not.

Just like one day Cooper and Nora will be released from our care because (Lord-willing!) they’re equipped to lead God honoring lives, so is Patrick and the many others who’ll graduate from being a part of Campus Crusade for Christ.  I’ve heard that Campus Crusade student leaders are more trained and equipped than more than 90% of Christians in the world today.  Is this true…I don’t know, but I know that I’m proud to release Patrick out of my care, to “GO” and make disciples of ALL nations.

As we’ve been here in Florida being the presence of Christ to spring breakers & equipping followers of Jesus to clearly communicate their faith, we’ve sent other students to the world this week too!  In Southeast Asia Jenny, Tim, Danny, Tiffany & Samantha are telling of the love of God there & in the most dense sex-slave trade areas of the world (estimated 40,000 women in a 2 mile radius).  In Chicago Inner City, we’ve sent 12 Toledo CCC students there to do the same & serve in tangible ways to display God’s love.

Jessi & I love love what we get a chance to be a part of.  Thank you for your investment into ALL these lives through your support.  I believe it’s a worthwhile partnership in the Great Commission.

1,150 eager students are packing into the conference room to be the presence of Christ in a dark place…Panama City Beach, FL on spring break.  It’s fun & exciting, yet many are scared to death.  Keep coming back to hear more.

Well, it’s my first run at this!  Not too bad   I agree…funny still picture of me!

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Hearing from the students (a snapshot of your life-changing investment)

Joel

Joel, a junior says, “Scott & Jessi have played a great role with getting me involved and even getting me to go on a God changing experience, summer project. Scott challenges me to walk with God, see the eternal picture & develop a heart for campus. I’ve developed in my faith thanks to the Downey family & their big heart for college students. With his involvement in my life and his ministry, Christian ministry might something down the road for me.”

Jason

Jason, a junior says, “Scott & Jessi have significantly impacted my life.  Through their teaching, discipleship & regularly meeting with believers I’ve not only learned about who God is, but who He’s has created me to be. Scott & Jessi love opening their home & family to us!  Scott continually challenges & encourages me to be a servant of God and always points me to the importance of the gospel in my life.  He’s an excellent model of a Godly man, brother & husband to me.”

John

John, a senior says, “The past two years with Scott have been amazing, to say the least.  More than anything, the Downey family has shown me what a true Christian family looks like…something I had never seen before.  Scott leads his family through faith in Jesus & shows us men how to raise a family based on God’s grace. Scott has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone & disciple other trustworthy men.  Scott, Jessi, Coop & Nora are practically family to me.  I don’t know what the last two years would’ve been like without the Downey family, but I know that after graduation the time spent with Scott & the rest of the Downey family will be a representation of what I hope for my future.”

Preston

Preston, a sophomore says, “What Scott has done in my life goes beyond words and straight to my heart. My walk with God has grown so much in a year since he’s discipled me.  He’s challenged me & encouraged me to be a better man of God. I firmly believe that the Downey’s are an integral part to this movement & to each individual they touch with the Love of Jesus Christ.  God continues to use Scott in huge ways in my walk with Christ.”

Patrick

Patrick, a senior, says, “They’ve made a huge impact on my life. Scott consistently challenges & pushes me, causing me to grow more than I ever imagined.  He’s taught me how to live a Spirit-filled life, how to run hard after God & model what a man of God looks like through ministry & loving his family.  I love getting to spend time with the Downeys in their home &witnessing what a solid Christian marriage & family looks like.”