In the early 1950s, a young couple from Oklahoma, Bill and Vonette Bright, embarked on a journey that would transform countless lives. Bill, initially driven by ambition for financial success in Los Angeles, experienced a profound change in the spring of 1945. Under the mentorship of Henrietta Mears, he encountered Jesus and realized the need for Christ at the center of his life. As he later expressed, "An agnostic and humanist as a youth, when I met Jesus, I fell in love with him." This newfound faith led him to leave his business pursuits and enroll in seminary.
Meanwhile, Vonette, who had been grappling with doubts about her faith, found herself drawn into Bill's deepening commitment. Initially alarmed by what she saw as fanaticism, she traveled to California, intent on saving him from it. However, a meeting with Henrietta Mears challenged her perspective. Vonette described this pivotal moment as standing on a diving board, unsure if she could swim, yet compelled to leap. "From that day on," she wrote, "God's direction in my life became a reality."
In 1951, Bill and Vonette formalized their dedication by writing a contract with God, committing their lives to His purpose. Bill remarked, "My wife and I signed a contract 51 years ago to be his slaves. We are the slaves and the master gets all the glory." This commitment led them to found Campus Crusade for Christ at UCLA, a ministry that would grow to have a global impact.
Bill authored "The Four Spiritual Laws" in 1952, which became a cornerstone of evangelistic outreach. Vonette, passionate about prayer, founded the Great Commission Prayer Crusade and played a key role in establishing the National Day of Prayer. Together, they saw Campus Crusade expand to over 190 countries with more than 20,000 staff by 2000.
Their lives were marked by obedience and faith, as Bill stated, "For the last 50 years I have made every decision in light of this question–how will this decision affect the fulfilling of the Great Commission?" Vonette echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of being available to God and sharing His message regardless of feelings.
The Brights' unwavering commitment to God's call serves as a testament to the power of faith and obedience to transform lives. Jesus was at the heart of their ministry, leading millions to a relationship with Him.
