Welcome to the Pursuit, a series documenting the experiences of a Colson Fellow-in-Training as they seek to walk wisely in this time and place. Each segment will provide an insider’s look at what a prospective participant can actually expect should they choose to embark on the journey themselves.
As told to the Colson Center Communications Staff
In this segment, we sat down with Marj Drury, a wife, mother and grandmother, and retired nurse.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Hamilton, Ontario, but now I live in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
What season of life are you in?
My husband and I are both retired. We’ve been married for almost 54 years, sharing the common goal of knowing and serving God as best as we can. We have four grown children and several grandchildren.
What challenges do you face in living like a Christian where you are?
At this stage of life in our 70s, my husband and I carry equal parts of suffering and joy. I am keen to be with the Lord, but I want to end well and not short-circuit the work He has intended. The joy and hope He gives us each day sustain us.
We have four adult children, not all of whom follow the Lord. However, they want us in their lives as friends, and for that we are grateful. They also know where we stand with our beliefs. Our biggest reason we dove into the Colson Fellows Program is four of our grandchildren who have embraced LGBTQ identities. One of them is on puberty-blocking drugs. It took us by surprise a few years ago and is very difficult to navigate. The Colson Fellows Program has given us the needed resources, but also a way of addressing these issues with helpful vocabulary and a much better attitude. We feel equipped to have a kinder approach without jeopardizing truth. We’re better able to hold truth and love in our hands at the same time.
Would you recommend couples go through the program together?
Absolutely. My husband and I are very different people, which was a benefit. His perspective was a good counterbalance to mine. We shared the books and highlighted them in different colors. We enjoyed what I call our ‘water cooler moments,’ when I’d ask him what he thought about something from the program that we’d read or heard or watched. We would watch webinars together. The accountability that came with being in the same household was helpful. I think doing the program with your spouse, fiancé, or a good friend is the best. But cohorts are set up so you have a support person no matter what.
What cohort were you in, and what was your cohort experience like?
We were in the class of 2025 and got commissioned in Louisville. We participated in the Western Canada cohort, with a total of 12 participants. It was primarily online, though we did meet in person with some of the other cohort members if opportunities arose. We were well supported in our learning. Every cohort member had a mentor, and mine actually lives in my city. She had done the program recently, so she was very tuned in to what it took to complete the work. Her personal mission plan was in place. In fact, her husband and daughter completed the program with me after they’d seen the change in her. The personal touch of having a mentor was very good for me. Our cohort directors were also very encouraging.
What was your favorite part of the program?
My favorite book was whichever I was reading at the time—but I would most recommend A Practical Guide to Culture by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle. I speak to a lot of people whose kids are in the thick of it. I use that book as a resource because John’s understanding of today’s cultural moment is very helpful for someone like me, who was born in the 40s. Somewhere along the way, the busyness of life took over until one day I looked around at culture and thought, “What happened?” Glenn Sunshine was very helpful, too. My husband and I never missed a ‘Beardos’ webinar with Glenn and Michael Craven. Their ability to field so many questions astounded us. Alisa Childers’ book Another Gospel was also critical because it exposed the depth of deception present in some of our churches. Christians who’ve been raised in the church can easily be insulated from erroneous ways of thinking.
How has the program impacted your life?
I feel much more focused on the daily call to be salt and light. I don’t have to go far to fulfill the Kingdom work God has called me to. I’m quite determined to declare what I know to those whom God sends my way. I have more of an incentive to look for meaningful opportunities to share God. Since my career is in the rear-view mirror, it’s important for me to be prepared to look for those opportunities. There’s a Psalm that says, “Even when I’m old and gray, don’t let me depart until I declare your power to the next generation.” I’m not released from that just because I’m retired. He is faithful. He gives me hope for my future. I’m not going to flake out before it’s time to leave. I want to live an active life of service to Him. When you have that driving purpose in your life, it drives out the dread, doubt, and awfulness of today’s news and suffering. When you have an anchor in Truth, it helps you focus on being salt and light.
What would you say to someone considering the Colson Fellows Program?
Don’t hesitate to invest in this opportunity to learn and grow. It’s worth every moment of committed work. Be prepared to set aside distractions. Follow guidelines. Be thorough. If at all possible, go to the Colson Center National Conference to be commissioned in person with your cohort. The celebration of this accomplishment is important. Choose hard things. You’re choosing to say no to other things, which is very important. Don’t be afraid of it, but also don’t take it too lightly, because that’s when the opposition will get you.
Get a prayer partner who’s willing to hold you accountable to do a little bit at a time. It wasn’t terribly overwhelming, but that’s probably because I’m used to reading and completing assignments. What I had to do was take it seriously and say, “What can I do to make this experience as meaningful as possible?”
Briefly, how would you describe yourself and your faith after the Colson Fellows Program?
I am emboldened to declare His faithfulness and unchanging character to whomever He brings my way in this cultural moment.
The Colson Fellows Program is designed for busy men and women from all walks of life. Interested in exploring the program? Click the “Request Info” button to learn more.
Testimonial edited for clarity.