God is changing the lives of people around the world because of your partnership with us. Thank you! Here is one thing God has done because of you:

Emily, a Cru staff member in Southeast Ohio, sat behind the large, barn-like building known as the ARC, shivering slightly in the mid-October chill. The faint sounds of worship music wafted through an open door nearby. To her right sat Chloe, a freshman at Ohio University. Tears ran down Chloe’s face as she smoothed a crumpled piece of paper in her lap, thinking hard about what she wanted to say.

Emily met Chloe at the beginning of the semester, but after that initial meeting had not seen her at any Cru events. The lure of “college life” had caught her. To Emily’s surprise, Chloe attended the Cru Fall Retreat. Emily’s invitation, which she thought had been rejected, was accepted!

On Saturday night, Chloe grabbed Emily’s arm and asked if they could talk privately – right now.

So, there they sat as Chloe spilled out what had happened in her life recently. She showed Emily the paper from the Women’s Event, which had occurred earlier that day. It listed a range of statements such as “I’ve cried myself to sleep,” “I’ve regretted how much I’ve drank,” “I’ve gossiped about another woman behind her back,” etc… During the activity, the women checked off statements that were true for them. Their responses were then shared anonymously with the group. The intention was to show each woman that she was not alone in her struggles and sins – but for Chloe, it had a different effect.

“I checked almost ALL of this. I thought the way I was living was normal, but it’s NOT! I have to change.” She looked at Emily, choking back tears. “I can’t keep doing this. I want to start living for Christ again…” The unspoken question of “What do I do now?” hung heavy in the air.

“Chloe,” Emily said, “Let’s pray! Let’s not let this moment get away! Let’s pray right now!” Emily couldn’t hold back the excitement in her voice as she watched a student she had prayed for by name experiencing the moment of life change Emily had begged the Lord to create.

Continuing Your Impact…

This is one way we get to be a part of changing lives for Christ all over the world. Our work at Cru’s World Headquarters enables Cru missionaries in over 190 countries around the world to reach those around them. As missionaries like Emily minister to others, they are freed from the burden of having to navigate complex financial systems. Instead, they can focus on people like Chloe. What happened on a retreat in southern Ohio this past fall is happening all over the world because of your continued generosity and prayers.

Thank you! Our deep appreciation for you is unwavering. We are grateful to Jesus for you!