In my last post, I told you about my time training the college students who interned with Innovation this summer at Cru’s headquarters in Orlando. This was just one of many summer mission opportunities here and overseas that Cru offers to students. Here are just a few of the encouraging stories about what God did:
North Myrtle Beach
Many of our summer missions take place in resort areas and beach towns. Students grow closer to God while learning to share their faith with others. Summer mission students at North Myrtle Beach had 2880 conversations about faith and beliefs, shared the good news about Jesus 805 times, and helped 266 people say yes to Jesus. These Cru students are returning to campus better equipped to lead their fellow students in Bible study, prayer, evangelism, and following Jesus.
Educator Summer Mission
My office co-workers Scott and Marcy co-led a summer mission in Indianapolis for education majors. These nine college students had over 100 gospel conversations with middle- and high-school students, with three indicating decisions to trust Christ.
These future educators also learned how to live as missionally-minded Christ-followers when they teach in public schools. Liz, who will teach ninth-grade English in Massachusetts, said of the mission, “I learned so much! It was a great reminder of how to use my career as my mission field.”
Osaka, Japan
At Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan, a Cru student named Abby was able to share the gospel with a Japanese student named Riko. When Abby shared a sample prayer of salvation, Riko excitedly said, “When can I pray this? I want what you have! It is different from anything I have seen before!”
As the mission progressed, Riko came to each event they held, always asking questions, pondering what she was learning, and gathering more information about the local church with whom they partnered.
As Abby reflected upon the summer mission, she said, “Getting to see the ways the Lord worked in Riko’s life was one of the most impactful experiences I’ve ever had in ministry. I watched as the Lord intentionally orchestrated the perfect scenarios for life-changing conversation. This exemplified the heart of Christ to me in a whole new way. It showed me how the Lord is truly abounding in love and relentlessly pursuing our hearts.”
Fall Outreaches
- After summer missions, students return to their campuses equipped for service and excited to share their faith. This video shows how one campus launched fall ministry.
- You may have heard of a recent outreach at Ohio State University. Cru was only one of many ministries invited to help with the event, which was initiated by Christian students on the football team. These players shared their testimonies with 800 to 1,000 students, and dozens of people were baptized that night in response!
Please Pray
- for all who received Jesus during summer missions and fall outreaches to grow strong in their faith
- for God to continue working in and through Cru students
Thank you for praying!
