The Miller Runner

Encouraging Cru Staff

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Nate Miller

A glimpse of five thousand Cru Staff members gathered together.

For the first time in three years over 5,000 Cru staff members were able to meet together in the same room. This was an encouragement to Cru staff members who often minister in small teams and can become unsure if their ministry is making a difference.

“This time was so encouraging to me as I got to catch up with colleagues from across the county and hear stories about God moving in the lives of teenagers.” – A Cru High School Staff Member

“[The Conference] was amazing! I came back feeling very refreshed and excited about what the Lord is doing around the world. I also got to meet some staff friends that I had only met virtually!” – A Cru Campus Staff Member

“It was an awesome time to see staff I haven’t seen for years, as well as getting refueled with passion and vision for our mission.” – A Cru Athletes in Action Staff Member

“The conference has been fantastic. We have been reminded about the goodness of Christ and the vision for the strategic nature of reaching college students.” – A Cru Campus Staff Member

We were encouraged and challenged by the speakers. Nate also helped with the conference finances and setup. Kim helped provide childcare so parents could attend the main meetings without distraction.

Micah and Isaiah both participated in the High School program. This included great speakers, fun field trips, challenging seminars, and a Water Walk Challenge to raise money to build wells in areas without adequate drinking water.

Thank you for your partnership with us! You are an encouragement to us. We are grateful for you!

Posted in AIA, Athletes in Action, Campus, Conference, Family, high school | Tagged Campus, Conference, Family | Leave a comment

Family Update

Posted on June 29, 2022 by Nate Miller

We are always excited about God’s work in people’s lives. Here are some updates about three of our favorite people: our boys.

Joah (on the left) and his friend, Julian, won the Florida State Championship in their event.

Joah graduated from high school this spring. For the past few years, he has rowed with a local crew team.

In April, Joah and his friend, Julian, won the Florida youth rowing state championship in the pair. They were fifth in the Southeast regionals and twenty-third nationally. We are grateful for the strength and perseverance he has developed through rowing.

In late June, Joah began college at the United States Military Academy at West Point. While we miss having him home, we are excited to see what God has in his future!

Micah (third from right) with his robotics team ‘Exploding Bacon’ at Orlando Regionals.

Isaiah is also in Exploding Bacon and enjoys archery on the side.

This year Micah and Isaiah both joined Exploding Bacon FRC #1902, a robotics team. The team competed at the FRC World Championship. We are impressed with First Robotics’ emphasis on “gracious professionalism” and “coopertition” – cooperation in competition.

Micah, a junior, jumped into learning about CAD and robot mechanics.

Isaiah, a freshman, enjoyed learning about robot electronics.

Both were challenged to think creatively to solve unexpected issues.

We are thankful each boy can explore their own interests. God has uniquely made them.

Our family might be running in many different directions, but we still make time to play games together and to have fun.

Thank you for your partnership with us! You are part of our ministry and family. We are grateful for you!

Posted in athlete, College Transition, Family, high school | Tagged Family | Leave a comment

Welcoming Refugees

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Nate Miller

Zofia and her family are welcoming Ukrainian refugees to Poland.

Cru staff members working with Bridges regularly welcome international students to the United States and befriend them while they are here. The Bridges staff at Pennsylvania State University recently glimpsed the impact of their ministry.

A few years ago, they befriended Zofia and her family while Zofia’s husband did postdoctoral research at Penn State. Two years ago, Zofia’s family returned to Poland.

They didn’t hear from Zofia until refugees began to pour across the border of Ukraine into Poland, fleeing the Russian invasion. Zofia and her family had the opportunity to help. They wrote:

I just want to let you know that you’re on my mind recently. You are one of the people who made me feel very welcome in the US. The meal you brought and all the help and friendship you offered really meant a lot. I just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you when now I’m trying to help the Ukrainians fleeing their homes and make them feel welcome.

I remember how hard it is to be far from home and family and it must be nothing compared to running away from your home, with no preparation, being parted with your husband who has to stay and fight and not knowing if your loved ones are all right. I’m trying to pay forward the kindness I experienced being in the US. Thank you again for that, and if you happen to know about anyone heading to Poland who might need help let me know. All the best for all of you!

Thank you for your partnership with us! Because of you, these Cru Bridges staff were able to serve Zofia’s family without distraction. Now Zofia’s family is changing the lives of Ukrainians fleeing Russia. You are having an impact!