CRUVIEW Summer 2019
includes:
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
s n o i t a r e genO THE
EDITION
Inside this issue:
2-5
Stories Spanning 80 Years
6-8
For the Sake of the Next Generation
9-11
Pursuing God, Always
12-14
The Power of Community
SUMMER 2019
CONTENTS
PAGE 1
PAGE 2-5
PAGE 6-8
PAGE 9-11
PAGE 12-14
PAGE 15
The Big Picture
Stories Spanning 80 Years
For the Sake of the Next Generation
Pursuing God, Always
The Power of Community
A Life of Service
PAGE 16
PAGE 17-23
PAGE 24-25
PAGE 26-27
PAGE 28
PAGE 29
Guest Article: Moore College
The Annual Report 2018
CRU® Ministry & Property Updates
Lake Mac Update
Thank You
CRU® Community
UPCOMING EVENTS Crusader Women's Fellowship
Crusader Business Luncheon
CRU® West Partnership Dinner
18th February 2019
15th March 2019
13th May 2019
Enjoy lunch and conversation with a group of ladies who faithfully meet to pray for CRU® twice a year. For more information and to RSVP call Philippa McCredie on 02 9874 8933 (opt 4) or email philippa.mccredie@ crusaders.edu.au
Meet with friends and colleagues to hear about what CRU® is doing and how you can support this important work among young people. For more information, call Matilda Slade on 02 9874 8933 (opt 4) or visit www. crusaders.edu.au/cbl2019
Are you living in Perth? Join with the CRU West Committee for an evening of fellowship and encouragement, to hear the work God is doing in young hearts in Western Australia. The ministry is growing quickly and needs your support! For more information, contact Sheridan Raston on sheridan.raston@crusaders. edu.au
Lake Mac Redevelopment Events
Would you like to know more about the Lake Mac Redevelopment? Various small events are being held in supporters’ homes from February to April this year. Please contact Damien Wang on 02 9188 9718 or email damien.wang@crusaders.edu.au
CRUVIEW
THE BIG PICTURE Gary Hill, Executive Director
The Generations Edition “Current research reveals that we are realistically in
receives is directly linked to their spiritual growth: a
danger of not passing on Biblical Christianity to the
Christian book or DVD, or a CRU Camp are among
next generation.” This sentence opened a recent
their options. But the absence of Christian parents in
article issued by the highly regarded US Christian
many households and the benefit of complementary
Research Institute. With fewer than 5% of Aussie kids
ministry means that organisations like CRU, which
attending church2 this will not surprise us either.
focus intentionally on reaching and growing young
1
Christians, are vital. So many parents tell me how Psalm 78:4 provides us with a great reminder of
much they value the partnership with CRU in
the importance of sharing the message of God with
investing in their kids.
young people so that they too would trust in Him. It’s an appropriate verse for CRU: “we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy
“
stresses the challenge inherent
We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His power and the wonders He has done.
in this. Despite God’s awesome
—Psalm 78:4b
and the wonders he has done”. Yet the remainder of the Psalm
acts of mercy, His people fail to give Him the honour that is due. “They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them” (v. 11).
“
deeds of the Lord, his power
We need to relate the stories of God’s mercy and power. CRU is often praised for our outstanding programs in schools and on camps, but it is what underlies this which is of most importance in sharing God’s truth. The heart attitude of teachers, leaders and parents is both essential and compelling.
And it‘s no surprise for the reader of Psalm 78. Those How do we reach the next generation? Clearly
who don’t shepherd as God desires are marked by
parents need to be active in sharing their faith, and
unfaithful hearts (vv. 8, 37) but God’s true shepherd
encouraging growth. Various routines can support
features “integrity of heart” (v. 72).
this. Discussions at home, weekly church, modelling prayer and generous living are all vital. I know of
Lord, give us hearts that long for you, so that your
one couple who each Christmas and birthday ensure
goodness is known from generation to generation!
that one of the presents that each of their children
Page One 1 2
Chris Sherrod, Christian Research Journal 2009: Equipping the Next Generation McCrindle Research, https://mccrindle.com.au/insights/blogarchive/church-attendance-in-australia-infographic/
SUMMER 2019
80 years O
S T O R I E S S PA N N I N G
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Page Three
SUMMER 2019
F
or almost 80 years, the Steele-Smith family
Having seen CRU work so well, we were pleased to
have been involved in CRU®. Here are their
send our own children on CRU Camps, and we were
stories – from the grandparents to the
so glad to see our children helped in their faith by
grandchildren – showing why they love CRU.
the leaders.
John and Alice Steele-Smith: Our first contact with
Our grandchildren are now involved, and it’s
CRU was when, while at university in the 1940s, we
just wonderful to see younger people coming to
met people who had been involved in CRU in their
know the Lord – especially your own children and
high school days, who got us involved.
grandchildren. CRU shares the message of the gospel with such clarity.
In the 1950s, we helped construct the CRU site at Galston. It must have looked like a ridiculous
Janet Cooper: CRU really challenged and
exercise because there was this scrubby land and
encouraged me in my personal growth. After going
a whole heap of people with practically no tools,
on camps, I understood so much more of what I
dressed in ordinary skirts and shirts and things
believed. I’m still involved now because everyone
like that. No jeans or anything sensible! But we
needs Christ. CRU provides a wonderful avenue to
understood that it was going to be something great.
bring friends to a place where they can hear about Him and then be nurtured and encouraged.
Meetings in our home. Forty kids would come and play wide games on the tennis court then have a talk and share some supper. Some of the speakers were just excellent. At the same time, we also had a property at Yarramundi and the first mini bike camps were held there. We didn’t lead on the camps, just hosted
“
Many of my dearest Christian friendships started with fellow campers or leaders.
“
Later, in the early 1970s, we hosted Saturday Night
them, but a few years ago, a man came up to me
Andie Steele-Smith: My first contact with CRU was
[John] at a Crusader Business Luncheon and said,
attending Strathfield Saturday Night Meetings at
“I remember you! I was converted on a camp at
our house as a six-year-old. My first camp was at
your property.”
Galston when I was eight. Back then, I remember
Top row (left to right): David Steele-Smith, Sue Steele-Smith, Sue Steele-Smith, Steph and Matt Steele-Smith, Bettie and Will Steele-Smith, Graham and Janet Cooper Bottom row (left to right): Andrew and Rachel Steele-Smith, Naomi Cooper and Jemima Steele-Smith, John and Alice Steele-Smith with Gabriel Steele-Smith, Anna Cooper, Barnabas Steele-Smith, Matilda Steele-Smith
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we used to play flaming football on camps, no
Naomi Cooper: At first, lunchtime CRU Group
matter the fire risk! As a 15-year-old boy, I was
meetings were fun and encouraging to attend. As I
asked to be a junior leader on a junior boys sailing
grew older, I realised the value of CRU Groups and
camp. I developed a life-long friendship and prayer
Interschool CRUs as a non-threatening and effective
partner on that camp. Many of my dearest Christian
way of introducing friends to Christianity during the
friendships started with fellow campers or leaders.
school day. In senior school, the JLC camp and SALT trained and equipped me to lead others in their faith
Sue Steele-Smith: It is so easy to grow up in a
throughout Years 10-12. CRU encouraged me to be
Christian environment and not understand it really
active in my faith, when it would have been easy to
well. You can see faith more as something you do
be complacent. That lesson has laid the foundation
rather than a relationship with God. But CRU helped
for my faith journey since leaving school.
me understand the gospel better. When I became a school teacher and led a CRU Group at my school, I
David Steele-Smith: On a CRU Camp at
realised how much I could impact these young girls
Tumburumba in the winter of 1972, I realised that I
spiritually. I loved showing them to see that Jesus
knew and trusted Jesus. God used CRU to help me
could help them deal with the stresses they had
know Jesus ‘for myself’ and to get me involved in
to handle.
witnessing to others. My wife Sue was converted on
“
It’s just wonderful to see younger people coming to know the Lord – especially your own children and grandchildren.
“
Anna Cooper: CRU, particularly during high school,
a CRU Camp, and we also met on a CRU Camp at
had a huge impact on my faith. I loved learning from
Lake Mac! And we have been delighted to see our
the older students in the school, and spending time
son Matt be a part of the really strategic ministry
with the other Christians in my year - friendships
in schools.
which are still important today! Over the last year, God has been reminding me again and again that His
Matt Steele-Smith: I was involved in CRU mostly
love is tangible and that His grace is real. In grade
through holiday camps, until, a couple of years out
7, the CRU Group at Abbotsleigh ran an extended
of school, Nigel Vaux (CRU Schools Ministry Staff
series on grace. This made a big impact at the time,
Worker) emailed me about the Schools Ministry
and over this last year when I have needed gentle
Associate position. I thought it sounded like a great
reminders from our Father, it has been amazing to
opportunity. I loved the opportunity to get to know
look back and see how God has been trying to teach
Christian students, and see them multiple times
me this gentle lesson about grace for so long. God
on camps or at school. I was encouraged by their
used CRU to plant so many seeds in my life - at
faith and willingness to live out their faith at school.
the time I certainly didn’t expect that the fruit from
Being a Schools Ministry Associate was also a good
some of these lessons would start to appear 15-plus
opportunity for training and mentoring, which has
years later!
helped me in my walk with God.
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SUMMER 2019
FOR THE SAKE OF THE NEXT
generation O
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If you’re a follower of Jesus, do you remember how
Christian. He counselled me and gave me one of
you became or Christian? Or the moment when you
John Stott's little pamphlets and then, that was the
first decided to own your faith for yourself, rather
beginning of the journey.”
than just copy what your parents did? From then, Bruce was heavily involved in CRU. For Bruce and Glenys York, their faith
He led on camps, and as an amateur
journeys began, independently, on
filmmaker, made short movies on the
CRU® Camps in the 1950s. Since then,
camps which he then took back
for the rest of their lives, they have
to Newington once he’d finished
been firm advocates for CRU,
school in order to promote camps.
and passionate about helping the next generation find faith through
Glenys’s CRU journey also began
camps and school groups.
with camps. She attended Meriden, and was invited to her first camp, at
In 1954, Bruce, who attended
Wyong led by Robyn Claydon, with
Newington College, was invited by a
120 other girls from all across Sydney.
teacher to attend a CRU Camp in the Blue
Before camp, Glenys recalls, “I knew that
Mountains. Bruce’s father had been killed in World
Jesus was King. I knew that he was the powerful
War II, and though his mother and step-father were
almighty God, but I didn't know that He could be
sympathetic to Christianity, Bruce had never made a
my friend. I didn't know that I could walk with Him
personal decision to follow Jesus.
and talk with Him along life's narrow way. I think that's what impacted me through CRU, that I could
Things began to change on the camp. Bruce
actually relate to Jesus, who died on a cross and
recalls, “I remember going to bed one night and
gave His life for me.”
the director used to come around to say goodnight to everybody. There were a number of boys, who I
A few years after both Bruce and Glenys first
could hear in the rooms nearby, saying they wanted
encountered CRU, they met at the CRU Christmas
“
I think that's what impacted me through CRU, that I could actually relate to Jesus, who died on a cross and gave his life for me.
“
to become Christians. I really wanted to, as well, but
Camps Prayer Meeting held at Bruce’s home. Bruce
I thought, "No, I'm not going to. It's just emotional,
remembers with a chuckle, “I'd been praying, and I
you know, at night and all that." So, I said, "I'll just
believe the Lord revealed to me that the girl I was
sleep on it and forget about it."”
going to marry was going to knock on the front door, and come in the front door.”
The next morning, Bruce says, “I had a tremendous feeling of pressure from God. I went around to the
One Saturday afternoon, Glenys, who had heard
director’s loft room and I climbed up the stairs, very
about the meeting, put on her CRU badge and
gingerly, and told him that I wanted to become a
knocked on the door of Bruce’s house. “I walked in,
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SUMMER 2019
and of course, yes, it was an excellent meeting, and that’s also when I met Bruce. He rang the next day, and asked me out.” The rest, as they say, is history. Having experienced the powerful way in which God used CRU® to draw them to Himself, the Yorks continued their affiliation with CRU following their marriage, playing a significant part in the development of the organisation from small and volunteer-led to professional, large and self-funding. Bruce was secretary of the Crusader Council from the mid-1980s and Chairman from 1987-1990, which was the period in which Summit Educational Camps were started and when Gary Hill was appointed.
“
Helping the next generation find faith through camps and school groups.
Pictured: Glenys York holding her Crusader Badge with fond memories of their long involvement with Crusaders.
“
Bruce was also chair of the Galston Redevelopment Committee in the early 2000s.
are critical years to hear the gospel and respond,” Bruce shares.
They still meet regularly with other Christians they became friends with through CRU. The ladies call
Bruce and Glenys are enjoying an active retirement,
themselves the ‘Steel Magnolias’, and the men, the
teaching Scripture, spending time with their families,
‘Rusty Nails’.
and Bruce is the president of a small non-profit called Zambia’s Child.
Bruce and Glenys remain convinced of the effectiveness of the camps at helping young people
But while their days of leading on camps and serving
become Christians – just as they did. They sent
on committees are over, their legacy is significant.
their own three sons Jono, Malcolm and Richard,
Hundreds of people who became Christians on
on camps, and now are encouraging the next
CRU Camps in the past 50 years were directly and
generation to follow the same path.
indirectly impacted by the ministry and Bruce and Glenys, and their passion to see the next generation
“We had a policy that we would send our grandkids to
– both their own family and other children – know
a CRU Camp in Year 5, 6 and 7, because we know those
and follow Jesus.
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PURSUING GOD
always O
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SUMMER 2019
P
ursuing God has its challenges, especially
turning point in her faith, “Getting to know Christians
when the opportunities He presents you with
outside of my church and school context was
don’t seem to align with the earthly hopes and
encouraging and eye-opening.” It was also where she
dreams of our society.
experienced the unique joys of fellowshipping with other Christians and says, “The small-knit community
Born in far-north Queensland, Helen Buchholz grew
built over the five days was a glimpse of heaven.”
up not attending a church. As a young child, she was very close to her grandma who was a Christian, but
When Helen was in her final year of high school, she
did not realise the important influence she would be
always thought she would take a gap year travelling
until years later as a young adult.
in England before studying at university, but she soon discovered that God had other plans for her.
After a number of relocations, her family settled in Sydney where Helen started Year 9 at Abbotsleigh.
During her HSC trials, she received a recruitment
Being new to the school, Helen didn’t have many
email about the CRU Summit Fellowship Program,
friends, so she was excited when a friend invited
something she had never heard about before. After
her to a youth group at Christ Church St Ives.
some counsel from her assistant youth minister and
Admittedly, she initially continued attending just
a Summit Fellow graduate, she was prompted to
because her new-found friends kept her going. But
apply and see if God would open doors – He sure
eventually, bit by bit, her heart was softened to the
did. After her first trial camp in the recruitment
gospel and she kept attending the youth group of
process, Helen was certain Summit was what she
her own accord.
wanted to pursue, exclaiming, “I was sold!” Now that Helen was convinced, it was time to convince her
Jesus was, that He’s real, and that He’s a personal saviour for me. And if that’s all true, then that means really big things for my life, now and for eternity.” At school, Helen began attending the CRU® Group and felt particularly welcomed by those in the older grades. She speaks fondly of her CRU Group, “By the end of my time at Abbotsleigh, we had over 40 students attending CRU Group. The cross-year
parents that her decision was wise.
“
The small-knit community built over the five days was a glimpse of heaven.
“
Helen shares, “Eventually, I came to realise who
relationships were really great.” She continued,
Her loving parents had worked hard as accountants
“Every now and then, Clare Wimble (CRU Schools
to provide the best opportunities for Helen and her
Ministry Staff), would visit my school and run
sister, ensuring that they could live a comfortable
training on how to do bible studies and how to teach
life. This also meant that their hopes for Helen after
the bible to other people.” Helen recalls this training
school was to pursue similar goals of studying,
as being one of the most helpful things in her walk
earning a stable income, and having a career that
as a Christian. She also believes CrossTrain was a
would enable Helen to one day provide for her
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own children. To her parents, doing the Summit Fellowship Program seemed like a waste of time. Out of love and respect for her parents, Helen set out to provide them with confidence about the Summit program. It was the formal qualifications in outdoor recreation she would receive at the end of the program which reassured them and gained their support. She also believes her grandma’s outward declaration of following Christ greatly softened her parents’ hearts to accept the decision – for this, Helen was thankful to God. The Summit experience for Helen was “phenomenal”. She says, “Summit equipped me in ways I didn’t know I needed to be equipped. It prepared me for a life living for Jesus.”
“
Seeing people’s lives transformed by Jesus and seeing them come to an understanding of who He is, definitely gives me hope.
“
It also gave her clarity that she had a heart for kids
of who He is, definitely gives me hope.” Having
(plus she thinks they’re hilarious!). She recognises
mission-minded friends praying for her also helps
that she’s gifted at teaching and has been blessed
her feel supported, “It’s good to be surrounded by a
with having the capacity and energy for it, and this
[spiritual] family who believes”.
is also why she decided to study Primary Education at Sydney University once she graduated from
While speaking to Helen, you can see that her
Summit in 2016.
passion for teaching kids about Jesus is infectious and tangible, and that it brings her great joy. She
When asked how she perseveres in her faith, Helen
sums it up, saying, “I know that God has blessed me
shares, “Seeing people’s lives transformed by
with a huge amount of joy in Christ. And I love using
Jesus and seeing them come to an understanding
that as a witness to other people.”
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THE POWER OF
community O
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W
hen John and Kath Driver met as co-
The intensity of the camp community made a lasting
leaders on a study camp, Kath recalls,
mark on John and Kath. Having seen each other’s
“We saw, in each other, a zeal for telling
passion for kids to know Jesus, they began dating,
people the gospel.”
and were married by the time the same study camp rolled around the next year. They didn’t lead that year though, as they were on their honeymoon!
Neither had grown up going to CRU® Camps, but as young adults, both were invited to try leading on camps, and were excited about the opportunity.
CRU Camps also made their mark on them as they
Little did they know that on camp, they would meet
saw the incredible ways in which God worked
their future spouse!
throughout camp. “We would pray and ask God for kids to become Christians, and He would answer
John and Kath are by no means the only CRU
those prayers,” John recalls joyfully. “A child on one
couple. In fact, CRU knows of at least 37 married
of our study camps became a Christian and the
couples who met on a CRU Camp – and there are
excitement of the leaders was just amazing. One
undoubtedly many more.
leader was crying with joy!”
It’s no surprise, really, that young single Christians
"Another amazing thing was seeing the Christian
often find their match while leading on a CRU Camp.
kids who brought their non-Christian friends on
Camps are a unique community, in which friendships
camp become so excited when their friends became
“
Being in a Christian community with the other leaders is a powerful witness, standing shoulder to shoulder as you share Christ's gospel.
“
– and relationships – deepen quickly and powerfully
Christians, because they now had someone to share
as Christians unite around a common goal. Friends
their faith with," shares Kath.
become more than just friends in a short time – in more ways than one.
Marriage wasn’t the end of camp leadership for Kath and John. When their daughter, Brynn, was one,
"Being in a Christian community with the other
they returned to be Camp Parents, and to provide
leaders is a powerful witness, standing shoulder to
support and care to the other leaders.
shoulder as you share Christ's gospel,” John says. “It helps, as Christians, to do ministry together. On
Now 17, Brynn is in complete agreement with
camp, we could be like Paul, Timothy and Barnabas
her parents about the unique nature of the
to each other."
camp community. Each year, Brynn attends CRU
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SUMMER 2019
Brightwaters camp, which she has been doing since Year 8. This summer will be her final camp before she finishes school at the end of 2019. “It’s an amazing community of Christians who reconnect each year,” Brynn says. “The relationships we form are so powerful.” Brynn’s younger brother Calin has also been going on Brightwaters. “At first I didn’t want to go,” Calin shares, “until I found out a friend from school was going. But once I was there it was so good. All the people in my group were in a cabin together, spending time together all week and we became so close.” The whole family can see the impact that this warm and welcoming Christian community can have on non-Christians. “CRU® has been significant in every generation, but particularly now when there
“
The friendships you make on a CRU Camp aren’t just friends for life, but friends for eternity, because we’ll be together in heaven as well.
“
is a longing for community, CRU fills that need and gives people a taste of Christian community which is so attractive.” Kath says. “It’s an amazing opportunity for kids to come and hear about the salvation offered by Jesus, then see that lived out by the leaders,” John adds.
Page Fourteen
“Camp is a place of belonging where people fit in,” Brynn says in summation. The whole family nods in agreement. The CRU Camp community may have helped coleaders John and Kath become ‘more than friends’ in one sense, but as Calin insightfully notes, every person who attends camp as a Christian – or becomes a Christian on camp – is also more than just friends with the other members of God’s family that they meet. “The friendships you make on a CRU Camp aren’t just friends for life, but friends for eternity, because we’ll be together in heaven as well,” Calin says. Now that’s a powerful community.
service O
A LIFE OF
R
ob Mackay was one who recognised the
After retiring from Council, Rob continued as a
responsibility of providing for the next
Member of the Union and served in a variety of
generation.
roles, most recently as part of the team seeking to raise funds to redevelop Lake Mac. He also served
A student of The King’s School, Rob came to
the wider community passionately. This included
understand the Christian faith at school and
involvement in various roles at local churches, most
responded to God’s mercy, committing himself to
recently at Christ Church, St Ives, and also serving
Jesus as Lord. A well-rounded student with great
as a Board member and Chairman at both Robert
athletic ability, he began attending CRU Camps
Menzies College and The King’s School, where he
®
and the school CRU Group, recognising the value of this in his spiritual growth, and provided to talk with others. Rob saw in CRU an incredible vehicle for
“
Rob Mackay was one who recognised the responsibility of providing for the next generation.
advancing Christian faith. Post-school, he was a CRU Holiday Camp leader and director; a CRU Saturday
“
the opportunities that this
had a huge impact. In March 2018, a persistent cough was diagnosed as lung cancer. Despite great care and active treatment, Rob passed away less than six months later. Rob was determined to stand for what was right and recognised the priority
Night Meeting leader; Chairman of the Senior
of “guarding the gospel”. He committed himself to
Crusader Fellowship Committee; a Member of
providing for the next generation so that they would
Camps Committee and Chairman of Senior Easter
have opportunities to hear the gospel and his work
Conference which was CRU’s largest annual event
is continuing to bear fruit in the lives of those who
through the 1970s and 1980s. He became a member
were impacted by his witness.
of Crusader Council in 1985, served as Deputy Chairman from 1988 to 1992, and then Chairman
A dear brother and a great friend, we thank God for
from 1992 to 1997.
him, and pray for his wife, Helen, and for his adult children, Alex and Emma, in particular.
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B I B L E - C E N T R E D E D U C AT I O N FOR A LIFE OF MISSION IN AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD By Mark Thompson, Principal of Moore Theological College
W
e live in a world that is changing fast. We
Yet God is still on His throne, His purpose is still
used to watch movies on VHS (or Beta)
unstoppable, and His gospel is still the only hope
tapes, then on DVDs, then BluRay and
for all human beings. None of these changes have
now there’s Netflix. Letters have been replaced by
taken Him by surprise. He has always known the end
email and then by social media. We’ve moved from
from the beginning and He has always known them
filing cabinets to hard disk storage to the cloud. But
thoroughly. What He declares is true and good, is
that’s just the technology. Our culture is changing
always true and good, because God never needs to
fast too. Things we could count on just a decade or
change His mind. So how do we hold fast to God’s
two ago are disappearing at an astonishing rate, and
truth and pass it on to a new generation with grace
it is not yet clear what will replace them and what
and clarity?
the future might look like. The critical factor is the consistency between our One significant change is the loss of the ‘background
words and our lives as those who speak those words.
Christian consensus’ of previous generations. In times
It must be the biblical gospel that we pass on,
past, you could count on people knowing some of the
the message of forgiveness and life offered in the
basic story line of the Bible, to agree in general terms
midst of the mess we’ve made for ourselves. Only
with biblical principles of truthfulness, the sanctity
the message of Christ crucified and risen, with its
of life, the importance of the family, and it is ‘more
summons to repentance and faith will save people.
blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35). Yet our lives must be so clearly impacted by that Today in our schools, and more generally in our
message that its truth is seen as well as heard.
society, that ground has shifted. Christians cannot
Both our words and our lives matter. If our lives
expect to always be given a fair hearing. It doesn’t
don’t reflect the gospel we preach, if our personal
always feel as if there is the concept of a ‘free
priorities don’t reflect the gospel we preach, those
market of ideas’, where arguments are weighed,
who hear us will notice. As Paul said to Timothy,
and differing opinions expressed and received with
‘Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.
equanimity and respect. We’ve all become less civil
Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both
and many of us refuse to listen to those with whom
yourself and your hearers’ (1 Tim 4:16).
we disagree.
ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Page One
SUMMER 2019
2018 AT A GLANCE CRU's financial year is from Sep 2017 - Aug 2018.
HOLIDAY CAMPS*
68
3,368
1,059
92%
of CRU® Holiday Campers indicated they grew in their faith / understanding of the Christian faith
Holiday Camps
campers
volunteer leaders
94%
of Holiday Campers said they would recommend CRU Camps to a friend
401
campers indicated that they either became a Christian or recommitted their faith on camp
537
campers indicated that they would like to start attending church after camp
576
campers indicated that they would like to start attending a school CRU Group after camp
SUMMIT
114
8,879
30
Summit camps
campers
ministry fellows trained
693
campers took a Bible or Christian resource home (211 Bibles, 333 devotional books, 175 Q&A CDs)
114
campers indicated a commitment or recommitment to faith
41%
of campers indicated that they were more likely to attend church or CRU Group as a result of camp
680
students trained at CRU Schools Ministry leadership events (FIT & CrossTrain, not including in-house school training)
629
students attended CRU Schools Ministry’s Inter-CRU events
94,191
students reached on school visits
SCHOOLS MINISTRY*
226
944
310
schools supported
school visits made
resources sold this year
LAKE MAC
GALSTON
DAY CAMPS
4,518
66
14,249
200
14
641
224
campers
camps
campers
bookings
Day Camps
campers
volunteers
30,054
meals served
96,487
meals served
camp types:
49% 18% 33% Summit
Holiday Camps
guest groups
Average rating from guest groups:
4.3 out of 5
Page Eighteen * Please note that statistics from our CRU® West ministry have been incorporated into this section.
29%
130
increase in registrations (from 2017)
campers indicated they wanted to start attending church after camp
86% 99%
of kids said they’d tell their friends about camp of kids said they either liked or loved camp
ANNUAL REPORT 2018
GOVERNANCE CRU® is blessed to be served by a group of dedicated and prayerful men and women who oversee this vital ministry. In 2018, we give thanks for the service of:
VICE PRESIDENTS Roger Corbett AO, B Comm, FAICD The Rt Rev. Dr Paul Barnett BD, ThL, ThSchol, MA, PhD, ASTC
CRUSADER COUNCIL Chairman Dr. Timothy Wright PhD, DipEd, BSc(Hons), FACE, MRACI, CChem Headmaster, Shore School
Deputy Chairman Helen Burgess
Galston Property & Development David Attenborough (Chair) Gary Hill Alice Rees Andrew Reeves Matthew Seidl Garry Tenkate Lake Mac Taskforce James Ward (Chair) David Attenborough James Carroll Gary Hill Lisa Houghton Nathan McElveney Matthew Seidl David Wood
BA, LLB(Hons), FGIA, FAICD Legal and Governance Executive
Hon. Treasurer Santino Dimarco BEc, CA Executive Pastor, St Andrew’s Roseville
Members David Attenborough Dip. Management, Dip Property Services
Rev. Patrick Benn BSc (Hons), BTh EU Graduates Fund Senior Staffworker (Evangelism) & AFES Sydney Area Director
Nathan Brown BHM CEO, Christian Media Australia
Jennifer George MEnv P BLArch, PTC, PhD (Candidate, MPIA) Community and Planning Strategist, Comcorp International
Rev. Alexander Koch
Strategic Planning Paddy Benn (Chair) Anna Burke (née Wood) Peter Crawford Gary Hill Nathan McElveney James Ward Annette Ware RTO and Summit Annette Ware (Chair) James Carroll Gary Hill Alex Koch Frank (Michael) Leonarder Nathan McElveney Alice Rees Nicole Schabort
BSc (Maths), BEd, BDiv. Chaplain, St Catherine’s School, Waverley
Sarah Lancaster M Teach, BPsych, BTh. Children’s and Families’ Pastor, Christ Church Anglican Gladesville
Clare Pendlebury BComm, CA, GradDip CA Manager - Business Services, CIB Accountants and Advisers
James Ward MABus, BADes, MDIA Director, NBRS+PARTNERS
Annette Ware BEd, DipTh, MACE, Head of Senior College, Abbotsleigh
FURTHER OFFICE BEARERS Hon. Solicitor Mr. David C Ford BA LLM(Hons)
Hon. Secretary Rebecca Carritt BSc, Cert. Lang. (German), Grad. Dip. Div., Cert III Cons. & Land Man. (N.A.R)
COMMITTEES Thank you to all who helped govern CRU® by serving on committees and providing strategic direction to increase our impact as we share the gospel with young people. These committees are formed by, and report to, either the Crusader Council or the Divisional Heads management team.
COUNCIL COMMITTEES Finance Santino Dimarco (Chair) Ian Bucknell Nigel Glasby Gary Hill Clare Pendlebury Matthew Seidl Governance and Risk Management Helen Burgess (Chair) Paddy Benn Jennifer George Nigel Glasby Gary Hill Matthew Seidl Tim Wright
PBI Tim Wright (Chair) Gary Hill Nathan McElveney Annette Ware HGLT Investment Garth Rossler (Chair) Santino Dimarco Michael Evans Anna Burke (Secretary)
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES Lake Mac Fundraising Committee David Braga (Chair) Sam Allen Nathan Brown Ian Bucknell Anna Burke (née Wood) Roger Corbett Heather Henderson Gary Hill Karen Kightley Rob MacKay (dec. Sept 2018) Cassandra Matthews Damien Wang Tim Wright Camps Nathan Gale (Chair) Iain Aitchison Melissa Bell Polly Butterworth Emma Gray David Krebs Sebastian Lane Louisa Macourt Philip Rawnsley Daniel Sawyer Stephanie Semler Annika Williams
IT Steering Committee Dave Czapala (Chair) Anna Burke (née Wood) James Carroll Daniel Cummings Nigel Glasby Gary Hill Nathan McElveney Phil Rawnsley Matthew Seidl
CRU Safe Rebecca Carritt (Chair) Zane Garratt Brooke Linton Jessica Seal Kate Stace Garry Tenkate David Wood CRU West Scott Rowland (Chair) Kim Chin Nathan McElveney Nicola Naoum Clare Potts Sheridan Raston Dougal Steven Peter Smith Michelle Underwood
PERMANENT STAFF (SEPT 2017 – AUG 2018)
Executive Director Gary Hill Divisional Heads Anna Burke (née Wood) – Fundraising Rebecca Carritt – Assistant to ED James Carroll – Summit Peter Crawford – Schools Ministry Dan Cummings – Marketing Nigel Glasby – General Manager Nathan McElveney – Ministries Phil Rawnsley – CRU Camps Andrew Reeves - Galston Matthew Seidl – Properties Dave Wood – Lake Mac Schools Ministry Thomas French Anna Owen Dan Perrott Kate Stace Kellie Thomson Nigel Vaux Clare Wimble Jacquie Woods
CRU West Hannah Killow Sheridan Raston CRU Holiday Camps & Day Camps Calum Henderson Jessica Mullen Jessica Seal Stephanie Semler Lauren van der Merwe Finance & IT Dave Czapala Alice Henderson Sue Lay Anne Murray Karl Winter Fundraising Elisabeth Carter Roslyn Harvey Philippa McCredie Linda Newman Matilda Slade Damien Wang Marketing Elizabeth Baumgart (née Hung) Campsite Staff - Galston Gordon Brice Roby Budyman Andrew Fahey Tania Hawkins Dave Herrington Jenny Keighley Kanesh Narayan Megan Strachan Garry Tenkate Madeline Tenkate
Campsite Staff - Lake Mac Adam Houghton David Wood Summit Educational Camps Emma Bennett Zane Garratt Andrew Garven Emma Gray Adam Houghton Lisa Houghton Kristy Kinene Brooke Linton Bethany May Heather-Rose Newcombe Alice Rees Harry Roberts Hayley Roberts Aaron Rootes Nicole Schabort Dan Shaw Kathryn Swaisland Victoria York Training Michael (Frank) Leonarder Stephen Rawls Jeremy Cooks
TRAINEES 2017 Iain Aitchison Frasier Bailey Sofie Dowling Emma Duggan Wellen Fu Joshua Gazzard Sarah Gillman Hannah Grimwood Thomas Groves Peter Jeavons Emily Jones Adriana Kanjian Meredith Kendrew Michael Lihou Rob Maiden Bonnie Mason Benjamin Matthews Heather-Rose Newcombe Natalia Raso Harry Roberts Hayley Roberts Simon Shead Mitchell Wall Jonnie Wintle Victoria York 2018 Iain Aitchison Luke Alexander Frasier Bailey Samuel Buckley Aiden Cowell Sofie Dowling Emma Duggan Isaac Elliott Jacob Franklin Wellen Fu Sarah Gillman Emily Jones Adriana Kanjian Meredith Kendrew Samantha Lewis Michael Lihou Lachlan Macdonald Rob Maiden Benjamin Matthews Joshua Sloan Andrew Stanford Ashley Thompson David Thomspon Mitchell Wall Tim Wallace
KEY:
= Started during the year = Finished during the year = Holiday/Day Camps Intern = Schools Ministry Associate = Ian Holt Memorial Fellow
Page Nineteen
SUMMER 2019
WHO ARE WE REACHING?
KEY
Praise God for the schools we are reaching in NSW, ACT & WA, through the work of CRU Camps, CRU School Groups and CRU Summit Educational Camps.
Students attending CRU® Camps
Students attending CRU® Training events
Lunchtime CRU® Group
Regular support by CRU® Staff
Summit camp program run
Partners with CRU® Day Camps
Abbotsleigh - Junior_______________________________
Green Point Christian College - Junior________________
Abbotsleigh - Senior______________________________
Green Point Christian College - Senior________________
Abbotsleigh - Boarding____________________________
HopePoint Christian School_________________________
All Saints College - Junior__________________________
Hunter Christian School - Junior_____________________
All Saints College - Senior__________________________
Hunter Christian School - Senior_____________________
Arden Anglican School - Junior______________________
Illawarra Christian School - Junior____________________
Arden Anglican School - Senior______________________
Illawarra Christian School - Senior____________________
Arndell Anglican College - Junior____________________
Inaburra School - Junior____________________________
Arndell Anglican College - Senior____________________
Inaburra School - Senior____________________________
Australian Christian College - Junior__________________
Kambala Girls School - Junior_______________________
Australian Christian College - Senior__________________
Kambala Girls School - Senior_______________________
Barker College - Junior_____________________________
Kinross Wolaroi Preparatory School__________________
Barker College - Senior____________________________
Kinross Wolaroi School - Senior______________________
Belmont Christian College - Junior___________________
Knox Grammar Preparatory School___________________
Belmont Christian College - Senior___________________
Knox Grammar School - Senior______________________
Berowra Christian Community School_________________
Kuyper Christian School - Junior_____________________
Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College - Junior_______________
Kuyper Christian School - Senior_____________________
Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College - Senior_______________
Lakes Grammar - Junior____________________________
Blue Mountains Grammar School - Junior______________
Lakes Grammar - Senior____________________________
Blue Mountains Grammar School - Senior______________
Macarthur Anglican School - Junior__________________
Brindabella Christian College - Junior_________________
Macarthur Anglican School - Senior__________________
Brindabella Christian College - Senior_________________
Maitland Christian School - Junior____________________
Broughton Anglican College - Junior_________________
Maitland Christian School - Senior____________________
Broughton Anglican College - Senior_________________
Mamre Anglican School - Junior_____________________
Burgmann Anglican School - Junior__________________
Mamre Anglican School - Senior_____________________
Burgmann Anglican School - Middle__________________
Medowie Christian School - Junior___________________
Burgmann Anglican School - Senior__________________
Medowie Christian School - Senior___________________
Calderwood Christian School - Junior_________________
Meriden School - Junior____________________________
Calderwood Christian School - Senior_________________
Meriden School - Senior____________________________
Calrossy Anglican School - Senior____________________
Methodist Ladies' College - Junior___________________
Canberra Girls Grammar School - Junior_______________
Methodist Ladies' College - Senior___________________
Canberra Girls Grammar School - Senior______________
MLC School - Junior_______________________________
Canberra Grammar School - Junior___________________
MLC School - Senior_______________________________
Canberra Grammar School - Senior___________________
Mosman Church of England Preparatory School________
Cedars Christian College - Junior____________________
Mount Annan Christian College - Junior_______________
Cedars Christian College - Senior____________________
Mount Annan Christian College - Senior_______________
Charlton Christian College - Junior___________________
Mountain View Adventist College - Junior_____________
Charlton Christian College - Senior___________________
Mundaring Christian College________________________
Christ Church Grammar School _____________________
Nepean District Christian School - Junior______________
Claremont College - Junior_________________________
Nepean District Christian School - Senior______________
Coogee Boys' Preparatory School____________________
Newington College Preparatory School - Lindfield______
Cornerstone Christian College ______________________
Newington College Preparatory School - Wyvern House__
Covenant Christian School ACT - Junior_______________
Newington College - Senior_________________________
Covenant Christian School ACT - Senior_______________
Northcross Christian School ________________________
Covenant Christian School - Junior___________________
Northern Beaches Christian School - Junior____________
Covenant Christian School - Senior___________________
Northern Beaches Christian School - Senior____________
Cranbrook School - Junior__________________________
Northholm Grammar - Junior________________________
Cranbrook School - Senior__________________________
Northholm Grammar - Senior_______________________
Danebank - Junior________________________________
Norwest Christian College - Junior___________________
Danebank - Senior________________________________
Norwest Christian College - Senior___________________
Emmaus Christian School - Junior____________________
Nowra Anglican College - Junior_____________________
Emmaus Christian School - Senior____________________
Nowra Anglican College - Senior_____________________
Georges River Grammar - Junior_____________________
Nowra Christian School - Junior_____________________
Georges River Grammar - Senior_____________________
Nowra Christian School - Senior_____________________
Greenacre Baptist Christian Community School - Junior__
Orange Anglican Grammar School -Junior_____________
Greenacre Baptist Christian Community School - Senior__
Orange Anglican Grammar School - Senior____________
Page Twenty
ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Oran Park Anglican College - Junior__________________
St Philip's Christian College (Gosford) - Senior__________
Oran Park Anglican College - Senior__________________
St Philip's Christian College (Newcastle) - Junior________
Oxford Falls Grammar School - Junior________________
St Philip's Christian College (Newcastle) -Senior________
Oxford Falls Grammar School - Senior________________
St Philip's Christian College (Salamander Bay) - Junior___
Pacific Hills Christian School - Junior_________________
St Philip's Christian College (Salamander Bay) - Middle__
Pacific Hills Christian School - Middle_________________
St Philip's Christian College (Salamander Bay) - Senior___
Pacific Hills Christian School - Senior_________________
St Stephen's - Carramar____________________________
Penrith Anglican College - Junior____________________
St Stephen's - Duncraig - Junior_____________________
Penrith Anglican College - Senior____________________
St Stephen's - Duncraig - Senior_____________________
Penrith Christian School - Junior_____________________
Swan Christian College ____________________________
Penrith Christian School - Senior_____________________
St Ives Preparatory School__________________________
Penrhos College__________________________________
Sydney Grammar School - Senior____________________
PLC Sydney - Junior_______________________________
Tara Anglican School for Girls - Junior________________
PLC Sydney - Senior_______________________________
Tara Anglican School for Girls - Senior________________
Presbyterian Ladies' College________________________
The Anglican School Googong (ACT) - Junior__________
Pymble Ladies College - Junior______________________
The Illawarra Grammar School - Junior________________
Pymble Ladies College - Senior______________________
The Illawarra Grammar School - Senior________________
Queenwood School for Girls - Junior_________________
The King's School - Preparatory School_______________
Queenwood School for Girls - Senior_________________
The King's School - Senior__________________________
Radford College - Junior___________________________
The Scots College Preparatory School________________
Radford College - Senior___________________________
The Scots College - Middle_________________________
Ravenswood School for Girls - Junior_________________
The Scots College - Senior__________________________
Ravenswood School for Girls - Senior_________________
The Scots College - Boarding_______________________
Redlands - Junior_________________________________
The Scots School Bathurst - Junior___________________
Redlands - Senior_________________________________
The Scots School Bathurst - Senior___________________
Regents Park Christian School - Junior________________
Thomas Hassall Anglican College - Junior_____________
Regents Park Christian School - Senior________________
Thomas Hassall Anglican College - Senior_____________
Richard Johnson Anglican School - Junior_____________
Toongabbie Christian College - Junior________________
Richard Johnson Anglican School - Senior_____________
Toongabbie Christian College - Senior________________
Roseville College - Junior___________________________
Trades Norwest Anglican Senior College______________
Roseville College - Senior___________________________
Trinity Christian School - Junior______________________
Rouse Hill Anglican College - Junior__________________
Trinity Christian School - Senior______________________
Rouse Hill Anglican College - Senior__________________
Trinity Grammar Preparatory School__________________
SCEGGS Darlinghurst - Junior_______________________
Trinity Grammar School - Junior_____________________
SCEGGS Darlinghurst - Senior_______________________
Trinity Grammar School - Senior_____________________
Scotch College___________________________________
Trinity Grammar School - Boarding___________________
Scone Grammar School - Junior_____________________
Tudor House School_______________________________
Scone Grammar School - Senior_____________________
Tyndale Christian School - Junior____________________
Shellharbour Anglican College - Junior________________
Tyndale Christian School - Senior____________________
Shellharbour Anglican College - Senior________________
Wahroonga Preparatory School_____________________
Shire Christian School - Junior_______________________
Wenona School - Junior____________________________
Shire Christian School - Senior_______________________
Wenona School - Senior____________________________
Shore Preparatory School__________________________
William Carey Christian School - Junior_______________
Shore School - Senior______________________________
William Carey Christian School - Senior_______________
Southern Highlands Christian School - Junior___________
William Clarke College - Junior______________________
Southern Highlands Christian School - Senior__________
William Clarke College - Senior______________________
St Andrew's Cathedral School - Junior________________
Wollondilly Anglican College - Junior_________________
St Andrew's Cathedral School - Middle________________
Wollondilly Anglican College - Senior_________________
St Andrew's Cathedral School - Senior________________
Wycliffe Christian School - Junior____________________
St Catherine's School - Junior_______________________
Wycliffe Christian School - Senior____________________
St Catherine's School - Senior_______________________
Wyong Christian Community School - Junior___________
St George Christian School - Junior__________________
Wyong Christian Community School - Senior___________
St George Christian School - Senior__________________
St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls___________________
St Luke's Grammar School - Bayview_________________
St Luke's Grammar School - Junior___________________
St Luke's Grammar School - Senior___________________
St Mark's Anglican Community School - Junior_________
St Mark's Anglican Community School - Senior_________
St Mark's Coptic Orthodox College___________________
St Mary's Anglican Girls' School______________________
St Paul's Grammar School - Junior___________________
St Paul's Grammar School - Senior___________________
St Peter's Anglican Primary School Campbelltown______
St Philip's Christian College (Cessnock) - Junior________
St Philip's Christian College (Cessnock) - Senior________
St Philip's Christian College (Gosford) - Junior__________
315 students representing 127 NSW, ACT and WA state or Catholic schools also attended CRU Holiday Camps or CRU Summit camps. 8 students representing 6 NSW and WA state or Catholic schools also attended CRU leadership training events (e.g. CrossTrain, Spring Leadership Camp WA). 233 students from disadvantaged backgrounds attended CRU Camps. Please note that this list is sourced from Sep 2017 - August 2018. Only schools that have two or more students attending CRU Camps are listed.
Page Twenty One
SUMMER 2019
THE STATE OF THE UNION THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Thanks to God’s generous provision through faithful people like you, over 105,000 young people attended CRU® programs on camps and in schools across NSW, the ACT and WA in 2018! We can’t thank you enough for your time, prayers and gifts which helped make this possible.
We are also deeply thankful to those who sacrificially contributed toward Stage 1 of the Lake Mac campsite redevelopment. While not yet fully funded, we praise God for the distance covered to date and trust that He will supply what is still lacking through His people.
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Year ended 31 August 2018
Year ended 31 August 2018
2018 ($)
2017 ($)
2018 ($)
2017 ($)
REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME
8,531,695
9,898,608
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
9,011462
4,729,038
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN INCOME
6,480,733
319,985
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
11,373,745
10,728,594
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SCHEME
(5,045,293)
(4,730,291)
TOTAL ASSETS
20,385,207
15,457,632
CAMP EXPENSES
(1,533,396)
(1,536,088)
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
3,993,794
4,584,654
ADMINISTRATION & IT EXPENSE (636,740)
(729,439)
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 521,371
626,380
CATERING EXPENSE
(600,312)
TOTAL LIABILITIES
4,515,165
5,211,034
(861,999)
NET ASSETS
15,870,042
10,246,598
(536,056)
DEPRECIATION & AMORTISATION EXPENSE RENT, UTILITIES, INSURANCE, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
(651,704)
MEMBERS' FUNDS
(571,131)
(552,303)
RETAINED SURPLUS
15,745,042
10,121,598
FINANCE COSTS
(52,619)
(83,846)
GENERAL RESERVE
125,000
125,000
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
(362,045)
(297,806)
TOTAL MEMBERS' FUNDS
15,870,042
10,246,598
CURRENT YEAR SURPLUS
5,623,444
826,509
INCOME
EXPENDITURE 22% SUMMIT CAMPS 32% GALSTON
18% HOLIDAY CAMPS
26% SUMMIT CAMPS
17% GALSTON
12% DONATIONS
Income* $8,531,695
Expenditure $9,388,984
18% HOLIDAY & DAY CAMPS 8% LAKE MAC
7% SCHOOLS MINISTRY 7% DEPRECIATION & AMORTISATION
4% OTHER
(INCLUDES SCHOOLS MINISTRY, TRAINING, WA CAMPS & INTEREST INCOME)
6% LAKE MAC 4% FUNDRAISING
1% CRU WEST
*Does not include Capital Campaign Income
11% ADMIN, IT & GOVERNANCE
3% LAKE MAC REDEVELOPMENT
3% MARKETING
LAKE MAC REDEVELOPMENT & CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Year ended 31 August 2018
CAMPAIGN REVENUE ($) CAMPAIGN COSTS ($)
CONSULTANTS & PRELIMINARY CAPITAL COSTS ($)
2018
6,480,733
306,906
805,968
PROJECT TO DATE
6,800,718
852,200
2,884,424 (INCL. 100 ACRE PURCHASE)
Page Twenty Two CRU’s Finance Committee supports the Crusader Council in providing financial direction and oversight to the organisation. This includes regular meetings to review and approve the accounts. The 2017/2018 Full Year Financial Statements were audited by Thomas GLC in accordance with statutory requirements.
THANK YO U
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT OVER THE PAST YEAR. PLEASE PARTNER WITH US IN 2019 AS WE SEEK TO GLORIFY GOD AND REACH A NEW GENERATION OF AUSSIE KIDS WITH THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS, AND HELP THEM TO GROW IN THEIR FAITH.
SUMMER 2019
C R U ® M I N I S T R Y & P R O P E R T Y U P D AT E S We are thankful for the great work God is doing through CRU. Stay updated with everything that is happening in our various ministries and properties.
HOLIDAY CAMPS • • •
Give thanks that in spring, we hosted our largest ever cohort of HSC students at our Galston campsite (342 campers over 2 weeks). Thank God that this summer saw over 1200 campers and 400 leaders on 31 camps. Praise God for a great CRU® Ball (our annual thanksgiving event for CRU leaders), which happened again on 27th Oct and saw 180 leaders celebrate what God has been doing through CRU Camps.
GALSTON • • •
Praise God that the new waste water treatment system has been running so successfully. Praise God for the construction of a new indoor high ropes course and for the generous support of donors which enabled this. Thank God for new enquiries turning into bookings.
SCHOOLS MINISTRY • •
•
Page Twenty Four
Praise God for CRU® Teachers’ Day, where we saw 130 people gather together to be encouraged and spurred on to do ministry in schools. Give thanks to God for the students who attended CrossTrain, CRU’s annual high school leadership camp. The campers spent an amazing week together growing in their knowledge of biblical theology and in their leadership skills. Pray that God will be using these students as leaders in their schools this year. Praise God for the new FIT (Followers in Training) program, ‘Know and Show Jesus’. FITs are attended by hundreds of Year 5 and 6 students in NSW and ACT each year. Give thanks for the students who made a new commitment to follow Jesus in 2018, and pray that God will equip these students to serve in their schools in 2019.
CRUVIEW
LAKE MAC •
• •
SUMMIT
•
•
•
Please give thanks for the successful work done to prepare the site for the building project, including the moving of some of the existing cabins and the installation of some temporary buildings. Praise God for the delivery of 2 new sailing boats in time for the busy summer holiday camps season. Praise God for the dedication and service of the site team at Lake Mac to support the ministry of the site.
During Term 1 2019, Summit is expected to run a total of 42 camps for over 4000 campers. Please thank God for the opportunity to share the gospel with every one of these students as they come on camp with us, and praise Him for our partnership with these schools who bring their students. Praise God that the Summit team has just had their latest intake of Ian Holt Memorial Fellows join the team! It is exciting to have some fresh faces on board, young people who are ready to share the gospel as camps begin; and we very thankful to God for His provision of our energetic staff. Our bookings staff at Summit are incredibly excited by the progress of the Lake Mac redevelopment, and in Term 1 will be in the process of booking schools into the redeveloped stage 1 buildings. Please join us in praying that more schools will bring their students to our new site, in order that we have the opportunity to share the gospel with them.
CRU WEST •
•
•
We give thanks to God that CRU® West’s high school leadership camp ran for the second time last year, and grew from 15 campers in 2017 to 39 campers in 2018 (it's second year). We ran our first Inter-CRUs in WA in 2018, with only a handful of students coming to the first event, but around 50 attending the second. Praise God for those students who were able to attend. We thank God for a generous donor whose support has enabled us to expand our staffing positions in WA by an additional day per week, allowing us to further develop this ministry.
Page Twenty Five
L A K E
M AC
O
Redevelopment Update AIM: Redevelop Crusaders' Lake Mac campsite so that an extra 20,000 campers can be reached for Jesus each year! PROGRESS: • • •
Over 94%* of the Stage 1 funding cost has been pledged - praise God! Stephen Edwards Constructions has been appointed as the project's builder Stage 1 building work is scheduled to commence in early 2019 ACTION: • • •
Give a generous gift: www.growlakemac.com.au Attend the next prayer night in February 2019 Find out more about the project by contacting Anna Burke at anna.burke@crusaders.edu.au
*As at 6 December 2018.
CRUVIEW
Y O U R
L A K E
M A C
memory i
For many, Lake Mac evokes fond memories of fun, adventure, friendship and faith. We have been collecting as many stories as possible to capture the impact Lake Mac has made on lives over the years.
KARL WINTER
KAREN KIGHTLEY
RUSSELL CLARK
I was asked to be a 'camp
I was asked by my sister and
Meeting a vivacious blonde
mother'. I was amazed at how
brother-in-law to be a camp
surrounded by admiring men
the campers always responded
leader at Lake Mac in 1973. I
changed my life - she agreed
to their leaders, and how Jesus'
was 18 at the time, just out of
to marry me! The campsite may
love was shared. We had to
High School and a keen sailor. I
not have benefitted greatly
walk in the dark down to the
enjoyed helping run the sailing
from my contribution to the
bathrooms so I will be very
activities and seeing the joy it
work effort but I did!
excited to see ensuites!
brought to many school age boys and girls. What surprised
Year of memory: 2001
Year of memory: 1966
me was how much I enjoyed the Bible talks and discussion groups. My Christian faith grew strongly in the years following this camp. Year of memory: 1973
What's your Lake Mac memory?
We would love to hear about your Lake Mac memories! Please fill out the Lake Mac memory card included with this issue of CRUview and send it back to us, or take a photo of your completed card and email it to Damien Wang at damien.wang@ crusaders.edu.au. Alternatively, visit www.growlakemac.com.au/ hear-camper-stories to submit your Lake Mac memory online.
This project is funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund
SUMMER 2019
T H A N K
you i
CRU® is so thankful for those who faithfully give 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 over many years:
LISA HALL
DAVID ATTENBOROUGH
Lisa loves seeing how God uses the different CRU® ministries to bring young people into His kingdom. “Whether it’s learning about Jesus at a CRU Group, taking part in amazing activities on a Summit Camp, or having an awesome time on a CRU Holiday Camp, the gospel permeates everything CRU does.”
David’s a true camp ministry allrounder and we are very thankful for the wealth of knowledge and experience he brings as he serves on The Crusader Council, the Galston Property and Development Committee, and the Lake Mac Redevelopment Taskforce. David is selfemployed in residential property development and currently serves at Horizon Church in Sutherland.
Lisa is a Technical Officer for Nambucca Shire Council and attends Nambucca River Presbyterian Church with her husband, Dave. While she worked as Gary Hill’s Executive Assistant in the 1990s, Dave worked casually on Summit Camps and they co-directed a number of holiday camps. Now, Lisa’s association with CRU involves giving, praying and proofreading CRU Resources. Her prayer is that, “God will keep using CRU long into the future so that all generations will know the amazing love, compassion and righteousness of God.” We join her in that same prayer. Thank you, Lisa, for your many years of serving with CRU, and for your heart’s desire to see future generations come to know and love Jesus as their personal Saviour.
Page Twenty Eight
David gave his life to Christ at the pivotal age of 12 when he “realised the truth, power and grace of the gospel message.” This was the time when he first came to see and experience the unique ministry opportunities that Christian camps had to offer. He was able to witness first-hand, “the power of a temporary community in camping ministry that establishes a great opportunity for gospel outreach and discipleship to take place.” Thank you, David, for your dedication to camp ministry and your passion to see kids come to know Christ. We are so thankful for your support and service at CRU in recent years.
VICTORIA SWAN
The CRU® community extends its deepest sympathies to the family of Victoria (Vikki) Swan, who passed away suddenly in September this year. Vikki was much loved by her family and by her CRU friends. Vikki was introduced to CRU Camps by a friend in Year 6 and attended many camps as both a camper and leader, including Junior CRU, Sail Mania and Study Camps. Her father, Graham Swan, describes how CRU camps impacted her life, “She went on a camp around Year 9 and when she came home she boldly announced it had been life-changing.” When Vikki started leading on CRU Camps, her dad shared, she “came alive with joy” when she had the opportunity to share the gospel with kids. Her affinity with young people was a thing to behold. We thank God for Victoria’s boundless joy and commitment to sharing the gospel with children on CRU Camps.
CRUVIEW
CRU® COMMUNITY
HITCHED
HOOKED • Erina Smith & Dan Sawyer • Jacinda Castelijn & Rees Wilson • Anna Szabo & Charles Freeman • Helen Buchholz & Mark Lovell
• Charlotte Holmes & Joel McElveney – 10 November 2018 • Kirralee Elliott & Ben Hillier – 5 January 2019
HATCHED • Naomi & Tim Murnain – a girl, Emmalyse Anne, born 4 July 2018 • Bethany & Pete May – a girl, Aria Joy, born 2 September 2018 • Jess & Seb Lane – a boy, Arthur Paul, born 14 October 2018 • Sal & Kjartan Aano – a girl, Lily Lois, born 18 October 2018 • Sherin Leung & Kevin Yeung - a girl, Aneilia, born 7 November 2018 • Sarah & Tim Wearne - a girl, Elke Lace, born 14 November 2018
HOME • Elizabeth Lilley – 14 August 2018 • Rob Mackay – 3 September 2018 • Victoria Swan – 4 September 2018 • Donald Robinson – 7 September 2018
TEACHERS ON THE MOVE • Maryanne Davis has announced that she will be retiring from her role as the Principal at Danebank Anglican School for Girls at the end of 2019. • Judith Nealy has been appointed Head of The Illawarra Grammar School. • Lynne Guthridge has resigned from Principal of Northholm Grammar School. Christopher Bradbury will commence in this role in January 2019. • Valerie Williams is retiring from Abbotsleigh Junior School. • Brett Steinwede has moved from Assistant Chaplain at The Scots College to Trinity Grammar. • Victoria Small is leaving Abbotsleigh and moving to Tasmania.
• Ellen Algeo is leaving her position as a Youth Worker at Tara Anglican School to study at Sydney Missionary and Bible College. • Tim Wright has announced that he will be retiring from his role as the principal of Shore School at the end of 2019. • Tony Cummings has announced that he will be retiring from his role as the Head of College of Shellharbour Anglican College at the end of 2019. • Craig Tubman has moved from being the Assistant Minister at Church Hill Anglican to Head Chaplain at St. Andrew’s Cathedral School.
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