Full Circle In The Office
In April 1985, Andy reported to his first job with Campus Crusade for Christ: “Mainframe Systems Programmer in Computer Services”. Andy worked in that office for 12 years.
As of September 1st, Andy is back in that first office, now known as Digital Strategies for Cru. Andy will be the team leader for Customer Service and Marketing.
Previously this department was focused on supporting U.S. operations — payroll, donations processing, human resources. Now, the U.S. Ministry Vice President has set a new direction: he wants to bring the fantastic resources in this department to bear beyond internal operations. Digital Strategies is helping to develop software tools that enable our staff, volunteers and lay people to accomplish ministry work. Because of this new direction, Andy’s role was created.
The “Customer Service” part of what Andy and his team will do is more than just a traditional I.T. help desk (something Andy has done in several of his previous jobs). It’s expanded to include supporting these new ministry tools. A great example of a ministry software tool (something already in place) is one called MissionHub (being developed by our own Cru programmers!). This software offers individuals, churches or organizations a way to safely store and organize information about all the people they are ministering to. Among many benefits (for example), MissionHub makes it easier to keep in contact with disciples by automating mass emails and text messages.
We are sad to leave the Global Technology Office — Andy loves his team there, and working with staff from other countries. I am sad to leave the excellent group of wives. However, I believe Andy is great for this new job. I can already see how he is appreciated by the staff who work with him.
Full Circle On The Road
You may remember that we’ve been looking for a new car to replace our 1996 Mazda Miata, the car that Andy drives to work. It was the “single guy” car that Andy’s brother had owned (until his second child came along) and then gave to us. Being only a two-seater and stick shift, it is NOT a family car. Rachel’s volleyball equipment bag was too big for the trunk (no kidding!).
My mom, Barbara has offered us her car (since she’s getting a new one), a 2004 Subaru Forester. While a Subaru is the “Car of Snowy States” (we see lots of them in Colorado) we believe it will love living in Florida — I’ve named her Barbara Sue the Subaru! She will be perfect for going back and forth to both the office and the high school. It has a large trunk area so it is perfect for volleyball gear, lacrosse gear (a new sport Rachel has taken up — more on that later) and the signs Andy sets up for our church each Sunday (we meet in a middle school cafeteria).
Full Circle Of…
Ok, I just wanna brag: last month as part of a church-wide function, the men in leadership (elders and deacons) held a pie baking contest. Andy made a blackberry peach pie with a lattice crust. And he did it without help (well, it was Becca’s recipe). The pies were judged by members on taste, presentation and popularity — Andy’s pie won the contest!
Full Circle Of Gratitude
A friend on social media recently posed the question, “What if the only things we had available to us today were the things we expressed thanks to God for yesterday?” I was stopped in my tracks. Andy and I are exceedingly grateful for your prayers and partnership in the ministry work we do. We are thankful that you are walking and working along side us as we minister in our office, our church and in our family. Thank you from all of us: Andy, Catherine, Becca, Rachel and the Bishops (Cady and Kevin).
The Kelloggs 