February Difference Maker: Bryan Crum

We are honored to introduce our February 2026 Difference Maker, Bryan Crum!

Bryan Crum

Bryan began his career as a hospice chaplain in Southeast Ohio, serving families throughout the Appalachian region—a place often marked by poverty and limited resources. He recalls visiting homes without running water or plumbing, yet those humble spaces are where he learned the most meaningful lessons of his life.

“God is close to the brokenhearted. And I certainly encountered him there.” Bryan shares.

These experiences took a hold of Bryan’s heart as time and time again God showed him people who were desperate for love and purpose. Many of them, nearing the end of their lives, didn’t see the value in their own stories. Through these encounters, Bryan sensed God stirring something new inside him.

“God just kept hitting me over the head with encounters and circumstances saying, ‘I want you to speak, I want you to write. I want you to tell the best story in the world. And that’s the story of Jesus.’”

Motivated by this calling, Bryan enrolled in a writing class with New York Times bestselling author, Bob Goff. With Bob’s encouragement, Bryan refined his ideas and eventually released his book, Neighbor, Love Yourself. A book dedicated to helping people fall in love with God’s greatest creation…themselves.”

But Bryan felt compelled to reach people earlier—at the beginning of their stories. He was inspired and motivated to reach more children with this message. He began speaking at churches, events and any group that would have him. He wanted everyone to understand just how loved and valuable they were.

His connection to the Christian Children’s Home of Ohio was, in his words, nothing short of divine. A series of encounters—family ties, churches mentioning CCHO, even meeting former house parents in a small group—kept pointing him toward the CCHO campus. When he finally reached out and visited, he felt an undeniable pull to give back.

After learning more about CCHO’s mission, Bryan made a remarkable decision: he committed 100% of the profits from his book to support the kids at CCHO.

“It is incredibly rewarding knowing you are making a difference. And I know this is true purpose, doing it for the right reasons and for the right people.”

CCHO is deeply grateful for the generosity of Bryan Crum and his heart for kids from hard places. His life, his writing, and his message all reflect his heart to help others discover their true worth in Christ.

To learn more about Bryan’s book or to invite him to speak at your church or event, visit bryancrum.com.