CRUview Autumn 2022: The Salt & Light Edition

CRUVIEW Autumn 2022

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Impacting lives through Summit

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Serving on camps no age limit!

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Powerful connection and engagement

Contents 1 2 6 The Big Picture

Impacting lives through Summit Serving on camps - no age limit!

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Powerful connection and engagement CRU® Ministry & Property Updates Thank You CRU Community

Upcoming Events Winter VOLT Date: Saturday 4 June Time: 9:00am - 12:30pm Location: Excelsia College, Macquarie Park CRU Holiday Camps leaders will meet together for a morning of training and encouragement from God’s Word. Find out more information by joining the ‘CRU Camp Leaders’ Facebook Group or email cruleaders@cru.edu.au

CrossTrain Date: Monday 11 - Friday 15 July CrossTrain is a unique camp for Christian students in Years 7-12. The camp is all about encouraging students to prioritise living for Jesus and will equip them with leadership skills to serve God and others at their school. For more info, visit www.crucamps.com.au/crosstrain

Lake Mac Open Day Date: Saturday 3 September Location: CRU Lake Mac Save the date! Experience the newly redeveloped Lake Mac campsite and join us in giving thanks for how God has been working through the site. More details to come.

Schools Ministry Night of Prayer Date: Monday 5 September Join the CRU Schools Ministry team, teachers and chaplains to pray for God's work in Australian schools. For more information, email crugroups@cru.edu.au

CRU Business Breakfast Date: Wednesday 12 October Location: QVB Tea Room Are you a young professional? Please join us for breakfast, fellowship and an update on how God is working to transform young lives through CRU. For more information and to RSVP, call Felicity Schmitz on (02) 9188 9719 or email felicity.schmitz@cru.edu.au

*These events are correct at the time of writing. CRU is committed to following all government health advice which may require events to be postponed, cancelled or changed. Prior to each event, please contact us at info@cru.edu.au to confirm the most current details.

The Big

Picture Pictured: Gary Hill, Executive Director

The Salt & Light Edition

Yet the Bible adds another layer to this. When Jesus speaks of “salt and light” in Matthew 5, it is in a section framed by reference to the Old Testament (cf 5:12 and 17). Leviticus 2:13 indicated that all sacrifices had added salt! In 2 Chronicles 13:5 Abijah reminds the people that God’s love and provision is permanent, marked by “a covenant of salt”. Salt thus identified the special relationship between God and His people.

Jesus’ followers were salt and light (Matthew 5:1314) not because of a natural attractiveness but because they knew God’s mercy and forgiveness, living under the covenant He established and most clearly revealed in Jesus. It makes sense therefore that Christians need to both be holy (salty and luminous) because they carry the name of Jesus, and also active in the world (so that they can provide flavour and shed light).

CRU® looks to do this by embracing a Biblebased boldness, driving a longing for faithfulness as we seek to share the good news with a new generation. We unapologetically speak of Jesus because we are convinced that salvation is only found in Him (Acts 4:12). As we do so we seek to demonstrate care for the needs of the whole person – mentally, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

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We unapologetically speak of Jesus because we are convinced that salvation is only found in Him.

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Salt’s value as a preservative made it invaluable in times before refrigeration. Additionally, it enhanced flavour and even served as an antiseptic. Ancient sources like Herodotus and Marco Polo described its impact; a nation’s wealth was often linked to the trade of salt because of its special natural properties.

I pray that as you read this CRUview you will see this approach illustrated and you will be stirred to thank God. We love because He first loved us (I John 4:9-12,18).

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Impacting lives through

Summit O

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lmost half of Australian high school students “I knew I wanted to go to Bible college, but I knew aren’t sure what they want to pursue after school. that I wouldn’t be able to sit through lecture after This definitely wasn’t the case for Caitlin Randall, lecture. Summit was a way I could still get a ministry second-year Summit Program trainee. It only took qualification, and also get practical training and teach one CRU® Educational Camp to convince her that the kids about Jesus.”

Summit traineeship was where she was meant to be.

Caitlin left camp with more than just new study skills – Six years ago, Caitlin’s friends were nagging her to she left with her heart set on Summit! attend their church youth group. Admittedly, she started visiting the youth group to “just keep them She was so keen to join that she had submitted her quiet" and stop them annoying her, but after application six months before the official intake. Finally, attending for a couple of months, she loved going to at the end of 2020, Caitlin received a job offer on the youth, was won over by Jesus, and made the decision day after her birthday. She shares, “I cried when I found to follow Him! out I got the job because it felt like such a big blessing.

For two years, I was so passionate about wanting to do A few years later, Caitlin had her first encounter this job because I could just see myself growing and with CRU. Her school had organised a Year 11 CRU learning heaps. It gave me peace knowing that I would Educational Camp where the students learnt study be able to teach kids about Jesus in an environment skills to equip them for their final years of school. At that I love.” this camp, she experienced genuine care from her camp leaders, Bonnie and Brooke, and saw how the Caitlin has loved her first year of the program. team interacted with the campers.

As expected, she found the outdoor recreation components and training really fun and exciting.

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I’m so glad I’ve had the opportunity to do this ministry training. I’m now more equipped and more confident in what I believe and can now tell kids about who Jesus is and actually have the Bible as my authority.

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Caitlin was impacted by the Summit team’s passion and intentionality displayed on camp. She reflects, “They weren’t just focused on running activities, running the meal, or sorting out logistics. They took the time to make conversation, met you where you’re at, and answered any questions. They wanted to listen, help you grow, and spur you on, regardless if you believed in Jesus.”

On this same camp, Caitlin heard about the Summit Program and was confident that it was what she wanted to do after high school. She recalls, “I had multiple conversations with Brooke over camp about what the Summit Program looked like and what it involved, and I especially loved the outdoor recreation side of things.”

However, Caitlin found the ministry training sessions a bit overwhelming at the start. She shares, “I came from a non-Christian family and had only been a Christian for about five years. I felt so inadequate because it seemed like everyone else were from Christian homes, had done other Bible training, or other programs.”

Though initially difficult, Caitlin can now recognise the growth and fruit that has come from her experience.

“I have grown so much in my knowledge and my faith.

I actually love ministry training now and look forward to it! I’m so glad I’ve had the opportunity to do this ministry training. I’m now more equipped and more confident in what I believe and can now tell kids about who Jesus is and actually have the Bible as my authority.”

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Caitlin is also thankful for the community and fellowship that she’s been able to experience. “The training days are super enjoyable and fun. The trainers just want to see you grow, and you get to bond with the team and build strong relationships. And after a day at camp, it’s super fun to chill out with the team and have good chats about God, where we’re at, and encourage and pray for each other.”

She continues, “The community at CRU® is a blessing.

Having the constant Christian influence in your life at work keeps you going and spurs you on to be consistent in your quiet time and in prayer.”

COVID restrictions meant that school camps weren’t able to run for a portion of 2021, so now that camps are back, Caitlin is keen to get back onto them and make the most of the opportunity.

“You get given so many opportunities on camp to tie your Christian faith into activities like sailing or abseiling, into discussion groups, and mealtimes. There are so many opportunities that you get given, and you just have to jump at them because these kids might not ever hear about Jesus again.”

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And it seems that Caitlin isn’t the only one happy about the return of camps. The response from campers and teachers has been extremely positive. She says, “The kids and teachers are so keen, and parents are willing to send their kids on camp, even with COVID around.

Camps give kids the opportunity to burn off energy and can give teachers a bit of a breather after a tough year. Thousands of kids missed that opportunity last year, so we’re keen to give them great camp experiences this year.”

Now in her second year at Summit, Caitlin prays that God will use her for His glory at CRU. Just like the leaders who impacted Caitlin on her school camp in Year 11, she now hopes to be like salt and light to other campers and point them to Jesus with love and humility.

“Back then, the leaders had such an impact on my life.

Now I want to be able to do that for others and show them how good God is. You don’t need much time to have an impact on someone’s life when Jesus is in the middle of it and God’s working.”

More than a job - make an ETERNAL IMPACT!

CRU’s Summit Program is an exciting full-time mission and ministry traineeship run over one or two years.

“To get trained and equipped in all of these different skills is amazing.” - Brooke

Be trained, learn new skills, get practical work experience, and grow in your faith as you share your passion for Christ with thousands of kids and youth on camp… all while getting paid!

Receive Bible, leadership, youth and kids ministry training, and a Certificate IV in Christian Ministry & Theology

Find out more and apply today!

Help lead over 12,000 young people who attend CRU camps every year

Complete a Certificate II & III in Outdoor Recreation

www.summitprogram.com.au

Serving O on camps - no age limit!

With easing COVID restrictions and in-person camps ramping up at the end of 2021, CRU® was overjoyed to see the high demand for CRU Holiday Camps over the summer break. Campers were excited to spend their holidays with their friends, and parents were eager to see their children getting off screens and enjoying the great outdoors.

However, these camps could only happen thanks to the faithful service of volunteer leaders. From first-time leaders to camp veterans, we’re so thankful for each and every one of our wonderful volunteers.

Let’s hear from a few of our more mature volunteers who served on camps over summer.

After the Mast Sailing camp at CRU Lake Mac

the camp environment. CRU Camps provide such amazing gospel opportunities, that Sue and I were keen to experience that environment again.

What were the highlights of leading on camp?

It was so lovely to return to leading on a camp. Even with COVID, it was a wonderful opportunity to share the truth about Jesus. I was delighted to see the passion for the gospel among our leaders and rejoiced with the rest of the team when a number of campers committed their lives to following Jesus.

What were the challenges?

COVID restrictions caused the biggest challenges, which of course changed the daily routine. But in many ways, those changes gave us different kinds of opportunities. It is getting harder to get this 70-yearold body onto a Hobie, but I still love sailing and it was great to get out onto boats and have the chance to talk to kids.

What was it like leading at the new CRU Lake Mac? We were based in the classic site, but we used the new site for meals and the food and staff were amazing. The new boat shed is also amazing, especially for those of us who remember the old tin shed.

Why do you continue to support CRU and its ministry?

Leader: Philip Warner Phil first became involved with CRU while developing promotional material in the 1980s. It led to him directing a ski camp, leading on a number of other camps, and serving as Chairman on the Camps Committee. He served on the CRU Board in the early 1990s and was Chair for a short term, before leaving to serve overseas for a number of years. Upon his return to Australia in 2019, Phil and wife Sue were recruited by their son, Dave, to serve as Camp Parents on After the Mast.

Why did you decide to lead on a CRU Camp in summer?

After so many years away doing other kinds of ministry, it was great to have the opportunity to get back into

It’s all about gospel ministry and the opportunities that CRU provides. I meet so many people, now in Christian ministry, who came to faith at a CRU Camp or through Schools Ministry that I can’t help but get excited about it.

How have you been encouraged to be the ‘salt and light’ of the world?

We are called to encourage one another and to spur one another on. When I see the leaders and CRU staff living the gospel, one can’t help but be encouraged to continue on in the faith. For me, the Christian journey is all about understanding what Jesus meant by taking up our cross to follow Him. When we do that there will be challenges, but the more we do, the more we understand how we can bring the flavour of Christ into the world in which we live and the more we understand how we can show people the way (that is Jesus).

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Summer Study 2 Study Camp at CRU Galston Gorge ®

about Jesus. I recently went on a camp with a leader whose father had been a leader!

How have you been encouraged to be the ‘salt and light’ of the world?

Salt can help make something better or can make a difference, and if I can help enrich others’ lives spiritually and academically, then that will help my goal. Light is a way to show direction and I want to help individuals see the truth of John 14:6. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Leader: Ian McAlpin Ian first heard about CRU as a primary school student at Shore in 1965. He committed his life to Christ on a CRU Lake Mac sailing camp in 1968 and worked at CRU in the mid-70s before joining the staff at Barker College. Ian has used his teaching career to help lead on over 35 CRU Study Camps so far!

Sailing Masters Sailing camp at CRU Lake Mac

Why did you decide to lead on a CRU Camp in summer?

I hadn’t been on a camp for so long (the previous two seasons were cancelled due to COVID) and I want to do as many as I can before I am no longer able to!

What were the highlights of leading on camp?

Leaders: William (Bill) Jauncey & Greg Thornton

The highlight of camp was being able to share my testimony and what God has done in my life. It was also wonderful to share my educational resources and skills with the students.

Bill attended his first CRU Camp as a camper on Inter Sailing in 1961. He also served on that camp as a Junior Leader in 1965 when his modern history teacher, Stuart Braga, invited him along. After that, Bill served as a Junior Leader on Senior Sailing and has continued to lead on that camp most years. Since retiring, Bill also leads on CRU Study Camps.

What were the challenges?

The main practical challenge was wondering if camp would go ahead and whether I would actually get there.

The biggest challenge that gripped my heart was making sure that all the students could leave camp knowing where they are at in their relationship with God. Why do you continue to support CRU and its ministry?

I was converted at a CRU Camp in 1968 and clearly recall that moment of hearing the message of Jesus.

I still have great friends through CRU and it is a thrill to see campers from camps I led on now telling others Page Eight

Greg ran CRU Groups at Knox for seven years (19841990) and directed a junior camp during this time.

He then moved to WA, Kenya, Bathurst and Bega, before reuniting with CRU again at Shellharbour Anglican College.

Why did you decide to lead on a CRU Camp in summer?

Bill: God has equipped me over the years to have the skills to lead on a sailing camp. What a wonderful chance to present the gospel to young people!

What were the highlights of leading on camp?

Bill: The highlights have been the campers themselves.

I have always liked working with young people, and having the gospel presented clearly to them on camp.

Greg: The highlights for me were listening to the raw honesty of the kids. They were confident to say where they stood with Jesus and expressed that openly.

What were the challenges?

Greg: At 61 years old, I faced some medical challenges and my energy levels wouldn't let me enjoy the night time activities as I would've liked!

Bill: The main challenge was COVID risks at my age (then 74), although I managed to get my third jab well before camp.

What was it like leading at the new CRU Lake Mac? Greg: The new campsite at Lake Mac is AMAZING. First class facilities in every way.

Bill: The new site is great, though it needs a basketball court. (We’ll work on that, Bill!)

Why do you continue to support CRU and its ministry?

Bill: I continue to support the ministry because God used CRU to positively impact me when I was younger.

It was important in my early Christian life when I was at school.

Greg: CRU reaches out to people at a critical time in a human’s life. Statistically, people come to the Lord at these impressionable ages during high school and university.

How have you been encouraged to be the ‘salt and light’ of the world?

Greg: It is always challenging, as it is encouraging, to live as Jesus wants us to live. With this in mind, going to camp and sharing the ‘journey’ of walking with Jesus is both exciting and challenging to continue in our own life. We have been blessed by God to have been called into His kingdom – it would be remiss not to offer the opportunity for others to come to know Him. Bill: Christ died for me! What more encouragement does one need!

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We have been blessed by God to have been called into His kingdom – it would be remiss not to offer the opportunity for others to come to know Him.

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Greg: Bill invited me to join him on camp - they needed additional sailors to take the kids sailing. It was my first camp after 40 years of teaching in regional schools.

Powerful connection and engagement

Christian can be with others who will encourage, support and challenge them,” Geoff shares.

“The school years are such a critical time to consider your place in the world, and work out who you are and what you want in life. It’s really important when asking these big questions to have people around you that are supporting you and encouraging you in your faith journey.”

St Luke’s has over 100 students attending Christian groups throughout the school, and CRU considers it a great privilege to be able to support the teachers who run the four Junior School CRU Groups.

Geoff Lancaster has been the principal at St Luke’s Grammar School since July 2020 and knows firsthand the importance of having a Christian support network during one’s schooling years.

Along with being a place for Christian fellowship, the CRU Groups at St Luke’s provide students with opportunities to step up and get involved.

Growing up in a family that wouldn’t call themselves Christians, Geoff wasn’t pressured to attend a church or youth group. However, Geoff made the personal choice

“The student leaders actively invite people to come along and join in. That connection with each other and that opportunity for discipleship is so powerful.” Geoff

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The school years are such a critical time to consider your place in the world, and work out who you are and what you want in life. It’s really important... to have people around you that are supporting you and encouraging you in your faith journey.

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to attend a local youth group because a number of his friends did. It was there that he met Jesus and, by God’s grace, decided to follow Him. Geoff’s first involvement with CRU® was on a CRU School Leavers Camp in 1988, where he met “lots of great people who were on fire for Jesus”. He shares, “It set me up to have some really good, solid Christian friendships through university, which is a pretty important time to be surrounded by good people.”

From there, Geoff led on a number of different CRU Holiday Camps, served as camp parents with his wife, and directed Beach Blitz camp at Collaroy.

Until then, Geoff had mainly experienced CRU’s camping ministry but quickly became more aware of CRU’s work in schools in the early teaching years of his career. Now, at St Luke’s Grammar School, Geoff particularly values CRU’s part in supporting Christian students, teachers and chaplains in schools.

“Christian groups are important because students who want to investigate the Christian faith more can meet in a non-confrontational environment. It is also really important that students who would call themselves

adds, “A number of our leaving students have said that they felt connection and engagement through the Christian groups and have been able to connect into local churches, which is wonderful.”

St Luke’s also partners with CRU Educational Camps to run several of their school camps. Geoff explains that the fantastic facilities and range of exciting activities at the CRU campsites are only partly why they use CRU. “The leaders at CRU are very energetic, passionate and enthusiastic,” Geoff explains. “That energy comes through to the staff and to the students, and they are a real encouragement. Our staff really enjoy going along to CRU Educational Camps. They get well looked after and are able to trust the CRU staff with our students.”

Starting at a new school right in the middle of COVID has been unusual, but even so, Geoff recognises God’s work at the school through CRU. “COVID has been a disruption to everyone, and that’s the case for students as well. The thing that comes through the most, from parents and from students, is that feeling of being disconnected from one another,” Geoff shares.

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“It’s important that students understand the value of faith and the gospel message so that they do rise above the challenges that they see around them every single day.”

CRU aims to help students be “salt and light” in their schools. Geoff can see how Christian students have been encouraged to stand firm in their faith and be a witness to others.

“As a school, we want all the students in our school community to feel loved and accepted, but also to be curious about matters of faith. That’s sometimes a challenge as the gospel message is quite countercultural.” Geoff continues, “Having safe places to meet like CRU Groups helps students have confidence in their faith, articulate what they believe, and be encouraged to stand up and be counted as a Christian.”

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Please join us in thanking God for Geoff, the staff, and the students at St Luke’s Grammar School. We are so thankful for our partnership in the gospel with St Luke’s and the many opportunities that the students have to explore their faith and consider the good news of Jesus. Praise God!

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Having safe places to meet like CRU Groups helps students have confidence in their faith, articulate what they believe, and be encouraged to stand up and be counted as a Christian.

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“I believe the Christian faith is compelling and offers us all hope and purpose. If students understand this, it helps them to have a big picture view rather than get caught up in the disruption and uncertainty surrounding them.”

Geoff shares that, as a school, St Luke’s wants to present Psalm 34:8 to the community: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” He believes that “if students understand the truths of the Bible, they’ll realise that the Lord is good and that an enriching relationship with God brings joy, freedom and life to the full”.

CRU® Ministry & Property Updates We are thankful for the great work God is doing through CRU®. Stay up to date with everything that is happening in our various ministries and properties.

“As we were wrapping up on a Year 5 camp, a teacher asked some students to share what their favourite part of camp was. One of my discussion group members, Henry*, stood up and said, “I didn’t know that learning about Jesus could be such fun!”

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Tadgh Richards, leader on a CRU Educational Camp

“Edward*, a camper in Year 3, shared how he learnt that Jesus has the power to save us from sin. He said that he’d never read the Bible before for himself and was very excited when I said he could get his own to take home. He even followed up the next day asking “when can I have my Bible?” Praise God for the power of His Word.”

Nathan Brackenrig, leader on a CRU Educational Camp

“ SCHOOLS MINISTRY • • •

HOLIDAY CAMPS

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DAY CAMPS

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Give thanks for the many opportunities that the Schools Ministry Associates have to connect with and support senior school students on camps and in schools.

Praise God for the new FIT program ‘God is Holy’ run by the Schools Ministry team. It aims to teach students in Years 5-6 how Jesus can make them holy as well as helping them explore how to live a holy life at home and at school.

Give thanks to God for the Inter-CRU events where many students from different high schools gathered to encourage each other to live for Jesus in their schools and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship.

Thank God for the autumn season of camps just past. We ran 11 residential camps and one day camp. Pray that God will keep working in the hearts and minds of the campers who attended.

Pray for the upcoming season of winter camps. Winter is our most dense season with 21 residential camps and four day camps happening in NSW, and a further two residential camps happening in WA. All in the space of four weeks! Pray for directors as they finalise the recruitment of their teams that God will provide faithful leaders to share Jesus with campers.

Thank God for the Holiday Camps team. Pray that they will be efficient in communicating with leaders, campers and parents in the lead up to winter season and that they will work well together for God’s glory.

Thank God for CRU Pulse, our recent camp partnering with Rouse Hill Anglican College. Pray that the campers who heard the good news about Jesus will be able to connect with CRU Groups at school and kid’s groups at church.

Pray for our upcoming winter season of camps. Due to COVID, it’s been nearly three years since some of our winter Day Camps have run. Pray that we’ll communicate well with partners in re-establishing these camps.

Pray for our high school leaders that God will help them to be salt and light in their communities and that the Day Camps they attend will be an opportunity for them to be encouraged and strengthened in their faith.

EDUCATIONAL CAMPS

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GALSTON GORGE

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LAKE MAC

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CRU WEST

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*Name changed for privacy reasons.

22 new Summit Program trainees joined the CRU Educational Camps team in January, along with two short-term camp staff from overseas. We praise God for bringing them to CRU, for sustaining them through a very busy initial training period, equipped them for ministry, and how He has already been using them to grow His kingdom through a full camps season in Term 1.

Despite a COVID interrupted start of Term 1, at time of writing we are hopeful to be able to run 34 school camps for nearly 3,000 campers during the term. We praise God for the opportunity kids have to come on camp after such limited opportunities in the past two years, and more importantly, to hear the gospel proclaimed.

We’re thankful that it was possible to postpone, rather than cancel, most of the camps that were interrupted by the Omicron outbreak; we’re thrilled that those camps are able to happen later this year and those students don’t have to miss out entirely, and thankful for schools for seeking to make these camps happen despite the changes to plans.

We are excited that the BMX track design process and COLA development plans have been completed and we are looking forward to starting work on these important initiatives as the winter 2022 fundraising appeal allows. Thousands of kids will benefit from the new track and briefing area and we are hopeful to begin works later in 2022.

The COLA will allow for groups to meet comfortably outside and run a variety of activities in all weathers.

We give thanks for the strong number of booking enquiries that flow in on a daily basis. Praise God that our booking calendar is looking busy for the rest of 2022 and beyond. We also thank God for His wonderful provision of staff members to build and strengthen our catering team, enabling us to effectively and safely run camps throughout the year.

It has been wonderful to hear the laughter of kids on CRU Educational Camps enjoying the facilities after such a long absence. Praise God for our staff witnessing to young people and campers hearing the good news of Jesus every week. Our new free time area has seen lots of use over these last few months. Table tennis, handball, discussion groups, friendly chats, and bottle filling have all been occurring on the site.

Praise God that CRU Lake Mac has been back in full swing since schools have been allowed to return. It has been amazing to see kids at site and they have never been more excited to be on camp. The place is buzzing with the sounds of young people challenging themselves on and off the water.

Our site team is slowly growing and getting better at running a full program with multiple groups on site. However, now that restrictions are lifted, we need to add to our team to continue to ensure we run a smooth and professional operation. Please pray that God will provide suitable people to join the team.

Give thanks for a new activity – the Cave Maze! This is a unique activity that the property team have been working on. We are excited to see kids enjoying a new experience that is like no other!

Praise God for the first Educational Camps run in WA in March. We thank God for the daytime program and the partnership with Trinity Theological College, whose students served on camp as leaders as part of their Missions Week. Pray that the students from ACC Southlands who joined us on camp were encouraged to live for Jesus each day.

Thank God for many opportunities to engage with students at school through chapels, assemblies and CRU Groups this year, despite COVID restrictions coming into effect.

Praise God for the provision of three new team members in the CRU West team this year. Pray for Jess, Matt and Tash as they seek to engage with students, teachers and chaplains to proclaim Jesus at WA schools.

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Thank You CRU® is so thankful for those who faithfully give of their time, money and efforts to support our ministries. We want to say thank you to these three people who have played a vital role in the work of CRU:

HILDA LEE

When she finished her teaching degree, God decided to challenge Hilda and sent her to Canberra. Hilda currently teaches at Canberra Girls Grammar, but was previously the Assistant Chaplain there and ran the CRU Group in the Senior School for many years.

Hilda sees that CRU is not just for the students, but also an encouragement to the teachers and chaplains who run CRU Groups at school. CRU Schools Ministry workers support and walk alongside you by praying for you and the group as well as for the leaders of the school. Without a doubt, Hilda sees that CRU has enabled many seeds to be sown into the hearts of students at schools around the ACT, NSW and beyond.

Hilda understands that God, through CRU, guards the hearts of many students in this temptation-filled world, at a time where teenagers are most vulnerable and exposed to unbiblical ideas. The CRU Group challenges and reminds kids that they can walk in the path of light if they choose to and why God’s path is always best.

Hilda says, “The simple presence of CRU Groups in a school offers students an opportunity to think, question and learn about God in this secular world.”

Thank you, Hilda, for your faithful service and involvement with the work God is doing through CRU in schools in the ACT. Page Sixteen

BECKY MCCREATH

Becky’s parents loved sending her on CRU Camps as a young child. It was on a dirt bike camp where Becky first encountered the real Jesus and had the space to ask questions, see the leaders as role models of how to live for Christ, and then walk that journey with them. She has had the privilege of becoming a leader herself and now directs camps, heading up the same camp she became a Christian on for the last seven years.

Fondly known as ‘Becadactyl’ in camp circles, Becky sees it as a privilege for the last decade to observe repeat campers start to drop their hostility towards Christianity and open their hearts to God. Becky supports CRU financially as a regular giver and catches sight of the strategic big picture at events such as the CRU Business Breakfast.

Here, she sees all of the ways CRU is able to share the gospel with kids and train future Christian leaders.

Becky reflects, “CRU is important to give young people a safe space and offers them a certain unshakeable hope – that’s the greatest treasure we can offer the next generation.”

Thank you, Becky, for your passion and commitment to help kids come to know and love Jesus through CRU.

ROGER CHILTON

Roger has been a believer now for nearly 50 years. His first connection with CRU was leading a sailing camp at Lake Mac in January 1982. When Roger was the Senior Minister at St Swithun’s Anglican Church, Pymble, he encouraged young people to attend CRU Groups and CRU Camps and relished speaking at a CRU Study Camp.

Roger has come to see how significant CRU Groups are in our independent schools, both for discipling young people and training future leaders. He is greatly impressed by the impact that CRU Educational Camps have had on schools and especially students who may not otherwise have much or any exposure to the gospel.

Roger also enjoys hosting a table at the annual CRU Business Lunch, where he hears inspiring talks from young students sharing how CRU has significantly shaped their faith.

Roger reminisces, “It has been a joy to watch how CRU has grown over the past 25 years under godly and visionary leadership, and the way CRU now has one of the most significant roles in Australia in introducing young people to Jesus and discipling them. I thank God for Crusaders!”

Thank you, Roger, for your faithful support of the work of CRU over so many years.

Community

HITCHED • Hayley Roberts & Tadhg Richards – 12 February 2022 • Naomi Andrews & Christopher Hammond – 30 April 2022

HATCHED • Janette Leong & Brett Jackson – a girl, Olivia Janice, born on 26 November 2021 • Georgia & Edward Luk – a boy, Joshua Patrick Wang Yau Luk, born on 15 January 2022 • Bess & Andrew Yager – a girl, Olivia Grace, born on 20 January 2022 • Emma & Martin Robinson – a girl, Sophie Grace, born on 27 February 2022

Keep us posted

If you have any news, updates, or stories that you would like to share with the CRU community, let us know by emailing cruview@cru.edu.au

HOME • Noel Goodall – 11 July 2021 • Owen Hales – 27 August 2021 • Arthur Kelshaw – 7 January 2022 • Reg Lobb – 25 February 2022

TEACHERS ON THE MOVE • Paul Dudley has moved from being Chaplain at Shore School, to the children’s worker at St Thomas’ Anglican Church and a new part-time role at Arndell Anglican College as a consultant in mission and ministry.

• Dr John Collier, after 12 years serving as Principal of St Andrew’s Cathedral School, stepped down in December 2021 and has since taken up the role of Dean of Education at Morling College.

• Jeff Ware has moved from being the Community Chaplain at Barker College to Assistant Minister at South Head Anglican Parish.

• Dr Julie Greenhaigh will be retiring as Principal of Meriden at the end of 2022.

• Justin Beckett has commenced as the new Headmaster of Arden Anglican School.

Page Seventeen

Sharing Jesus with a new generation

The Crusader Union of Australia PO Box 590, Eastwood NSW 2122 (02) 9874 8933 www.cru.edu.au ABN 90 213 359 332