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Bill Bright knows he is dying. But this knowledge doesn't discourage him. The founder of Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) still has work to do. On Easter morning, he appeared with Robert Schuller in the Crystal Cathedral. He stood erect, smiling his familiar Pillsbury Doughboy smile, while Schuller introduced him as "the man of the century for Christ." Campus Crusade has converted and discipled millions of souls since its launch in 1951; over 4 billion people across the world have seen the CCC-produced Jesus film (which has been translated into 656 languages, at last count). "No person has been responsible for introducing more people to Christ in greater numbers than Bill Bright," said Schuller.

Gratified but not self-impressed, Bright took to the pulpit and said: "The number one tragedy of the century is that a large number of believers are not really excited about the Resurrection." Bill Bright is especially excited about the Resurrection these days, because his days in the "earthly tent" are fading as he combats pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung condition that gradually erodes one's ability to breathe. In July, the 79-year-old leader passed the mantle of CCC's leadership to his successor, Steve Douglass.

Senior writer Wendy Murray Zoba, who wrote CT's 1997 cover story on Bill and Vonette Bright, recently was invited to meet with him again in his Orlando home to talk about the release of what is likely his final book. Blessed Child (cowritten with Ted Dekker) is a novel about a 10-year-old boy with the power to perform miracles. The boy's life is touched by a dying evangelist—a character not unlike Bright. "I have come to the conclusion that a good novel on biblical themes can reach many more people than most theological works," Bright says. Zoba asked Bright for his thoughts on the Resurrection, the church, and the final chapter of God's wonderful plan for his life.

What is your current condition?

I've lost about 60 percent of my lung capacity and it keeps going down. One day I'll breathe my last breath, which is fine. I can say I've lived a pretty exciting life. But since it was announced to me that there is no cure for the disease, I've entered into a different relationship and a more wonderful intimacy with the Lord.

James says to rejoice when you're having difficulties. Paul speaks of rejoicing when you suffer. I know the reality of what they were saying. They were rejoicing in their adversities, and they had a lot of it. The Bible says, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God." So when problems arise, we say "Thank you" and—by an act of the will—rejoice. God then fulfills his promise, "If you obey me I will reveal myself to you." So the act of faith in saying, "Thank you, Lord," releases his presence in new dimensions.

Is this "different relationship" a departure from where you were spiritually the last time we met?

There's no departure; it's an enhancement. I've known the joy of his presence for 50 years-plus, in different degrees. To know Jesus is to love him, and to love him is to obey him.

When we met last time, you said, "For 46 years my life has been like a farmer who lifts a calf over a fence," referring to your mission to reach the world. Are there any calves you have left to lift?

I live according to Philippians 2:13, "God works in you to will and to do his good pleasure." There are some important things that I feel God wants me to do: Making the transition to Stephen Douglass as seamless as possible is one. Also, I am seeing a dream fulfilled that goes back to the early 1970s—that is to build a Christian international university. We are in the process of acquiring space for about 2,000 students. We took over the bankruptcy [proceedings] at King's College in New York at the request of their board and their president. It's a part of our worldwide training.

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October 1 2001, Vol. 45, No. 12