The Seabourns

Keith Seabourn

Cru is here

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cruIt’s official. We learned last night that our new U.S. organizational name is Cru.

It’s been an amazing first day for our U.S. Staff Conference. It culminated tonight in hearing our leaders share about the 2 year journey. I was humbled by the milestones along the way where God confirmed, where God united people who disagreed strongly, where God led through the shared wisdom of thousands of volunteers, donors, and staff.

Our leaders shared research which showed what most of us have know for a while — very powerful evidence that the name “Campus Crusade” induces negative responses from many diverse populations, while CRU produces positive responses. Our leaders shared how God brought unity

I was humbled as our leaders shared that they asked thousands of people and learned that when Campus Crusade for Christ, now Cru, is at it’s finest, we are about meaningful relationships, changed lives, and significant opportunities. Our leaders confirmed over and over that our mission has not changed. We continue to be a community who is passionate about connected people to Jesu Christ so they can experience Christ’s life-changing presence and have opportunities to share Him with others.

I’m fine with the new name. I’m humbled to be a part of this caring community committed to avoiding unnecessary negative responses so we can get about the Father’s business.

So Kay and I, formerly known as staff of Campus Crusade for Christ, are now happy to be part of the Cru crew!

Being formed into the image of Jesus

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Have you heard the story about the sculptor? He was hard at work with his hammer and his chisel. Chips of stone were flying around.

An onlooker asked, “What are you making?”

“A horse,” the sculptor replied.

“How do you know how to turn a block of stone into a horse?” asked the onlooker.

“It is actually very easy,” said the sculptor. “You just knock off anything that doesn’t look like a horse.”

I have used this story many times as I teach people about the life of Christ, and being remade into his image. I usually say, “And that is what God does in our lives. He chips off anything that doesn’t look like Jesus.”

Today, I watched this story. It’s a powerful telling of how our Father lovingly forms us into the image of his Son.

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eLearning Infographic

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This infographic gives a good overview of the state of online learning. Our team at Campus Crusade for Christ is helping lead in going directly into a mobile phone with online learning. We call it mLearning, for mobile-phone enhanced learning.

(Click on the graphic below to see a larger version in your web browser.)

How the Internet is Revolutionizing Education
Via: OnlineEducation.net

Jesus on an iPad

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“I told you that I’m not very interested in religion,” she said.

“Yes, you did. Would you like me to continue?” I asked.

“Sure. This is interesting.”

I smiled, flipped to the next screen, and we continued.

This was my first experience sharing the gospel using a new tool for mobile phones. As we continued, my mind flashed back to the beginning of this current adventure.

I found my seat on the flight from Atlanta to San Francisco. It was a Boeing 767, with a 2-3-2 seating plan. I moved into the aisle seat on a 2-side but didn’t get too comfortable. Kay wasn’t traveling with me this time. My seatmate hadn’t arrived yet. I wondered who God would send.

She showed up at the last minute, a fairly seasoned traveler. She sat down, her book came out, and she was in her bubble.

I was able to engage in some conversation. We talked about family (she has 2 children), about work (she was flying to San Francisco for 2 weeks), and about church involvement (she was raised in the Catholic church but is no longer active).

When I asked about her interest in spiritual things, she replied that she is content with her life and doesn’t find a need for more religion. I would talk about spiritual things and she would talk about religion.

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I had just installed the God Tools mobile phone app recently released by Campus Crusade for Christ. This app has several different gospel presentations helpful for different audiences. I was looking for an opportunity to try this hi-tech way to share the old-old story.

I told her I had recently found this interesting app that talked about Jesus without talking about religion. Would she be interested? Yes, she would.

Somewhere over the middle of America at 35,000 feet, she heard about God’s love.

Each time I would try to engage her in some simple questions, I would hear “I’m not interested in religion.” But each time I would ask if she wanted to continue, I would hear “Sure.”

Success in WitnessingI think it was her interest in the hi-tech tool. But God was reaching out to her. Although she “wasn’t interested in religion”, she heard of God’s love, of our sin, of God’s forgiveness through Jesus, and of her need to receive it.

Although, she did not indicate any response, I was relaxed in knowing that I had a secret weapon. She thought it was a hi-tech presentation. I knew the Holy Spirit would be reminding her of spiritual truths.

It was a successful adventure.

What adventures have you had using new tools to talk about Jesus?

How you can get the God Tools app 

  • If you have an iPhone or iPad, go to the Apple App store and search for God Tools. Look for the icon.
  • If you have an Android-based phone, go to the Android Market and search for God Tools. Look for the icon.

More than…

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Kay and I have been meeting with a financial counselor. His job is to help us understand where we are financially as we look into the future. He has not yet jumped up and said, “What were you thinking?” He is very gracious and kind.

I don’t know how much preparation for the future is enough, but I’m guessing that almost everyone would say, “I need more than I have now.”

This morning, these thoughts came to me during our church service.

Philip told Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” [John 14:8]

There are times I feel like if God would just show me the pile of money, it would be enough for me.

So Jesus said to the official, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” [John 4:48]

I can identify. I’d like a sign that I’ll have enough. I would like to stand in wonder of the pile of cash ready for my future.

Thomas, the doubter, said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” [John 20:25]

Yep. I want to see it. I want to feel it.

“Though Jesus had done so many signs before the people, they still did not believe in him.” [John 12:37]

Ouch! Jesus has done many signs in my life. Ministry partners have faithfully financed our ministry for 35 years. We’ve raised 3 kids. Three kids have gone through college and come out with minimal educational debt. Two kids have married. God has provided.

But they still did not believe…

I’ve wondered, “How many years does someone have to follow Jesus before believing and trusting him becomes automatic, no-questions-asked?” I have no idea, but it must be more than I’ve followed him. He has provided every step of the way. In my head, I know he will provide in the future. In my heart, I’m still struggle wanting more than it looks like I’ll have.

Pretty pathetic, isn’t it! How do you live out full-of-faith each day?