Posted on 04/10/2003 4:50:27 AM PDT by AppyPappy
( ANS) -- As the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, along with his wife, Vonette, Dr. Bill Bright established one of the most successful evangelistic movements in the world - resulting in more than 4 billion exposures to the Gospel of Jesus Christ since 1951.
Bright's legacy is not in his many accomplishments, rather it is how God can use any person to help fulfill the Great Commission.
Now Bill Bright's wife, Vonette, has written a letter to family, Campus Crusade Staff, their ministry Board and the ministry's many friends around the world. The letter is being circulated by Bishop David M. Yanez, President and Founder of the International Prayer Warriors Church and General Center, U.S.A., Inc., in Orlando, Florida.
Quoting John 14:1-3, 28 (NLT), "along with other passages [that] have helped me prepare for what I am now sharing with you," Vonette writes: "It appears that what God has prepared for Bill in heaven is about ready for him.
"Jesus says, 'When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.' Bill entered the hospital for the second time on Saturday, February 16 ... The doctor told Bill, (when Bill asked), that he might live 6 months or less. He shared with both of us that it was time for us to seek help from Hospice care.
"We have known from the beginning of diagnosis, that without a miracle Bill's time on earth is limited. We have prayed and are still praying for that miracle. We know, too, when the miracle comes, it will be to honor Christ only - no person or group. We have been and are surrounded by the most wonderful doctors who have given their very best to provide healing care and godly people - including you - praying. We have left no stone unturned. Our lives are in God's hands.
"Bill has surprised all of us with an additional two years of productivity: 15 books, many of them videotaped, the launch of the Global Pastors Network and The Discover God Movement, currently unfolding. We praise God for 54 incredible years of marriage, 52 with Campus Crusade for Christ and the last two years to observe the transition of leadership under the direction of Steve Douglass and the strong bond of love and unity among the divisions of ministry.
"Folks, we have had it all! How can we complain? We can only rejoice. Praise God! To Him be the glory!! We love you and thank you for loving us and being such a vital part of our lives. We can be joyful for Bill that he will 'be with the Father' (v. 28) sooner than we originally anticipated. Hospice only means we have help up to a year, not that time is short.
"Bill feels that time may be short. We both are rejoicing. Bill still has some unfinished tasks. Please, pray for us. God is in control. Rejoice! Bill, Zac and Terry, Brad and Katherine and our grandchildren join me in expressing our love and greetings to you."
The letter is signed: "Lovingly, Vonette (Bright)"
© 2003 Assist News Service © 2003 Maranatha Christian News Service
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.