One of our favorite times of the year is the end of August/early September. The main reason is Student Involvement Fairs! All of the campuses have an interest fair within the first week or so of students being on campus. This is where all the clubs set up their tables, give away free stuff, and get the word out there about their organization. For us, its not just about informing people about Cru... it's about Jesus, it is a chance for us to get information from students on spiritual things, and follow-up with them the following week about the survey that they fill out for us.
These fairs are essential to our entire year and also to the next 4 years of the ministry. It is said that the first few weeks on campus freshman will decide the group of friends/clubs/organizations that they will attend for the next 4 years of college. The influence that those 4 years have on them will affect the rest of their life-- their belief systems, their jobs, their values, etc. So these first few weeks are sooo crucial not just for our 'organization', but really for their souls! The activities fair--- is one of the greatest tools we have in reaching the student population for Christ.
At Rutgers we usually collect 200 students' info, and spend a week or 2 calling, emailing, visiting, inviting, and having many spiritual conversations with these 200 students. Also the week after, many of our schools' cru movements (mainly Rutgers) have a Freshman week. A LOT of events planned-- barbeque's, getting ice cream, and the ever so famous at Rutgers: 'bubble tea nights'...sooo fun!! It is meant for us to connect more quickly and more deeply with the freshman that we invite (one's we met at orientation and at the activities fair).
HOWEVER.... this year... IRENE HIT!! I know that there are people who had severe damage as a result of the storm and our challenge is nothing in comparison... but this is how it affected our ministry at Rutgers. Rutgers postponed the activities fair that was supposed to be yesterday to next Friday... a week and 1/2 later than it was supposed to be. We have events planned for THIS week.. and very few freshman students to invite them to. So yesterday we and our returning students went to Livingston Campus the freshman campus and tried to meet as many freshman as we could, and asked them to fill out our surveys and invite them to our events... we had to think quick, and by faith thats what we decided to do. So we're not sure what this week will bring, but by faith we're going to hold our events and invite the few freshman that we can. Tonight is our first freshman event, we're going to get Bubble Tea :) !! If you read this please pray for this event for new students to show up. Please also pray for our other events: Friday, hanging out in the "Rutgers Zone" (a cool arcade) on Livingston, Saturday- BB-CRU (bbq), and then also pray for us on Sept. 9th and the week that follows..that's when the activities fair is rescheduled for.
Here's the first curveball of the semester...we'll choose to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and trust Him, because this isn't a curveball for Him.. because He is in complete control as our Sovereign King! Praise the Lord, He knows what He's doing...ALWAYS!!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
What we learned this summer.
Karen:
I really learned a lot about God's provision. The way that he provided for this project: re-opening the project by providing a house, providing beds/matresses,kitchen supplies, dressers, hangers, couches, chairs, a car and bikes when we were short as the students only brought 2 cars for 24 people, the churches and their care for our students.... it was unbelievable. I was in awe of God this summer for his provision. It made me trust Him more for His provision for Tommy and I as we continue to pray and work on our monthly support. We want to be fully funded by the end of this school year-- and I really believe that God can do that..the economy is NO match for my God... and this summer restored faith for me in this area. I also learned a lot about leadership-- how to love and serve people, how to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus in the midst of 'surprises' that leaders sometimes have to deal with, how desperately I need to cling to the Lord for his help in ALL things including patience, his wisdom, his power, his provision, his strength, my need for intimacy with Him, and in leadership. I love Jesus more today then I did at the beginning of the summer, because I am so utterly desperate for him. As I look forward to this year ahead, I am so dependant on Jesus, that I know whatever 'surprises' of this year that come my way, I just need to look to him and trust Him that He is never surprised, and He's in control, I just need to walk with Him and follow Him. I love Jesus so much...
Tommy
He learned a lot about wisdom in leadership. God has wired Tommy so wonderfully in the area of accomplishing tasks. He's faithful, loyal, a servant, and is reliable to 'get things done'. Where Tommy was really stretched this summer was in the area of not just getting things done, but REALLY caring well and connecting with students and loving them well. He grew a lot in this area!
WE GREW TOGETHER...
Our marriage is soooo much stronger after this summer! As we battled leadership together, and faced this new experience as directors together, we were so dependent on the Lord, but also became somewhat dependent on each other. We had never led together in this capacity prior to this summer, and it was a life changing experience for us separately, but really for our marriage it was so grounding as we knew we had each others' backs. It was so good to work alongside of each other and do ministry together and share our dreams, hopes, disappointments, and joys!
I really learned a lot about God's provision. The way that he provided for this project: re-opening the project by providing a house, providing beds/matresses,kitchen supplies, dressers, hangers, couches, chairs, a car and bikes when we were short as the students only brought 2 cars for 24 people, the churches and their care for our students.... it was unbelievable. I was in awe of God this summer for his provision. It made me trust Him more for His provision for Tommy and I as we continue to pray and work on our monthly support. We want to be fully funded by the end of this school year-- and I really believe that God can do that..the economy is NO match for my God... and this summer restored faith for me in this area. I also learned a lot about leadership-- how to love and serve people, how to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus in the midst of 'surprises' that leaders sometimes have to deal with, how desperately I need to cling to the Lord for his help in ALL things including patience, his wisdom, his power, his provision, his strength, my need for intimacy with Him, and in leadership. I love Jesus more today then I did at the beginning of the summer, because I am so utterly desperate for him. As I look forward to this year ahead, I am so dependant on Jesus, that I know whatever 'surprises' of this year that come my way, I just need to look to him and trust Him that He is never surprised, and He's in control, I just need to walk with Him and follow Him. I love Jesus so much...
Tommy
He learned a lot about wisdom in leadership. God has wired Tommy so wonderfully in the area of accomplishing tasks. He's faithful, loyal, a servant, and is reliable to 'get things done'. Where Tommy was really stretched this summer was in the area of not just getting things done, but REALLY caring well and connecting with students and loving them well. He grew a lot in this area!
WE GREW TOGETHER...
Our marriage is soooo much stronger after this summer! As we battled leadership together, and faced this new experience as directors together, we were so dependent on the Lord, but also became somewhat dependent on each other. We had never led together in this capacity prior to this summer, and it was a life changing experience for us separately, but really for our marriage it was so grounding as we knew we had each others' backs. It was so good to work alongside of each other and do ministry together and share our dreams, hopes, disappointments, and joys!
Return to Hampton...stories stories stories....
Last we wrote we were headed off to Hampton Beach to close the project for the summer. The thing that really struck us as we were up there were the changed lives!
For a reminder the way that a summer project works is that the staff are there for the first 5 weeks and then the staff leave and let the students run the project for the last 5 weeks. As directors we had the privelege of returning for the last 4 days! Because this was our first time directing this was a new experience for us, and it made a lot of difference in being able to see the visible change in the students from when we had left 5 weeks earlier. They all looked more like Jesus!
Here's a few quick bullet points of change we saw in the students:
- Tim, a boy full of pride, through the working of the Holy Spirit is now clothed in humilty and has an amazing servant's heart and a smile full of joy instead of pride
- Cyrus (one of our NJ students that Karen works with at Monmouth)- is working on forgiveness and rebuilding of his broken relationship with his dad. Where there used to be bitterness and resentment, now there is love and excitement
- Will (one of our NJ students, that Karen works with at Monmouth)- grew a ton in leadership skills as he was one of the student directors when the staff left. He grew a lot in overseeing resolving of conflict and leading other men spiritually
- DaShawn (a Jersey MAN)- grew in the area of taking responsibility and becoming more of a man of God in male leadership
-Santei (from Rutgers)- grew in his heart to lead other men spiritually. This year Tommy will be coaching him in leading the monthly Men's Time for our Rutgers Movement
- Carrie- I (Karen) AM SO PROUD OF HER!!! Previously to this project she was a little rebellious and I think she just needed someone to believe in her so that she could grow to be more like Jesus. I asked her to work on some things before she came to project. The last few days of project she said to me "Karen, I was so mad at you for making me change... but thank you, I'm so glad you did, thanks for believing in me"... this is definitely not something to pat myself on the back for...but it was a absolute JOY to be a part of watching God change her life.
-Erika- previously was not confident in herself... She has grown A TON in taking steps of faith
-Rachel- has grown a ton in her heart to serve the Lord. She took Karen's job of the associate project director when the staff left. I really could see her making an impact for Christ wherever the Lord leads her in the future.
-Natalie- made efforts to end a relationship that was not pushing her towards Christ but hindering her in her walk. She chose her walk with Christ above her personal temporal relationship!
- Several women healed this summer from broken relationships with parents and healed from break-ups that took place in the spring semester
...and much much more!!!
Stories of Evangelism:
-all of the students grew in their knowledge and experience in evangelism. They shared their faith often
-All students made efforts to share their faith in the workplace and really learn what it means to build relationships with others in the workplace and be a good witness
-Many co-workers of our students heard the gospel
-Many people at Hampton Beach heard the gospel this summer
-Linda our summer neigbor across the street came to know the Lord through Collena(a NJ student) and Abby one of our summer project staff.
-A 13 yr. old girl was convinced not to commit suicide by Santei offering her hope. The little girl's mother was so grateful that she came and visited our summer project house. The mother was headed to jail in 2 days. She accepted Christ that night with Shelby (one of our student women). Shelby wants to go into prison ministry after she graduates-- this experience confirmed that calling from the Lord.
-Esther, one of our staff this summer, led 3 people to Christ-- this experience was so life changing for Esther (and for those 3 people) she'll never be the same!!
There are many many other stories that we could share, these are just a few!!
For a reminder the way that a summer project works is that the staff are there for the first 5 weeks and then the staff leave and let the students run the project for the last 5 weeks. As directors we had the privelege of returning for the last 4 days! Because this was our first time directing this was a new experience for us, and it made a lot of difference in being able to see the visible change in the students from when we had left 5 weeks earlier. They all looked more like Jesus!
Here's a few quick bullet points of change we saw in the students:
- Tim, a boy full of pride, through the working of the Holy Spirit is now clothed in humilty and has an amazing servant's heart and a smile full of joy instead of pride
- Cyrus (one of our NJ students that Karen works with at Monmouth)- is working on forgiveness and rebuilding of his broken relationship with his dad. Where there used to be bitterness and resentment, now there is love and excitement
- Will (one of our NJ students, that Karen works with at Monmouth)- grew a ton in leadership skills as he was one of the student directors when the staff left. He grew a lot in overseeing resolving of conflict and leading other men spiritually
- DaShawn (a Jersey MAN)- grew in the area of taking responsibility and becoming more of a man of God in male leadership
-Santei (from Rutgers)- grew in his heart to lead other men spiritually. This year Tommy will be coaching him in leading the monthly Men's Time for our Rutgers Movement
- Carrie- I (Karen) AM SO PROUD OF HER!!! Previously to this project she was a little rebellious and I think she just needed someone to believe in her so that she could grow to be more like Jesus. I asked her to work on some things before she came to project. The last few days of project she said to me "Karen, I was so mad at you for making me change... but thank you, I'm so glad you did, thanks for believing in me"... this is definitely not something to pat myself on the back for...but it was a absolute JOY to be a part of watching God change her life.
-Erika- previously was not confident in herself... She has grown A TON in taking steps of faith
-Rachel- has grown a ton in her heart to serve the Lord. She took Karen's job of the associate project director when the staff left. I really could see her making an impact for Christ wherever the Lord leads her in the future.
-Natalie- made efforts to end a relationship that was not pushing her towards Christ but hindering her in her walk. She chose her walk with Christ above her personal temporal relationship!
- Several women healed this summer from broken relationships with parents and healed from break-ups that took place in the spring semester
...and much much more!!!
Stories of Evangelism:
-all of the students grew in their knowledge and experience in evangelism. They shared their faith often
-All students made efforts to share their faith in the workplace and really learn what it means to build relationships with others in the workplace and be a good witness
-Many co-workers of our students heard the gospel
-Many people at Hampton Beach heard the gospel this summer
-Linda our summer neigbor across the street came to know the Lord through Collena(a NJ student) and Abby one of our summer project staff.
-A 13 yr. old girl was convinced not to commit suicide by Santei offering her hope. The little girl's mother was so grateful that she came and visited our summer project house. The mother was headed to jail in 2 days. She accepted Christ that night with Shelby (one of our student women). Shelby wants to go into prison ministry after she graduates-- this experience confirmed that calling from the Lord.
-Esther, one of our staff this summer, led 3 people to Christ-- this experience was so life changing for Esther (and for those 3 people) she'll never be the same!!
There are many many other stories that we could share, these are just a few!!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Overcoming Obstacles :: Campus Crusade for Christ International
Overcoming Obstacles :: Campus Crusade for Christ International
Check out this article about Mike one of our Rutgers students sharing his faith on Spring Break in Daytona Beach!
Check out this article about Mike one of our Rutgers students sharing his faith on Spring Break in Daytona Beach!
FUN!! Our student Mike from RU made Cru headlines!
Check out this article on our national website about our student Mike and his experience on spring break this past spring! There's a picture of him and Tommy with the article.. fun! we wanted to share it with you!
http://www.ccci.org/ministries-and-locations/ministries/campus-ministry/mike-oriundo.htm
We're headed back up to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire tomorrow, you can be praying for us and the students. The four days that we spend up there will be a lot of closing ceremonies,cleaning, sharing stories about what God has done in and through our students all summer (especially after all the staff left), and preparing our students for what's next: going back to campus.
-pray for safe travels for us and our co-director Jeff
-pray that the students feel some closure as they leave
-pray that they finish well-- and are able to step out in faith and share the gospel a few more times on the beach and with their co-workers
-pray that our students take the lessons they've learned and their passion for Christ and sharing Him with others back to their campuses, families, and friends
-pray for our student's emotions as they leave project... sometimes when our students come from this saturated environment of growth in the Lord it can be so hard for them to return to and assimilate back into 'normal' life, and sometimes it wears on them.
http://www.ccci.org/ministries-and-locations/ministries/campus-ministry/mike-oriundo.htm
We're headed back up to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire tomorrow, you can be praying for us and the students. The four days that we spend up there will be a lot of closing ceremonies,cleaning, sharing stories about what God has done in and through our students all summer (especially after all the staff left), and preparing our students for what's next: going back to campus.
-pray for safe travels for us and our co-director Jeff
-pray that the students feel some closure as they leave
-pray that they finish well-- and are able to step out in faith and share the gospel a few more times on the beach and with their co-workers
-pray that our students take the lessons they've learned and their passion for Christ and sharing Him with others back to their campuses, families, and friends
-pray for our student's emotions as they leave project... sometimes when our students come from this saturated environment of growth in the Lord it can be so hard for them to return to and assimilate back into 'normal' life, and sometimes it wears on them.
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