Standing on Their Shoulders

The story of Harry and Sandra Craig is one of deep roots, selfless sacrifice, and the enduring power of church community. Harry’s connection to the church began when he was just five years old, living a few blocks down the street. After college, he and his wife, Sandra, visited other churches but determined that West U Baptist was where they needed to be. They recall that this was the place where "God wanted us to worship and serve.”

Their commitment to our church family deepened in 2004 when they were selected to be part of the pioneering group starting the Bellaire campus, a move that Harry jokes made them feel like the "senior citizens” of the young, new campus. This spirit of service and obedience defined their generosity and their legacy.

The Principle of Family Sacrifice
For the Craigs, generosity was not just an adult principle: it was a family imperative. To ensure their sons understood the value of giving to the Lord, they taught them to give up things they cherished. Sandra shared the powerful example of family vacations, noting that in some years they gave up days at the beach or weekends on the slopes in order to give more to the church. Furthermore, they gave up cable TV, which was how the boys watched their beloved sports.

While the sacrifices were temporary, the provisions were permanent. Sandra says that when they "relinquished some of those things that we thought were so important, God provided.”

Seeds That Multiply: An Astronaut and a Ministry
The fruit of this long-term investment is evident in their children's lives. For eighteen years, multiple people poured into them through choir, mission trips, and youth retreats. Their foundation was set not just by their parents but by church family who taught and mentored them. The result is multiplication— their elder son launched Agape Development, a ministry in Houston’s Third Ward, and their younger son is heavily involved in volunteering at his church.

CityRise’s ministry impact has even reached space! Sandra shares the story of a young woman in their Life Group who was supported during a difficult time. That young woman, Nicole Ayers, went on to become an astronaut. Nicole once confided to Sandra that during that hard time in her life, she was supported by our church members and that through this generosity she learned the importance of the community. Generosity, Sandra concludes, "makes a difference in lives and even astronauts.”

Guidance for the Giver
For those on the fence, Harry urges to seek the Lord for clarity just like Moses did. Sandra offers further encouragement that "the Lord puts all the contributions together. He's not judging the size.” Whether you give up Starbucks for a few weeks or a donate a six-figure amount, the Lord will bless the heart behind the gift. Ultimately, the Craigs know that they stand on the shoulders of those who came before, and so they give to provide ministry opportunities for the next generation.