Cru staff members at Eastern Kentucky University use cookies to connect with students.
Abby was quietly sitting at a table in the Penn State student union sipping her Starbucks and listening to AirPods when a Cru staff member and student greeted her. They had just prayed to be led to a person who wanted to talk about Jesus.
At first, Abby seemed standoffish, but she responded enthusiastically to questions about her worldview. She grew up what she called a “chrester,” someone who goes to church only on Christmas and Easter. However, she started taking Christianity more seriously at the end of high school.
When she got to Penn State, she wanted to prioritize her faith but there were so many distractions she didn’t know where to start. They asked, “Is prioritizing your faith something you want help with?” With a smile on her face, Abby said yes!
Cru staff members in Tallahassee, Florida also saw Jesus answer their specific prayers. They prayed that they would be able to talk about Jesus with someone who had made a New Year’s resolution to know God.
At the end of a day on campus, the staff gathered to share what they experienced. Most of them had long afternoons of “so-so conversations” but two of them were beaming!
A student named Brady had decided to follow Jesus. Guess what opened the door to share the gospel? Brady had made a New Year’s resolution to grow closer to God.
Thank you for partnering with us as our behind-the-scenes service enables Cru staff members to talk with students like Abby and Brady. We are grateful for you!
Students deliver “New Year’s Party Boxes” and invite homeowners to attend local church services.
Cru Winter Conference challenges students in their walk with God as they sit under Biblical teaching alongside a thousand other college students from around the country.
They are also trained to share their faith during a Day of Outreach where Cru partners with local churches. Students conduct neighborhood surveys, engage in spiritual conversations, and seek to share the gospel.
Two students from southern Colorado approached the Day of Outreach from different places. Zach was used to sharing his faith but felt he was going through the motions. Aspasia prayed the morning of the Outreach that God would allow her to see someone place their faith in Christ.
Aspasia said, “I had heard of other people leading someone to faith. I never thought I would experience that myself.”
Together they approached their first house and asked James, a Dallas homeowner, if he would be willing to take a neighborhood survey. He agreed, but at first he was quiet and seemed disinterested. As they continued, they discovered he was spiritually curious and looking for something that would truly satisfy.
Using the GodTools app, Zach and Aspasia shared the hope James could have by trusting Jesus to forgive his sins. After hearing this, he told them that he had been living life without Jesus and that he wanted to change. Immediately, James prayed to receive Jesus!
This moment changed James, Aspasia, and Zach. Thank you for partnering with us as our behind-the-scenes service enables Cru to host conferences and outreaches. We are grateful for you!
International students involved with Cru gather for a meal.
Our work behind the scenes frees up our field staff to share Jesus around the world. Through your partnership you are part of changing lives! We recently heard these reports from our field staff:
Manasa, a graduate student from India, said, “I was told by my Indian friends to look out for Christians. They will want to convert you. But I have gotten to know great people! I see that Christianity is a change from the inside-out. I didn’t know you before, but I see you now [referring to the Christian students]—how you treat others, and that is a proof for me. I love you guys!”
Jackson, an undergraduate from a US church background, said, “It is hard to prioritize God when everything is coming at me in college.” He read through Cru’s “Satisfied?” booklet and liked the “spiritual breathing” analogy of confessing sin (breathing out) and inviting the Spirit to empower him (breathing in).
Tony, an undergraduate from China, said, “It’s amazing how something written so many hundreds of years ago can speak to me. When I face a problem or challenge, I go to God’s Word, and I find the answer. I love God so much. When we did introductions [at his Pfizer summer internship], I was asked my hobby and I shared Bridges [Cru’s ministry to international students] because it helps others know God and become leaders who serve.”
José, a new believer in western Michigan, talked with Cru staff about what it means to be “good soil” from Jesus’ parable of the four soils. He exclaimed, “How about we meet once per week to talk more about this stuff?”
Hawra, a Muslim undergraduate from Saudi Arabia, said, “The way Jesus forgives even his enemies from the cross. That is a type of kindness that really stands out to me and inspires me.”
Your impact….
God has placed Cru staff on campuses around the US and the world. Our service at Cru’s International Headquarters frees them to serve without distraction wherever God places them. Many are coming to know Jesus as a result!
As we approach the end of 2022, we are so thankful that Jesus has consistently provided for us. One way He has provided for us is through your generous year-end giving. Over the past four years, an average of $13,208 in special gifts were given for our ministry in December. These gifts ranged from $4000 to $15 and provided for a portion of our needs throughout the year. We are trusting that Jesus will provide in a similar way this year.
We are confident that Jesus will continue to provide for our ongoing expenses this year. He may even do so through you this December.
Would you consider giving a special, end of the year gift of $1000, $500, $250, $125 or some other amount? Your gift will enable us to remain focused on ministry in 2023. Thank you for considering this. You have been so gracious in the past, and for that we always give thanks to the Lord.
Whatever you decide, our deep appreciation for you is unwavering. We are grateful to Jesus for you!
Western Michigan Cru hosted a football watch party in the middle of campus. WMU lost, but it was a win for WMU Cru because they met many new students!
Cru
The parent organization of the following ministries:
Athletes in Action
Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation.
Campus Ministry
Works with students and faculty in high school through college. Find Cru on your campus.
City
Kingdom citizens advancing the mission of Jesus for the well-being of the city.
Unto
Demonstrating the love of God through word and deed to hurting and needy people around the world through relief and development projects.
Josh McDowell Ministry
Winning people worldwide to Christ and convincing them of the credibility of Christianity and attractiveness and reasonableness of a Biblical lifestyle.
Military
Bringing hope and resources to the military worldwide.
The Miller Runner 