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 | 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!

Posted in Bridges, Campus, Disaster, Evangelism, Family, international, Poor & Needy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stories from the Field

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Nate Miller
Nick (left), a Cru intern, shares a donut with a University of New England student.

God is working in the lives of students this semester.

From the University of New England in Maine: Our team hosts a weekly table in the student commons. We give out free doughnuts.

To help start conversations we ask students to respond to an engaging question.

We have asked, “What are some of your needs on campus?” and, “If you could ask God a question, what would you ask?” So far, it has been a success. We’ve had students return multiple weeks to grab a doughnut and engage with us.

Through doughnuts and questions, we’re getting to know students.

From a high school ministry in California: “Mr. Preacher man, do you mind if I roll this blunt?” David, a Cru High School Staff member, had just joined a group of eight students at Poly Burger, a block from school. He approached this evermoving bundle of humanity, offering a burger to anyone willing to play a survey game using Snapshot Cards.

His offer accepted; David was now navigating the chaos. He answered the young lady, “Sure, go ahead, don’t let me stop you.” But she put the weed away and began to respond about her life and faith.

Two other young men heard the gospel. They assured David that they had accepted Jesus in the past. Both are struggling with faith and want to join the Cru club on their campus.

Thank you for being a part of changing lives around the United States and the world!

P.S. There are many Cru staff in Ukraine, Russia, and surrounding countries. Please pray for their continued witness for Jesus during conflict.

Posted in Campus, high school | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment