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 are continually amazed at the creativity of our field staff as they meet people interested in Jesus:
In Upstate South Carolina, students filled out a Spiritual Interest Survey to be entered in a Chick-fil-a gift card giveaway. The Cru staff who delivered the gift card was taken aback by who she met. Emma had seen the winner recently… where was it? Was it at the Coven’s table at the Religious Life Fair? Fear crept in as Emma learned that Sunny was the president of the campus witchcraft group. Praying, “Jesus help me,” Emma asked Sunny about her studies and faith background.
Sunny grew up in a legalistic church and was uncomfortable as Emma explained the gospel. Sunny shared that in her coven they do “shadow readings” and that we all have “shadows” inside of us. Emma told her those “shadows” are sin separating us from God our Creator. Emma proclaimed that it was no accident they met. God was pursuing Sunny, loved her, and wanted her to know Him. Light tears welled up in Sunny’s eyes, “I have never heard this before. I’ve always heard that God came for the world, but not for me.” She said it was a light bulb moment. Jesus loved her personally. She softened, “This was not how I expected this conversation to go at all.”
In Estonia, Cru staff opened a café where students participate in daily trivia and board game nights. The café has become a safe place for spiritually curious students to study, make friends, and discuss spirituality. As a first-year religion major from a small town in Northern Estonia, Martin is one of these students. Despite his major, Martin doesn’t consider himself religious and comes from a non-religious family. However, he connected with Cru staff member, Johnny, through a mutual interest in world religions and global history. Most Estonians have no problem identifying as atheists, but Martin is convinced that “The idea of God is a successful idea. I cannot count God out.” This openness to discussing spiritual topics led to an intriguing conversation where Martin laid out his guidelines for how and when God-believing people should share about their beliefs. This gave Johnny an opportunity to agree with him that no one should have religion forced on them and to explain why Christianity is worth sharing.
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. While neither Sunny nor Martin immediately began a relationship with Jesus the care expressed by Cru staff members lays a foundation for future spiritual conversations.
As we approach the end of 2023, 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 $13,778 in special gifts were given to 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. He has already begun to provide through a friend’s generous $5,000 donation, leaving only $8,778 remaining toward our goal 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 2024. 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!
The Miller Runner 