We’d like to introduce you to three new design team members! Greg is the Design Director for a Headquarters team called the Lab.

Libby | Senior Staff Member >>> A ten-year staff member, Libby started making cards for friends while assigned to the University of North Texas. One of those friends recognized her talent and suggested that she try graphic design. She started taking design classes and switched to a full-time design role in our Austin regional office. In her spare time, Libby likes to find old junk that can be renovated into something new and beautiful. She also enjoys drawing, photography, typing on a vintage typewriter, city life and a good meal with friends. In August, she transferred to Orlando so she could work in a bigger  creative team environment. “I’m looking forward to working with people who can mentor me and critique my work. Also, the office has a great coffee bar!”

JP | Intern >>> JP,  or James Peter if he’s in big trouble with his mom, grew up in Chicago and graduated from the University of Iowa with a major in Cinema. As a student, he made a new video every week for the UI Cru ministry. Cru played a such vital role in his spiritual growth that he felt compelled to invest himself in the mission.”It seemed silly that I should not give back a year of my life. Working at Headquarters also helps me see Cru in the big picture.” JP is looking forward to the personal and professional growth that the internship program offers, but he’s also excited about a team environment with others who follow Christ. When asked what he misses about Chicago, he says “I love the seasons, it’s messing with me that I should be wearing a sweatshirt in September and it’s still so hot in Orlando!”

Micah | Intern >>> Micah is returning for a second year internship. He graduated from Highline Community College near Seattle, Washington with a Visual communications major. He grew leaps and bounds in his first year and has a humble, teachable heart. He likes the variety of projects that the Lab offers. He particularly enjoyed being able develop and integrate his illustration skills into his graphic design. So what motivated him to return for a second year? “I really like the LAB team. It’s a great place to grow as a designer while making a difference by doing work that contributes to the kingdom of God. In the year ahead, I hope to grow my design skills and grow in my relationship with the Lord.”

Family Stuff

As you may know, I’ve been working on expanding our financial support team this year. Progress has been slow and the reality is that we don’t have the funding we need to sustain us long-term in ministry. If God has a new chapter and a new journey for us, we want to be open and ready to follow. But for now, we are trusting Him in these areas. Will you pray with us?

• We have about a dozen new contacts in the Orlando area. Pray that we would find favor in their eyes and that God would lead many of them to partner financially with us and help us meet new people.
• As a milestone, we are asking God to raise up 10 new partners ($1,000 per month) by January 31, 2012. This is less than half of what we need to be adequately-funded.

Thank you for praying. Thank you for giving to the Lord. You are an active part of reaching teenagers and college students with the gospel of Jesus Christ!