Her Winsome Words

It amazes and humbles me that even the smallest gestures or simplest words are often what brings us the greatest encouragement. I had one of those moments tonight. But before I explain what happened, I need to introduce you to two women: Sheryl WuDunn and Vonette Brigt.

Sheryl WuDunn is an amazing woman. She is the first Asian-American (not to mention woman) to win a Pulitzer prize for her outstanding journalism. Her book, Half the Sky, has been a New York Times best-seller and has been featured on many national broadcasts including Oprah. Sheryl is known in the secular and Christian communities as a advocate for the basic rights of women world-wide, especially dealing with sex-trafficking and maternal mortality. Sheryl, even though not a Christian herself, accepted the invitation to speak st Synergy, a women's ministry/leadership conference.

Vonette Bright is an amazing woman of God. Her and her husband, Bill, founded Campus Crusade for Christ, and spent 50 years shepherding all the minitries that poured forth globally. Vonette is widely known and respected for her faithfulness in prayer and calling as she has impacted millions through her life's work for the Kingdom of God.

With these brief biographies in mind, let me explain how the evening unfolded. I am at the Synergy conference this weekend have been surprised and impressed at the wide spheres of influence the women here have. When I heard the keynote speaker at this Christian conference wasn't a believer, I was surprised and a bit apprehensive. But Sheryl WuDunn had so many powerful stories about women around the world and, despite her secular position, brought great insight to the table. She kept mentioning that the physical and sexual atrocities that are being done to women through oppression are a social problem. I am sure every woman in the room was thinking what only one of us had the guts - and the position - to say.

At the end of Sheryl's talk was a Q&A time. Intentionally, Vonette Bright placed herself at the end of the line. When it was her chance, the room hushed. She walked up to the mic with gentle eyes and a kind smile, looked Sheryl straight in the eyes, and explained that only through the redemptive power of Christ can this global crisis be solved. I got goosebumps.

I stared at her wide-eyed, jaw nearly touching the floor. I have never seen anyone share the Gospel with such poise, confidence, and winsome grace as Vonette did. She continued to share with Sheryl a little booklet that explains what it means to know God and gave her a hug and a few whispered words as the whole room of 500 people gave a standing ovation as a response to the whole exchange. In that moment (and even now as I am writing) I have never been more proud to be affiliated with Campus Crusade.

I feel so honored to have witnessed that tonight, and it has given me so much encouragement to move forward in ministry, with prayerful hope to be able to share the Gospel like that someday. Vonette, thank you for the ways that you have faithfully followed the Lord and the ways that you have impacted millions of people through your words, life, and ministry. Thank you for your winsome words tonight; they have encouraged me at the deepest level.