On December 23, 2015, Vonette Bright passed away due to complications from acute leukemia. Read more about her story and legacy.
Vonette Bright co-founded Campus Crusade for Christ along with her late husband Dr. William R. Bright.
She earned her BA in home economics from Texas Women's University and did graduate work in the field of education at the University of Southern California. Vonette taught in Los Angeles Schools before joining Bill full-time in Campus Crusade.
Bill and Vonette have 2 married sons and 4 grandchildren.
Vonette's commitment to help reach the world for Christ has fueled a passion for a prayer and desire to help others develop a heart for God. She serves as Chair for The Bright Media Foundation and maintains an amazing schedule from her home in Orlando.
Bill and Vonette celebrated 54-1/2 years of marriage prior to Bill's graduation to heaven in July 2003.
Honors and Recognition:
- 2008 - Mark O. Hatfield Leadership Award - Extraordinary leadership in Kingdom work reflecting the values of Christian higher education
- 2007 - Lifetime Achievement Award - Destiny Foundation - Greater Orlando Food Bank
- 2007 - Excellence in Communication - Christian Women in Media
- 2006 - National Religious Broadcasters - Board of Directors Award
- 2006 - Recognition of Achievement - Bill Gothard, Pres. And Sam Johnson, Chairman of the Board, Institute in Basic Life Principles
- 2005 - Lifetime Achievement Award - Extraordinary Women Conference
- 2004 - Woman of Worth - Orlando Baptist Church
- 2004 - National Association of Evangelicals & Global Pastors Network - Masterpiece Achievement Award for Extraordinary Ministry Worldwide
- 2003 - Honorary co-chair Mission American Coalition
- 2003 - Robertson McQuilkin Award - presented by FamilyLife
- 2001 - Ministry Wives Network International - Appreciation Award
- 1999 - Honorary Citizen Award - City of Sarasota, Florida
- 1995 - Christian Woman of the Year presented by The Executive Committee
- 1988 - Inducted alongside Bill into the Religion in Media International Communication Galaxy of Fame at the International Angel Awards
- 1982 - Distinguished Alumna of Texas Women's University
- 1982 - International Church Woman of the Year - by Religion in America
- 1973 - Churchwoman of the Year - by Religious Heritage of America
Honorary Doctorate Degrees:
- 2008 - Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, CO DR of Divinity
- 2006 - Taylor University, Upland, IN DR of Letters
- 2002 - Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA DR of Literature
- 2001 - Palm Beach Atlantic College, West Palm Beach, FL DR of Divinity
- 1985 - King Sejong University, Seoul, Korea DR of Letters
- 1979 - Los Angeles Bible College, Los Angeles, CA DR of Divinity
Achievements:
- 1972 - Founded The Great Commission Prayer Crusade
- 1972 - Founded the National Prayer Committee - leaders uniting Christians to pray for spiritual awakening
- 1974 - Member of Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization
- 1981 - 1990 - Served as chair of the Intercession Working Group for Lausanne Committee
- 1984 - Served as chair of International Prayer Assembly for World Evangelization, Seoul, Korea
Sponsored by the Lausanne Committee and the Korean Evangelical Fellowship
- 1982 - 1990 - Served as chair of the National Day of Prayer Task Fore
- 1988 - Introduced legislation that was unanimously approved by both houses of Congress to make the first Thursday of May a permanent date for The National Day of Prayer
- 1990 to date - Serves as Chair Emeritus of the National Prayer Committee
- 1993 - Launched Women Today International ministry to women. Radio Program currently aired on more than 486 stations.
- 2001 to date - Chairs The Bright Media Foundation
- 2003 to date - Honorary Co-chair Mission American Coalition
Publishing Activities
- 2012 – A Passion for Prayer
- 2011 – A Woman's Walk in Truth
- 2010 – In His Hands
- 2003 - Sister Circle Series - Four Novels - co-authored with Nancy Moser
Sister Circle
Round the Corner
Undivided Heart
A Place to Belong
- 2003 - The Woman Within: Discover the Joy of Life in Christ
- 2002 - Bible Study Series
A Renewed Heart
A Nurturing Heart
A Woman's Heart
A Free Heart
A Wise Heart
A Caring Heart
- 2001- Devotional Series - My Heart in His Hands
Renew a Steadfast Spirit Within Me
I Delight Greatly in My Lord
Lead Me in the Way Everlasting
Set Me Free Indeed
- 1996 - The Joy of Hospitality: Fun Ideas for Evangelistic Entertaining
Co-authored with Barbara Ball
- 1996 - The Joy of Hospitality Cookbook - Co-authored with Barbara Ball
- 1995 - Building a Home in a Pull-apart World
- 1978 - Personal Prayer Journal
- 1972 - Great Commission Prayer Crusade - Devotions on Prayer for Women
- 1960 - For Such a Time as This
- How to Organize Prayer in the City
- Uniting People to Pray
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