Started by Prayer
Posted in: Movements
A simple prayer over a decade ago, “Lord, help us reach the internationals living right here among us,” launched a movement to international military members stationed in the United States. The late Paul Pettijohn, Cru Military’s first International Director, believed God would enable us to “touch the nations” right here in our own backyard. His prayer grew into focused intercession for a team to help shepherd movements among these international military members which would lead to movements in the nations of the world.
Three years ago the Lord answered Paul’s prayers when He brought together a team to focus on discipleship training for the international military members and their families. This Cru Military International team continued to pray, asking God to help us raise up others with His heart to have a profound impact, transforming the lives of these international men and women.
One day a volunteer serving internationals experienced a car problem after leaving Fort Eustis (an Army base near Newport News, Virginia). A Christian retired police officer stopped to help. As they talked, the retired police officer shared that he was seeking the Lord for a place where he could make a difference in the Kingdom. The volunteer exclaimed, “You can do that right here. You’re the answer to our prayers!”
First, it was Paul Pettijohn’s prayer. Next, it was the international team’s regular prayers for God’s direction. Then, it was a car problem and a highway rescuer with a Kingdom heart. Today we have the privilege of seeing a growing movement which includes regular Bible studies, discipleship training and fellowship gatherings at Fort Eustis for soldiers from Latin America and other nations. We are honored to see and experience transformed lives because of the power of the Gospel. And we are rejoicing that Fort Eustis is not the only location where lives are being changed.
Our vision is to reach the global military community for Christ. Our staff and volunteers regularly gather to intercede for the 26 nations where we now win, build and send out military members and their families in Christ’s name. We echo Paul’s prayer anew, “Lord, help us reach the internationals.” Please join us in prayer that the Lord opens doors in EVERY nation to continue to reach these strategic leaders in the international military with the Gospel …for their good and God’s glory!