January 2020

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A STORY OF BETH’S COURAGE

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Every time around the end of one year and the beginning of the next, thousands of college students gather throughout the country to hear about the good news of Jesus Christ. Some come looking to be reenergized or refreshed, others to hear where God is drawing them next, and still others hear the Gospel for the first time. All of this happens at Cru Winter Conference.

At the Los Angeles Winter Conference students help share the message of Jesus’

love with those in a community that a new church plant was looking to serve. Due to their efforts 86 people attended. 52 were first time guests. There were 6 that committed their life to Christ, 4 who wished to be baptized, and 7 signed up for a membership class with the church. These students served and reached out in other ways too, and through their efforts 1,961 people were interacted with and 702 had spiritual conversations. 232 people were specifically presented with the Gospel and 50 people prayed to receive Christ. And these efforts were being made wherever there was a Winter Conference happening. This is the power of the Gospel.

These conferences demonstrate the power of the body of Christ as a whole, but also

how impactful even one person can be within it. Another staff member, Allison, also shared a story about one individual student at their Indianapolis Winter Conference. The student’s name was Beth. Allison and Beth were debriefing what had happened at the conference in Indianapolis. They heard a message from Heather Holleman, an English professor at Penn State University. Heather spoke on Ephesians 2:6, and how their reality was that they had Christ with them, and to use to that reality to go and share the Gospel boldly. Beth shared with Allison that this lesson had resonated with her. Beth began to share her faith openly and offered to pray for those around her. Beth’s faith and courage led to numerous spiritual conversations with her roommate. Beth even found that people were eager to hear more about what she had to say about Jesus, or to have Beth pray for them. Beth’s courage to follow on Jesus’ command to love our neighbor and to proclaim His glory has opened doors for conversation, for hope, and for the love of Jesus to enter many people’s lives.

I am always so excited when I hear stories like Beth’s, or about the sheer volume of

students who are attending these conferences because there we can see God at work. It is an opportunity to let God into every aspect of our heart and reshape them for His will. People like you, who pray and support this ministry are a part of what is happening at these conferences and the legacies that they leave. Sometimes we do not get to see the end result of our prayers and willingness to live our lives for Christ, but when we depend on God and lean into the His command to love Him and love our neighbor has ourselves lives are changed. Thank you for being a part of this amazing season in Cru’s ministry, and for continuing to pray and support these students as they seek to make Jesus’ love known throughout the world.

It’s time once again to pursue students, in His strength, with the truth of His gospel. Thanks for linking arms with us too, to reach these students!

I recently finished a very creative piece featuring a spoken word performed by Michael

Fujimoto, who is on Cru staff with the Epic Movement* here in Portland. The video was to paint a picture of the life of a high school student. Often when they are transitioning

from high school to college it can be a stressful and lonely place. Students are trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives. The poem says,

“My eyes are beholding

My potential that’s unfolding

But confusion is withholding

And pressures are molding

Me into someone I don’t

recognize”

The video is encouraging college students to join the Cru High School ministry in walking

beside these teenagers and lead them to God. This has been another beautiful project that I have been blessed to take a small part in to impact lives for His Kingdom. Thank you for being in this with me. Please be praying for the high schoolers you know or you’ve seen. This time of year comes with a lot of pressure as they decide their next steps. You can watch this new video here on my website homepage.

*The Epic Movement is an ethnic ministry of

Cru that focuses on Asian Americans.

Creative 1 Media Studio Team