Tributes are pouring in from authors and ministry leaders as they reflect on the life and legacy of Cru co-founder and author Vonette Bright, who died Dec. 23. She was 89.

Cru President Steve Douglass reflected on his relationship with Vonette and Bill.

“There are few people who have influenced me and Judy as much as Bill and Vonette Bright,” Douglass said. “They have been our leaders, our mentors, our friends. When they passed the leadership baton of the ministry to us, we were overwhelmed and humbled. When Bill died, we looked all the more to Vonette. And now, we rejoice that she is with her Savior and her beloved Bill. We grieve for the loss of our leader, mentor and friend. But we do not grieve as the world grieves, as we know we will see her again.”

Billy Wilson, president of Oral Roberts University, tweeted: “Saddened to hear of the passing of friend Vonette Bright today. Stateswoman and strong lady of God. Glad to know her and Bill.”

Bill Greig III, president of ChurchGrowth.org and former president of Gospel Light, had a strong connection with the Brights.

“Vonette Bright was a treasure to the Christian community, and her life story is a beautiful reflection of God's love for a young girl who came to Hollywood and found Jesus,” Greig said. “Henrietta Mears discipled Vonette, who met Bill Bright as part of the college group at Hollywood Presbyterian Church. After they were married, Bill and Vonette lived with Henrietta Mears as they were launching Campus Crusade for Christ at UCLA. God is faithful to anoint His servants to reach each generation with the love of Christ. Bill and Vonette Bright were true servants of Christ who encouraged millions of other servants of our Lord. Personally, I was led to the Lord through The Four Spiritual Laws, and I was so blessed by the many times Vonette spoke the Word of God to me, both in person and through her books. There is a great celebration in heaven!”

Beth Moore, author and founder of Living Proof Ministries, found inspiration in Vonette’s life.

“I can’t think of a single person on the planet that I respect more than Vonette Bright,” Moore said. “She is 10 feet tall in my eyes. Like so many others, I have been profoundly impacted by her long obedience. She is a gift to our generation.”

Bible teacher and author Kay Arthur of Precept Ministries International praised Vonette’s faithfulness to the Scriptures.

“We read in Acts 6 that the apostles gave themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word,” Arthur said. “Truly, Vonette Bright followed their lead, and in so doing, became an example to many of us. Her example, prayers and exhortations have had an impact on me. What an example as a wife—not only a helpmeet but also an encourager of women and a leader; a woman of grace and courage; a woman who, because of her intimate relationship with God, demonstrated her faith and the power of prayer.”

Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, told CBN he was “deeply saddened” by her passing. “She and her husband, Bill, were a model to all Christians in America through their sacrificial life in the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ." 

Upon Vonette’s passing, Ed Stetzer, executive director of LifeWay Research, tweeted, “She just heard Jesus say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant,’ and was reunited with Bill.”

Dennis Rainey, president and CEO at FamilyLife, reflected on her passing as “Our loss. Heaven’s gain. Bill and Vonette Bright are dancing and breathing celestial air.”

Author Joel C. Rosenberg offered this tweet: “So glad #Vonette Bright is safe in heaven w/the Lord Jesus. Grateful for her ministry to Lynn & me. She'll be missed.”

Cru has established a special Web page for tributes at vonettebright.cru.org/tributes.

Vonette’s memorial service will be live-streamed Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. EST.

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