A life well lived: A tribute to Bill Bright
August 6, 2003
This is a tribute I wrote for our ministry newsletter in 2003. I had the privilege of attending his memorial service at First Baptist Church in Orlando. It was a blessed time of remembering this man and the faithful life he lived.
Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, went home to be with Jesus on July 19. It just so happened that most of the US staff (including my wife and I) were gathered in Colorado. What a blessing it was to be together and remember “a life well lived.”
I first came into contact with Bill Bright through a little booklet he had written, The Four Spiritual Laws. As a college freshman, I invited Christ into my life as a result of understanding the scriptural truths contained in that presentation.
It would be very hard to think how my life would have been different if Bill Bright had not been faithful to what God had laid on his heart. My life is a fulfillment of the vision of Campus Crusade, to win, build and send.
I had the opportunity to personally interact with Dr. Bright on two different occasions. The first was in a reception line when I joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ in July 1993.
He remembered many specific details about my life when he introduced me to his wife, Vonette, who had been engaged in another conversation. I was able to experience how deeply he cared for each of his staff.
The second occasion was at a brunch in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Anne and I were living in Tulsa while we raised our initial financial support. We had the privilege of experiencing Vonette Bright’s love and care as we talked to her around a kitchen table. After the brunch and program, Dr. Bright came over and prayed for us. It was a very meaningful experience.
There are several things about his life that stand out to me about his life.
First Love – Bill Bright was a man who deeply loved Jesus. It compelled him in all that he did. Throughout his life, Dr. Bright asked people to pray that he would never leave his first love. I find myself continually challenged by Bill Bright’s love for Jesus and I want that depth of love in my relationship.
Spirit-Filled Life – Dr. Bright’s lifelong message was that the power to live the Christian life came from understanding the ministry of the Holy Spirit. His concept of “spiritual breathing” has helped many Christians to live a life of adventure instead of defeat.
“No Problems” – Bill Bright had such a deep trust in God that he recognized that any problem that he encountered was God’s problem and not his. He looked to God in faith to solve the problems and obstacles that he encountered in his life. I pray that I will have this same sort of faith and response to life as I fall more in love with Jesus.
He Loved His Wife – Bill Bright deeply loved his wife, Vonette. He took every opportunity that he could to honor her. I always enjoyed when the two of them would speak to the Campus Crusade staff. It was a treat to see them interact. It was very apparent that they loved each other deeply. They were a great example of a Christ-centered partnership.
This is a song written in 2001 as a tribute to Bill Bright, Founder and President of Campus Crusade for Christ. The video was produced by Bob Rictor, and the debut of the video was at Campus Crusade’s 50th Anniversary bash in 2001.