From reading to Jesus

Posted on July 6, 2023 by Nate Miller

Jerry and Regina were determined their two daughters would learn to read, but it was clear they were struggling. They feared what it might mean for their daughters’ futures.

Then Jerry and Regina heard about a Feed and Read summer outreach. At Feed and Read, volunteers from a nearby church and Cru Inner City work with kids for 30 minutes over lunch Monday through Friday. They read Bible stories to improve the students’ skills.

“Do you read anything other than the Bible?” Jerry asked. “We’re not into this Jesus thing.”

“No, we’re a church and that’s the book we’re reading,” the pastor responded kindly but firmly.

Despite their initial reservations, Jerry and Regina wanted academic help. Regina came every day with her daughters.

The reading program ended after six weeks, but Jerry, Regina, and the girls have continued to attend church.

They joined a small group. Eventually, the group learned that Jerry and Regina had been together for 15 years but were not married. Their extended family attended church to witness the wedding. Many family members said, “We didn’t expect this day.”

Regina now volunteers with Feed and Read. She has also helped the church distribute PowerPacks (backpacks and school supplies) to families in need.

Jerry and Regina gained more than academic help. Their family has been transformed.

This is one of many ways Cru Inner City is changing lives. This Cru ministry partners with urban churches to help people know Jesus. It’s one ministry Nate serves behind the scenes. You help make this possible. We are grateful for you!

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From Harvard to South Africa

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Nate Miller
Harvard students gather for Bible Study in the church in Harvard Yard.

I’m afraid your students are a bit too messy for us. You don’t really want us and quite frankly we don’t want you,” the distinguished Reverend Professor of Christian Morals responded in an eloquent British accent. The Cru staff members at Harvard had asked if they could use the church in Harvard Yard for a weekly Cru meeting.

Despite the initial rejection, after twenty-three years and a growing friendship, the church in Harvard Yard now hosts many Cru meetings.

At a recent Cru weekly meeting students shared how God had been working in their lives at Harvard.

But these students are not just changing Harvard. They are partnering with other college students to take the gospel to the impoverished village of Mamelodi, South Africa.

Despite a branch campus of the University of Pretoria located in the middle of the village, only 3% of Mamelodi children qualify for college. Surrounded by high brick walls, most Mamelodi children don’t dream of setting foot on campus.

Over the past seventeen years, many Harvard students have invested their summers tutoring these children.

This past January, in partnership with the University of Pretoria, 250 Mamelodi children and 80 volunteers gathered for tutoring inside the walls of the university.

The morning speaker shared a profoundly clear gospel message. Dozens of hands rose when he asked who was ready to place their faith in Jesus.

God is using students from Harvard to change the lives of children in some of the poorest areas of the world. You help make this possible. We are grateful for you!

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Bringing Hope to Marriages

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Nate Miller

Bob’s hopes were dashed when his wife walked out minutes into the first Friday evening session: “Are You Living the Dream?” Downcast, he followed her.

Ann continued walking down the long hotel hallway. Bob stopped at the elevators to collect his thoughts. That is when a FamilyLife counselor approached him.

Bob was so embarrassed by his wife’s behavior and his dashed hopes that he barely made eye contact. He couldn’t put into words the pain he was feeling. The counselor briefly asked God to soften hearts, open minds, and heal hurt.

Ann finally rejoined Bob and they left the ballroom area. Not knowing if the couple had left the conference, the counseling team prayed they would return and work through their struggles.

The next morning the counseling team was excited to see Bob and Ann at the session. They attended the rest of the weekend. During the final testimony time, Ann was the first to stand in front of 500 people, declaring, “Bob is the champion of my heart!”

Others have said, “I didn’t expect to fall in love with my husband all over again.” Wife of 10 years.

“Perfect timing… coming off 3-month separation and near divorce.” Husband of 42 years.

“We were greatly encouraged that we have to work towards intimacy and that there is always hope!” Wife of 4 years.

“Our best date night in years. This weekend helped make that happen, and for that, I’m grateful.” Husband of 30 years.

God is using the Cru ministry of FamilyLife to bring hope to hurting marriages and to strengthen solid marriages. We are grateful for you!

Whether your marriage is flourishing or floundering, a Weekend to Remember conference may offer the tools to make immediate and lasting improvements to your relationship.

Normally $350 per couple, Cru ministry partners like you can attend for $100 per couple (plus hotel, parking, and meal costs). Please contact us for the promo code.

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