Serving those who serve

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Nate Miller
Sixteen Texas A&M Valor students attended Cru’s Winter Conference last December.
Five applied to go on Summer Mission Trips this past summer.

If we deserve it, God will grant it,” said Charles, a student newly involved in Valor—a ministry of Cru to college students in the military. Charles believed we are saved by working hard, proving our worth to God, and taking opportunities He gives.

He began to question this belief after joining a Valor Bible study at the University of Illinois. Charles read passages like Matthew 28:18-20 (the Great Commission) and began to see what God says in the Bible about how He rescues people.

Charles then met a Cru staff member who explained the gospel more fully. He learned that nothing he could do himself would be enough to earn his way to God. He could be made right before God only through faith in Jesus. Charles began to follow Jesus. Now he is covering foundational Bible studies with the Cru staff member.

Meanwhile, at Arkansas Tech University, Kavon met AJ in ROTC. AJ also believed that a good person could earn a place in heaven. Kavon helped AJ understand that God’s grace is what saves us. On a campus where there was once no military ministry, Kavon and AJ started a small group Bible study of ROTC cadets. Together they are learning to walk more closely with Jesus.

Thank you for partnering with us as we enable evangelism and discipleship around the world. We are grateful to be a part of what God is doing.

Posted in Discipleship, Evangelism, Military, ROTC, Valor | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

High School Boldness

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Nate Miller
The Tanzania High School Summer Mission Trip participants take a break between flights.

Each dusty, cracked, clay courtyard echoed with life, laughter, curiosity, and the footsteps of students God deeply loves.  There were few spots of shade, but the team of seven high school students and two Cru staff members kept returning to Tanzanian high school courtyards.

Over two weeks, the team shared the gospel at ten high schools in Dodoma, Tanzania. They partnered with Tanzanian Cru to identify where they should go. As they traveled by bus to the next school they asked God to grant them favor with the headmaster. God repeatedly opened the door for school-wide assemblies.

The American students used skits and visual stories to talk about success in life: academically, relationally, and spiritually.

A  team member shared the good news about Jesus and invited students to respond. Silence covered the crowd. Students locked eyes with the team.

The team passed out contact cards and noted the responses. They gave this information to the long-term Tanzanian Cru missionaries so they could meet with individual students. 

In two weeks, over 6,000 students heard the gospel and 1,339 indicated they trusted Jesus for the first time!

The boldness of these seven students, along with their parents’ willingness to entrust them to God while they were on this mission trip, is transforming the lives of people in Tanzania.

Thank you for partnering with us as we enable evangelism and discipleship around the world. We are grateful to be a part of what God is doing.

Posted in Campus, Discipleship, Evangelism, high school, international, Summer Mission Trip, Summer Project | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Instagram Evangelism

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Nate Miller

Bible study—you may not expect to find these on Instagram. However, Cru staff members find that many freshmen look for Bible studies before arriving on campus.

According to the 2025 Sprout Social Index, 89% of Gen Z is on Instagram. Our Cru staff at Ohio University see this as an open door to reach freshman before they arrive in Athens. That’s why they launched the “Follow a Freshman” initiative.

Using class Instagram accounts like “OU Class of 2029,” they follow every incoming freshman they can find. When a student follows them back, they send a message like:

“Hey there! So cool that you’re headed to OU this fall! We’d love to help you get connected with Bible studies, community, and anything else you’re curious about. Fill out this quick survey and we’ll be in touch!”

The OU Cru staff have responded to over 70 eager freshmen asking about Bible studies, events, and how to find Christian community at OU.

One student responded, “I’m definitely interested in getting more connected in the fall! I’m looking forward to being involved in all sorts of activities—maybe even a mission trip!”

Another student shared that she’s attending OU from out of state and feels nervous about making friends. She followed the account hoping to find connection and belonging. Even though she’s never studied the Bible, she’s deeply curious.

Cru at Ohio University has done this for several years. Many of their strongest, most faithful student leaders came to Cru because they filled out a survey thorough Instagram and met with a staff member before classes even began.

Thank you for partnering with us as we enable evangelism and discipleship around the world. We are grateful to be a part of what God is doing.

Posted in Campus, College Transition, Evangelism, Freshmen | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment