CRUview Spring 2019: The Identity Edition

CRUVIEW Spring 2019

dentity IO THE

EDITION

2-3

Still Sharing Jesus with a New Generation

4-7

An Unchanged Identity

10-11

Clarity, Comfort & Confidence in Christ

14-17

Found by Jesus, Committed to Serve

Contents PAGE 1

PAGE 2-3

PAGE 4-7

PAGE 8-9

PAGE 10-11

PAGE 12-13

The Big Picture

Still Sharing Jesus with a New Generation

An Unchanged Identity

Confidence in Paradise - Ministry in WA

Clarity, Comfort & Confidence in Christ

Creating the Right Environment

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PAGE 18

PAGE 20-21

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Found by Jesus, Committed to Serve

Don't Be Squeezed into the World's Mould

CRU® Ministry & Property Updates

Lake Mac Update

Thank You

CRU® Community

Upcoming Events Crusader Women’s Fellowship

Schools Ministry Week of Prayer

Date: 9 Sep 2019 Time: 12:00 - 1:30pm

Date: 9 - 13 Sep 2019 Location: All schools

Enjoy lunch, conversation and prayer with a group of ladies who faithfully meet to pray for the work of CRU® twice per year. For more information and to RSVP, call Philippa on 02 9874 8933 (opt 4) or email philippa.mccredie@crusaders.edu.au

A week of praying for God's work to grow and bear fruit in schools and praising Him for the work He is doing through CRU® Groups.

For more info, email kellie.thomson@crusaders.edu.au

Schools Ministry Night of Prayer

CRU® VOLT Spring

Date: 10 Sep 2019 Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm Location: Arden Anglican School

Date: 14 Sep 2019

A night dedicated to praying for our schools – all are welcome.

For more information, email kellie.thomson@crusaders.edu.au

A training event for CRU Camp volunteers including encouragement from the Bible, practical training and seminars to grow volunteers. For more information, email cruleaders@ crusaders.edu.au Save the date! CRU VOLT Summer 23 Nov 2019

Crusader Business Breakfast

CrossTrain 2019

Date: 18 Sep 2019 Time: 7:15 - 8:45am Location: QVB Tea Room

Date: 30 Sep - 4 Oct 2019 Location: Kiah Ridge

Hear Sam Chan speak and connect with current and former CRU® Camp and CRU Group leaders over breakfast. You'll also hear an update on what God is doing through CRU's key ministries. For more information and to RSVP, call Matilda on 02 9874 8933 (opt 4) or email matilda.slade@crusaders.edu.au

CrossTrain is a week-long camp for students in Years 9-11 that trains young Christians for ministry and Christian leadership in their schools. Campers will meet with other students who are passionate about serving in their CRU® School Groups.

Book today at crucamps.com.au/crosstrain

CRU® Wills Day

CRU® Ball

Dates: 25 & 26 Oct 2019

Date: 26 Oct 2019 Time: 6:30pm Location: Hornsby RSL Club

Have your Will written or updated for FREE by one of our experienced lawyers. To make an appointment, please email Philippa at philippa.mccredie@crusaders.edu.au or call 02 9874 8933 (opt 4).

A night to celebrate all God has done through CRU Camps, and thank our wonderful volunteers for their service over the year. Buy your ticket and RSVP at crucamps.com.au/cruball

Lake Mac Prayer Night

CRU® Thanksgiving Service

Date: 4 Nov 2019 Time: 7:00 - 8:00pm Location: 6 Banool Ave, St Ives

Date: 5 Dec 2019 Time: 7:00pm Location: CRU Galston Gorge

Please join us for a night dedicated to praying for the Lake Mac campsite redevelopment. For more info and to RSVP, email linda.newman@crusaders.edu.au

Join us as we thank God for the work He’s done in and through CRU in 2019. Supper to follow after the service. For more info and to RSVP, call Rebecca on 02 9874 8933 (opt 5) or email rebecca.carritt@crusaders.edu.au

The Big

Picture Gary Hill, Executive Director

The Identity Edition

1 Peter 2:9-10, Peter wrote “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” In Christ we have a new identity and a new calling. Others might speak negatively of our faith, but we need to listen to God’s true voice.

When the Angel of the Lord first greeted Gideon as “a mighty warrior” in Judges 6:12, you might have been tempted to think he’d delivered his message to the wrong address. Gideon, threshing wheat in the shelter of a wine press, hidden from enemy eyes, didn’t seem to fit the warrior profile. Yet the subsequent chapters reveal God’s work in and through him, delivering the people from the attacks of the Midianites.

How do we assess our identity? When first coined by William I was encouraged to hear Lauren James in 1890, the concept of Daigle’s song “You Say” being self-esteem was introduced as played earlier this year. a ratio between one’s successes and one’s expectations of success.

In Christ we have a new identity Yet these factors are influenced I keep fighting voices in my mind and a new calling. by external forces. Suzanne that say I’m not enough Lachmann’s Pyschology Today Every single lie that tells me I will article cited sources of low never measure up self-esteem as being disapproving authority figures, Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low? preoccupied caregivers, bullying, trauma, society and media.

Remind me once again just who I am, because I need She also identified belief systems as being a culprit. The sub to know heading of her article was significant: “What happened as you grew up was not your fault.”

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing You say I am strong when I think I am weak Many commentators, encouraging our teens not to be shaped You say I am held when I am falling short by comments on social media, urge them to look within When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours themselves, to what makes sense to them. “Being true to yourself” is the mantra. Yet the Bible tells us that our hearts are And I believe, oh I believe damaged and don’t provide true direction. In Jeremiah 17:9 we What You say of me read “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately I believe sick; who can understand it?” Jesus said that “out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, The only thing that matters now is everything You false witness, slander” (Matt 15:19). Our hearts therefore need think of me to be changed by God (Ezek 36:26).

In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity.*

“

“

Since God is truth, His Word helps us see what is true. The New Testament writers wanted their readers to recognise their new status because of God’s forgiveness through Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” In

We believe the Bible: that we have been shown extraordinary grace through Jesus Christ, and have been called to point people to Him. We won’t always get this right, but that doesn’t change who we are. That’s our identity: grounded in Him.

*Daigle, Lauren. “You say.” Look Up Child, Centricity, 2018, track 5. AZLyrics, azlyrics.com/lyrics/laurendaigle/yousay.html.

Still sharing Jesus with a

new generation O

Pictured: CRU® Camp leaders on Winter Study 1, 2019

C

rusaders’ Executive Director, Gary Hill, recalls parking his car outside one of Sydney’s oldest independent schools back in 1995, ready to speak in the chapel. As he did, he noted two students entering the school gate who were wearing Muslim clothing. “I began thinking how every student needed to hear the good news of Jesus, and how I hoped that the name of Crusaders wouldn’t be a blockage to that message.”

Discussions at the time suggested that it was not likely to be a major barrier, and the existence of the Canterbury Crusaders Rugby Union franchise in the Super Rugby competition was noted by many, yet a sense remained that this could become an increasingly significant issue. In 1997, Crusaders moved from the traditional heraldic shield logo, complete with helmet, crown, sword and scroll, to a stylised eagle. At the same time, the name changed from “The Crusader Union

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of NSW” to “The Crusader Union of Australia” as it was recognised that opportunities existed to operate in multiple states. “CRU®” was being used increasingly to refer to school groups, resources, holiday camps, and this magazine, with the name “CRU” being trademarked.

“CRU” was an obvious choice: it maintained the historical link with Crusaders, reflecting thankfulness for the pioneering work in sharing the gospel with school students, while providing a new vitality and removing a potential barrier.

Now in 2019, the time has come to adopt “CRU” more extensively across the organisation, with a new logo being developed to specifically represent our heart and our mission. The key distinctives of the new logo emphasise this. The top of the “U” is an arrow which symbolises our intention to point to Jesus in all that we do. The “U” itself is shaped like the familiar “U-turn” sign, representing our mission to see children and young

History CRU® has a rich history with its logo. The timeline draws a history of the visual identity as it has evolved over time.

1931 1997 GIRLS

1930

1946

BOYS

COMBINED

people turn to life in Christ. At the same time, the tail of the “R” descends below the baseline to symbolise the nurturing arm of CRU in serving and caring for young people.

“

Our name has morphed, but our identity as an organisation remains unchanged.

2019

The two colours symbolise the interaction CRU has with its customers, supporters and contacts. It represents relationships.

The top of the ‘U’ is an arrow which symbolises our intention to point to Jesus in all that we do.

The tail of the ‘R’ descends below the baseline to symbolise the nurturing arm of CRU in serving and caring for young people.

The 'U' is shaped like the familiar U-turn sign. It symbolises the mission of CRU to see children turn to Jesus.

“

We will be rolling out the new logo across the organisation over 2019-2020, starting with CRU West.

We are expecting to hold a Service of Thanksgiving for the new Lake Mac campsite in late 2020 and by that stage expect “CRU” to be our dominant signage.

Our name has morphed, but our identity as an organisation remains unchanged. As the Holy Spirit equips us, we seek to be faithful witnesses to Jesus Christ, so that a new generation comes to know the new life which is found in Him.

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An unchanged

identity O

T

he Crusader Union of Australia has existed for almost 90 years – and in that time a lot has changed in our country!

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the way that Christianity is viewed in the public square. Even just 60 years ago, Christianity in Australia was perceived completely differently – something that Stuart and Patricia Braga remember well.

Back in the 1950s and early 1960s, Stuart says, “The society I grew up in was still fully Christian. Not necessarily church-going, but the general attitude towards Christian churches was very favourable.”

Pictured: Hugh & Nora Braga, parents of Stuart Braga

“The Sydney Morning Herald used to publish a column every Monday morning called ‘From the Pulpit’,” Stuart recalls. “They would go to a church in the suburbs and there’d be a report on the sermon. And when Archbishop Mowll died in 1958, around 50,000 people lined George Street as the cortège left the cathedral.

mother, Irene, was a vice president of Crusaders, and both her parents (the Youngs) led on camps alongside Stuart’s parents.

Given their heavy involvement, both families became well-known in the Crusader Union family. Amongst many other contributions, “Mrs Braga was known for

“

It was a time in which Christians enjoyed a position of privilege and was a period of extraordinary growth for the Crusader Union (as it was known back then).

It was a time in which Christians enjoyed a position of privilege and was a period of extraordinary growth for the Crusader Union (as it was known back then).

Stuart and Patricia’s families were heavily involved in this era of growth. Stuart’s father, Hugh, was instrumental in leading working parties at Galston and Lake Macquarie to develop the campsites, and his mother, Nora, had been involved in the Crusaders Union in Britain before getting involved with the Girls’ Committee in New South Wales. Similarly, Patricia’s

“

I was one of them, having skipped university lectures for the morning."

her pikelets. Any function, Mrs Braga always brought the pikelets,” Patricia remembers fondly.

During this era, many young people were keen to be members of Crusader groups, and Stuart and Patricia became involved in groups at their schools, Saturday night “drawing room” meetings and later served on camps. They both wore their Crusader badges proudly.

“It was a great era of badge wearing. The badge showed identity, strong identity. You weren't just given a Crusader badge. You didn't buy a Crusader badge. You applied for it. You wrote out your answers to questions affirming your faith and discipleship and they went

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“You always wore the badge once you got it,” adds Patricia.

Though young people proudly proclaimed their faith through their Crusader badges, the world has changed since those open days of the 1950s.

Patricia comments that when she was at school at Abbotsleigh, “It was kind of natural to go to a Crusader Group.” That is no longer the case in most schools.

Christianity has been pushed to the margins, and kids and teenagers are no longer so quick to claim and share their faith in Jesus.

“The non-Christian world is now harshly, and aggressively, antagonistic,” Stuart comments.

However, Stuart and Patricia remain certain that CRU® is equipped to continue its mission to reach the next generation for Christ – because that’s what it has always done.

“CRU has always been on the cutting edge of youth evangelism,” Stuart says. “CRU has always been at the forefront, saying ‘We are here to proclaim the good news of Jesus, and to bring enrichment to the lives of all who have anything to do with us’.”

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While CRU remains consistent in its mission and core beliefs, Stuart and Patricia are pleased to see how the organisation has adapted and moved forward to suit the changing interests of young people: “If you go back around World War II, you had just a couple of camps and house parties, not much in the way of activities other than games. But now, look at the immense range of programs that’s offered on camps. The variety of activities that CRU does would not have been dreamt of in the early years.”

“

CRU has been a huge blessing to me, for almost the whole of my life. I'm very, very keen for CRU to have the capacity to make a huge difference to peoples' lives, well into the future

“

before the Crusader Council,” Stuart remembers.

“When young people wore that Crusader badge you knew exactly what the Statement of Faith was that they were committing to.”

Though Stuart and Patricia are older, and no longer able to be involved in the CRU ministry in the same way as they were in the 1950s and 60s, they remain committed to CRU’s identity and aims. That’s why they have chosen to leave a bequest to CRU in their Will, to ensure the next generation has the same opportunities that they did to hear and become convinced of the gospel.

“CRU has been a huge blessing to me, for almost the whole of my life. I'm very, very keen for CRU to have the capacity to make a huge difference to peoples' lives, well into the future,” says Stuart.

“

Stuart and Patricia remain certain that CRU is equipped to continue its mission to reach the next generation for Christ – because that’s what it has always done.

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Confidence in

paradise: O ministry in WA

I

t is never exactly easy to convince teenagers to become Christians. At a time of life that is, for most, full of concerns about exam results, popularity and what to do after Year 12, the gospel doesn’t always seem particularly relevant to many teenagers.

But for young people in WA, there are some especially unique barriers to faith.

Scott Rowland, Chaplain at St Mark’s Anglican Community School in Perth, knows these challenges intimately as he works alongside teens every day, trying to disciple them.

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“They live in a world that seems to be paradise,” Scott explains. “They’ve got some of the best beaches in the world, they’ve got all the toys in the world, they’re seriously cashed up here. How do you tell people who think they live in paradise that they are sinners? There is a real apathy to the gospel because they don’t think they need it.”

For those young people who have responded to the gospel, growing in faith and maturity is also a real challenge in WA.

“Our Christian kids now get to see other Christian kids Scott shares, “Few churches here have expository in other schools and they get to meet with them. That’s preaching, so the Christian teenagers don’t know their extremely valuable, especially in a place where calling Bibles; they don’t have confidence in God’s Word; they yourself a Christian is pretty much social suicide. Plus, don’t have confidence in the gospel. I think back to my we’re seeing a real difference now in the kids that come time living in Sydney and going to my local church and out of CRU West CRU Groups – they are actually I think, man, Year 9 and 10 students there are further taught how to read the Bible at school and so when down the track in Christian maturity than many of the university students here, simply because there are less they get to university they are way further down students in WA who attend lunchtime Bible studies, and the track.” there are fewer Bible-based churches here.”

Scott is also excited that, through CRU’s school groups Though there is so much need for the gospel to be taught and camps, many young people are becoming keen to share the gospel. “They are going to be way better faithfully in WA, schools ministry in Perth was in a difficult evangelists than I am. The non-Christian students think position until just a few years ago. In the past, several of me as like their dad, and that’s not very cool! So, it’s organisations had invested time and resources in the about helping the Christian kids to share the gospel independent schools, but a belief that chaplains were with their friends, and they get equipped to do that doing enough meant that external support dried up.

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Christian kids now get to see other Christian kids in other schools... that’s extremely valuable, especially in a place where calling yourself a Christian is pretty much social suicide.

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Originally from Sydney, Scott moved to Perth in 1995 where he attended Bible college and received ordination training, before becoming a chaplain. Whilst he was thankful for the support of the Christian principal at his school, he saw the many challenges faced by chaplains in other schools as they attempted to share the gospel and encourage young Christians in the unique Western Australian context.

That’s why Scott is now the Chair of the CRU® West Committee – CRU’s ministry to young people in WA. Now, Scott works alongside CRU staff and the volunteer committee to deliver camps and support Christian groups within schools. Already, he can see the difference that CRU is making in this distinctive environment:

by sitting around reading God’s Word together, until they’re absolutely sold on it.”

It is Scott’s prayer that Christian students in WA would continue to grow more and more assured of their identity in Christ. Just as is needed on the east coast, Scott recognises that the current generation of young people “are going to require real confidence in the gospel as they increasingly become different to society.”

Please join us in praying for Scott, the CRU West team and all Christian leaders in WA, as they seek to help young people find confidence in their identity as followers of Jesus.

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Clarity, comfort & confidence in

Christ O

L

isa Houghton’s family has a rich history of being connected to CRU®. Her grandparents were the caretakers of the Lake Mac campsite for 27 years, her mother helps in the kitchen at Lake Mac, and her sisters, Bonnie and Amber, led on CRU Camps. Also (and not surprisingly), both Lisa and Bonnie met their spouses through CRU!

Lisa can’t remember a time where she wouldn’t have called herself a Christian. She went to the usual Christian things like youth group and youth events, but she recalls that her growth and understanding of her faith only “skyrocketed” once she joined Summit in 2004. She has served in a number of roles over the past 15 years: as a trainee, Outdoor Leader, Outdoor Minister, Staffing Coordinator, and currently as Summit’s Staffing Manager.

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During her time at Summit, her identity in Jesus became more evident in how she lived out her life as a Christian. Reflecting on her life before Summit, Lisa recalls the struggles she faced towards the end of high school, “I didn’t have a good network of Christian friends back home. When I took my faith more seriously, it was hard to change, or reveal, my true identity to people I had done life with up until that point.

The person they knew me to be wasn’t necessarily consistent with this new identity, this true identity.”

Lisa recognises that working in CRU’s Summit division has helped her to grow in three key areas.

Firstly, she understands the value of Christian community. Lisa explains, “A lot of my faith journey has

come through being hooked into CRU®. Growing up, I didn’t have a solid Christian community. At Summit, I was learning from people who were solid in their faith and hooked into really good churches - their theology was solid and they were actively living as imagebearers.” She continues, “That rubs off on you. Being part of the Summit Team, you’re together a lot – you’re immersed in Christian community.”

Secondly, Lisa is thankful for the theological training which equips her in sharing the gospel with others.

She shares, “All of the training we do is to gain a better clarity of the timeline of the Bible, how the Bible fits together, different places to look for things, and how to answer certain questions.”

Lastly, she recognises that she has grown in confidence through the practical experience she receives while on camp. Every gospel conversation she has on camp also gives her confidence to share her faith in her day-to-day life. Lisa explains, “It’s given me confidence to share my faith outside of CRU life and to engage in

Pictured: Lisa with her grandad, Max Bywater (then Site Manager), on his beloved tractor at Lake Mac, 1989

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It’s a comfort to know that who I truly am isn’t found in my surname, my job, or my ministry, but it’s actually who I’m connected to the most - which is Christ.

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more natural conversations with friends or neighbours.

Telling people that I work for CRU is an easy way start a conversation, but the experiences on camp give me confidence in going further than that.”

feeling unconfident or insecure in myself, my skills and my personality, knowing that my identity is in Christ is a big comfort. Knowing other people’s reactions and other people’s responses don’t actually change who we are in Christ.”

When asked what an identity in Christ means for her, “The buildings might change and CRU’s branding might Lisa shares, “It’s a comfort. It’s a comfort to know that change, but God doesn’t change. No matter what who I truly am isn’t found in my surname, my job, or my ministry, but it’s actually who I’m connected to the most banner we’re under, or what campsite we’re at, or where we are, the call to mission hasn’t changed. It’s His work - which is Christ. That’s sometimes hard to remember, that we are doing.” but when things of this world are difficult, or when I’m

Do you know someone who has a passion to see kids come to know Jesus?

Please let them know about Summit – CRU’s camping ministry and training program. Applications are now open for a January 2020 start. Find out more at www.summitfellows.com.au

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environment O Creating the right

F

friends, and later leading on camps. I suddenly realised it was my responsibility to... I wouldn't have used the word, but to evangelise. Not only did I need to grow in my personal life, but I needed to tell others.”

“It was part of my upbringing,” James says.

Thankfully, James was able to attend a CRU Group at his school, Barker, which continued to encourage and equip him in growing and sharing his faith.

rom his very early life, James Ward has been involved with CRU®. As a child, his parents were leaders and camp parents on CRU Camps at Lake Mac, his father was one of CRU’s first employees, and James and his sister spent weeks every summer on sailing camps alongside their parents.

But more than that, it was on a CRU Camp where James first gave his life to Jesus.

“I had the privilege of being part of a Christian home right from my earliest days… so it was the first time I had sat down and really understood that it was about me and the Lord Jesus Christ, as opposed to my family.

There was a leadership team there [on camp] who really taught me it was about me, I needed to make those decisions.”

After becoming a Christian, James discovered a new passion for helping others hear about Jesus as well.

“Almost immediately I said, ‘I've got to have responsibility now in telling others,’” James recalls. “That was the biggest change. I went from being passive, like this was happening around me, to working with my peers, my

Both the camp and school group environment were a crucial part of James developing a strong faith that he wanted to pass on to others, and after he left school he remained passionate about providing a helpful environment to others in which they, too, could start to follow Jesus.

Alongside his wife, Juliet, their children, and Peter and Rowena Bragg, James assisted in relocating CRU’s minibike camps to Attunga - a camp that continues today (now known as Easyriders and On Two Wheels).

“The reason motorbike camps were interesting to me was that the kids who came on camp tended to be a bit more rambunctious. To me, it was most rewarding. We were dealing with kids who were a bit more out there.

And that was always exciting. We weren't dealing with the easy kids,” James remembers.

Page Twelve Image source: NBRS Architecture, with architecture by Harry Seidler & Associates and sculpture by Robert Owen

Despite the sometimes-challenging group of campers, James was thrilled by how powerfully God was at work in this special environment, with at least a few campers turning to Christ on every camp. “That was to do with the power of God’s hand on the camp,” James says. “It was amazing to see.”

Professionally, James is also passionate about creating environments that impact people. After a career in marketing for Johnson & Johnson, including some years working in the USA, James now works for NBRS Architecture, a Sydney-based firm.

“NBRS Architecture has 50 years of presence in the Sydney architecture community. It was started by a

James compares his current group of Christian colleagues to his CRU® Group at Barker when he was young – it’s once again an environment where faith can grow and spread and be encouraged.

Though no longer leading on camps, James remains passionately committed to CRU, and is currently using his professional skills to chair the Lake Mac Redevelopment Taskforce and to serve on the CRU Board.

“I think what’s really exciting about it is that Lake Macquarie is such a formative place for so many people… It’s a very special place,” James says.

“

I think we have a huge responsibility as Christians to create great environments for young men and women to have ‘a pause’ in their life to experience Jesus Christ.

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couple of Christian men, Noel Bell and Ridley Smith.

They were a couple of talented architects who did a lot of work with the churches and schools of Sydney. So, St Andrew's House in Sydney was designed by NBRS, but also many churches,” James explains.

NBRS seeks to create life-changing environments through architecture, and still continues the Christian ethics and principles from its foundations over 50 years ago. James and the team are passionate about helping people to connect with one another and, in some cases, God.

As CRU moves forward with a new brand and the new site soon to open, James is excited that CRU is unchangingly focused on creating an environment that helps the next generation know Jesus. He is glad to play a part in that mission – and beautifully articulates his views on why camps especially are so important for reaching young people: “I think we have a huge responsibility as Christians to create great environments for young men and women to have ‘a pause’ in their life to experience Jesus Christ.

The pauses in life, going away for a weekend or for a week, mean getting away from the crowd, and thinking.

CRU Camp is a gift for kids. It gives them a pause from even their own family and their own school.”

James seeks to create this sort of environment within his workplace too, as he attempts to witness to his colleagues. “As a Christian worker, it’s your responsibility “I think if I wasn't given the environment to have ‘the to create evangelistic moments,” James says. “And it pause’ in life, I wouldn't have had a life. That's why it's helps when you have a group of people! We have a my hope and prayer for kids I don't even know.” group of Christians here who all encourage each other to be a witness within the firm.”

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Found by Jesus, committed to

serve O

In a Christian hospital in Jerusalem, a 4-year-old orphan was recovering from measles and double pneumonia - it was David. Alone and belonging to no one, he

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vividly remembers the moment when he first heard of Christ’s love during a Sunday Bible story session. He remembers hearing the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7) and seeing a picture of a shepherd carrying a lamb on his shoulders. David recalls, “Jesus actually

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If Jesus could be bothered about one lost lamb, He could be bothered about me!

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W

ith walls and tables adorned with figurines and cultural ornaments from around the world, David and Robyn Claydon’s home is warm, charming and a visual delight. But the trinkets on display aren’t just for decoration, each item holds rich significance and tells a story of their lifelong commitment and dedication to sharing the good news of Jesus with the world. Nestled on their bookshelf is a wood carving of a shepherd and his sheep. Robyn explains its significance to her husband, “It treasures David’s story. It reminds him that his identity is in Jesus.”

went to the trouble of finding the lost lamb. He had a hundred other sheep, why would He worry about

one lost lamb? If Jesus could be bothered about one lost lamb, He could be bothered about me!”

It was a message that resonated deeply and set the course of his life of ministry.

After being saved from death multiple times, David made a commitment to serve God with his life and has done so in various ministries. Robyn recalls, “He’s done so many different things! He’s been an Anglican minister, headed up Christian non-profits, and has been very involved in international ministry.”

Pictured: David with his Crusader badge in Jerusalem, 1945

David gained his Crusader badge in Jerusalem in 1945 after memorising weekly verses and attending 21 consecutive weeks at the British High Commissioner’s home where the Crusaders’ Union (now known in the UK as Urban Saints) meetings were held.

For Robyn, her identity in Christ started from a young age. Robyn’s father was an Anglican minister and her mother was a Christian speaker, so from very young she knew about Jesus. She shares, “From the very earliest days, I knew I belonged to Jesus. However, when I was about 10-years-old, my dad was preaching in church and that was the night I made a personal decision to follow Jesus. My identity has been rooted in

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Jesus from the beginning, and so has David’s, but in an entirely different way.”

David and Robyn are both passionate advocates for evangelism, teaching and discipling people in their walk with Jesus. For this reason, they continue to support CRU’s ministry in addition to the numerous other ministries they are heavily involved in. Robyn affirms, “CRU has been a very important part of our own Christian experience – supporting CRU is our commitment to young people learning about Jesus.”

Robyn has always been passionate about teaching, training and mentoring women. Her involvement with CRU® has spanned over six decades, starting in 1957 when she ran a CRU Group at Queenwood School for Girls where more than 200 girls met every week.

She has also led a CRU Group at Abbotsleigh, was the Crusader Girls’ Organising Secretary, and ran a number

of CRU Camps including the Crusader Wyong Girls’ Camp in 1960-61. She clearly remembers, “It was a time when camps were fairly new and very big. The CRU Camps and CRU Groups were growing and overflowing - it was really a very exciting time!”

Robyn also describes the value of Summit Educational Camps, “Taking kids to CRU (Summit) Camps is just so important. It provides a free environment where they can ask the questions that they might not ask at school, and they may certainly not ask at home. I think schools ministry is very important too - it supports young people who get no support at home.”

David also adds, “Another benefit of CRU Groups and ISCF in schools is the leadership - children are learning to lead other children!” David remembers being given the opportunity to lead Sunday school as a 12-year-old and recognises its value, “By learning to lead as a child,

Pictured: Abbotsleigh Crusader Group, 1979

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it meant that I was able to be useful and serve as time went on.”

As Robyn served God through CRU®, one thing was very apparent. She recalls that a number of the girls who attended CRU School Groups and CRU Camps were from non-Christian families. Robyn shares, “For many of them, CRU was their church. CRU was their time of fellowship with other girls and teachers, and a time of learning about Jesus.” She continues, “CRU is vital, not only to build the faith of Christians, but it becomes “church” for so many boys and girls whose families don’t encourage it.”

In more recent years, both Robyn and David have dedicated their time and resources to international ministry and evangelism. They are both connected to The Lausanne Movement, a large Christian organisation committed to world evangelism and bringing together Christians from across the world. Robyn left the teaching profession in 1993 to start an international ministry with The Lausanne Movement, identifying and supporting Christian women all over the world to grow in leadership.

Meanwhile, David has been actively helping Christian refugees flee persecution.

Pictured: Abbotsleigh Crusader Houseparty, 1978

We are thankful for the Claydons’ example of lifelong dedication to sharing Jesus with the world, and for their ongoing support of CRU. It is CRU’s hope and prayer that the next generation of young people would,

“

For many of them, CRU was their church. CRU was their time of fellowship with other girls and teachers, and a time of learning about Jesus.

“

They both tell stories of the many challenges faced in their ministries, but one thing is certain: God provides and is faithful. Robyn reassures, “When you’re feeling that you’re doing God’s will, and you’re willing to sacrifice and step out in faith, it is amazing how God supplies your needs.”

like David, be found by Jesus and be able to echo Robyn’s words: “My Christian identity has shaped who I am. I belong to Jesus and I am committed to sharing the good news of Jesus with others.”

Page Seventeen

Don’t be squeezed into the world’s mould

By Karl Faase, Olive Tree Media

W

One crucial thing we must do is set aside our desire for popularity. Follow the example of Jesus and pay close attention to His words. In verses, not often quoted, Jesus told His followers…

But if we are to resist being squeezed into a mould, we have to recognise that the mould exists, and identify its form.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).

hen Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he said that the followers of Jesus should “…not be conformed to the pattern of this world but transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). One commentator has translated this idea as “don’t let the world squeeze you into its mould”.

US-based authors Lyons and Kinnaman write in their book Good Faith that modern Western society has a new moral code, which they call ‘the morality of self-fulfilment’. They cite attitudes like “the best way to find yourself is by looking within yourself”, and “people should not criticise someone else’s life choices” as central to this code.

It is not difficult to recognise that some recent controversies have occurred because individuals in Australia have broken this new moral code and have paid a high price for their opinions.

But as Christians, we are compelled to resist any shifts in what society considers ‘moral’, and instead look to God for our standards.

It is regularly stated that the people loved Jesus, and it was only the religious leaders whom Jesus annoyed. But that is only partially true. In John 6, Jesus’ interaction with ordinary people does not go well and in fact many turn away from following Him. It’s in this situation that Jesus turns to His disciples and asks, “Do you want to leave as well?” Tough question. They reply, “Where else can we go you have the words to eternal life” (John 6:66-69). They know this may not be popular, but it is true.

All of us living in comfortable and affluent Western nations must daily remind ourselves that our quiet and easy lives can have the outcome of squeezing us into a worldly mould. Let’s seek to remain faithful to the truth in a society that is regularly shifting its values.

So, what should we do to be sure we are not being squeezed into the world’s mould?

A documentary, course and book series jesusthegamechanger.com | by olive tree media

THIS BOOK TELLS THE STORIES OF GAME CHANGERS, W O R L D S H A K E R S A N D R E A L- L I F E S U P E R H E R O E S W H O H AV E I M P A C T E D A N D I N F L U E N C E D O U R W O R L D BECAUSE THEY FOLLOWED JESUS. Some of the people you will meet lived a long, long time ago and some are still alive today. No matter when they lived in history, we should be reminded of their story.

They have shown God’s love, taught God’s truth and devoted their life to make the world a better place.

Our prayer is that in the pages of this book, you will discover ordinary men and women who, because they followed Jesus, have made a real difference in our world.

Would you like to be a game changer too?

Where did Western civilisation come from: our values, culture, medicine, science, law, politics and wealth? From the great empires of the ancient world? Or from one young man in a dusty outpost of Rome who taught in ways no one had heard before, who healed the broken and reached out to the marginalised, whose life reflected a new way of seeing the world and who was killed as a common criminal.

Jane Faase (pictured left) is the Producer of Jesus the Game Changer, Creative Director of Olive Tree Media and a keen photographer.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Ainsley and Jamie Freeman are married and live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney with their three children. Ainsley is a communicator and Ministry Associate at Olive Tree Media and Jamie is the Team Leader – Gen1K Mission with the Baptist Churches of NSW and the ACT.

How the life and teaching of Jesus changed the world and why it matters olivetreemedia.com.au

GAME CHANGERS world shakers and real-life superheroes 31 stories of people who have impacted and influenced our world because they followed Jesus.

Freeman

KARL FAASE

Featuring beautiful images and production notes from the award-winning documentary series, Jesus the Game Changer traces the astonishing and undeniable path of Jesus from Nazareth to now, bringing us to the overwhelming conclusion that Jesus is the most influential Game Changer in human history. Each thought-provoking chapter will share insights from more than 30 historians, academics, authors and modern day game changers from all over the world. Most are followers of Jesus, some are not, but across their diverse areas of expertise they all help us discover how the life and teaching of Jesus changed the world and why it matters.

Karl Faase (pictured left) is a popular Australian Christian communicator, media presenter, documentarian and CEO of Olive Tree Media, with over 800 episodes of his Daily Nudge reaching audiences worldwide.

GAME CHANGERS world shakers and real life superheroes

Some people are so amazing that they literally change the world.

They leave a mark and are remembered years later.

There is one man who changed our world more than anyone else. Millions of people have dared to be like him and do as he did, and they too have changed the world.

Written by Ainsley and Jamie Freeman | Illustrated by Katherine Nelson

The book of the series Published by Olive Tree Media jesusthegamechanger.com

Karl Faase with George Marriott Photography by Jane Faase

available in | DVD | Digital Series | Coffee Table Book | Children’s book | Youth Series

How the UNCHANGING MESSAGE OF JESUS changed the world and why it matters.

Page Eighteen

CRU® Ministry & Property Updates 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.

“

"Camp has given me a stronger understanding of God’s love for me, and has also helped me know how to approach conversations with my friends about Jesus."

"Crusaders’ Galston once again exceeded our expectations and provided a perfect site, facilities and staff for our weekend music camp.

Thank you."

Charlotte, camper on Autumn Study 2

Fiona Day, Castle Hill RSL Youth Wind Orchestra

"Ash is an amazing leader. He makes everything fun, no matter what we are doing. He teaches us about God and helps us to understand the Bible in a fun way. The leaders always sat down next to us in the breaks when we were eating and they would play with us as well. I learned lots on this camp and I have had the time of my life."

Emmesyn, camper on CRU Pulse Day Camp

HOLIDAY CAMPS • This recent winter season was our largest ever! Give thanks that we saw over 1,600 campers and 450 leaders on 28 CRU® Camps, and for the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus.

• Praise God that 95% of campers say they make new friends on camp every season.* • Give thanks that over 400 Year 12 students will attend CRU Study Camps this spring as they prepare for their HSC and IB.

SUMMIT

• Summit has enjoyed the opportunity to start approaching schools about running camps at the new Lake Mac site. We’re thrilled that not just existing partner schools are booking camps, but schools currently not with Summit are deciding to join us too. It is wonderful to have new partnerships and the opportunity to reach more students with the gospel.

• Thank God for the opportunity to focus on training during the winter months.

The Summit trainees have been training in theology, apologetics, leadership and outdoor recreation. It is exciting to see this training grow the Summit Team, further equip them to run camps, and provide them with the skills to introduce kids to Jesus.

• September is set to be Summit's busiest month of the year with 23 camps booked. We look forward to putting our training into action across the many camps. Please join us in praying for the team, for energy and health as we launch into a busy season.

Page Twenty *CRU Camper Surveys, Autumn 2017-Autumn 2019

GALSTON

SCHOOLS MINISTRY

DAY CAMPS

• We are thankful for the successful installation of the solar panels. Thank you for all your support, prayers and gifts which have enabled this to happen. The site has already seen a reduction in electricity costs.

• We are grateful to have received more positive feedback forms from our guests. These have resulted in a rebooking rate of more than 70% and a net promoter score of more than 80 (above 50 is considered excellent).

For the most part, guests are generating a lot of word-of-mouth referrals.

• Praise God for the stories of those who attend the Summit and CRU® Camps and were impacted by the gospel. They provide great encouragement to continue in our work for the gospel.

• The team at Galston work hard to provide a site that continues to meet the ever-changing expectations of our fantastic groups. Upcoming plans include the provision of more covered breakout spaces, more free time spots for multiple groups, new activities, beautification projects and even an upgraded coffee service!

• Praise God for the new CRU® Groups that have started at Belmont Christian School Junior and Calderwood Christian School Senior this year.

The Schools Ministry Team are thankful for the enthusiastic students that helped start the groups and for God’s work in enabling the groups to flourish.

• Praise God for the many students who the Schools Ministry Team have witnessed put their faith in Jesus this year. It’s such a joy to be a part of their faith journey and we’re thankful for opportunities to share God’s message of grace with over 5,000 students in CRU Groups each year.

• CRU’s Schools Ministry Associates, Viv Yu and Andrew Standford, have enjoyed sharing the gospel with thousands of students at school visits and camps, while developing their preaching and pastoral care skills with the Schools Ministry Team.

• We ran five Day Camps during the winter holidays, partnering with St Paul’s Anglican Church Castle Hill, St Jude’s Anglican Church Randwick, Macarthur Anglican School, Harrington Park Anglican Church, Narellan Anglican Church, Cobbitty Anglican Church, Gregory Hills Anglican Church, Mosman Prep School, Harbourside Baptist Church, Church by the Bridge Kirribilli, Richard Johnson Anglican School and Oakhurst Anglican Church. We thank God for our school and church partners and the work that God does through Day Camps.

• Thank God for CRU® Blast at Richard Johnson Anglican School. This was our 6th year of running CRU Blast and it is exciting to see how God has worked through this camp over the years. This year we had 39 high school leaders from the school serving on the camp. It brings us great joy to see young Christians being trained in servant leadership through Day Camps.

• It is great to see campers continuing to learn more about Jesus after attending a Day Camp. Around 41% of campers who come from non-church families indicated that they wanted to connect with a church after camp*. We pray that God will equip leaders as they follow up campers and encourage them to visit a church.

Please turn over to view Lake Mac updates Page Twenty One

*CRU Day Camper Surveys, 2018

Lake Mac redevelopmen t Stage 1 funding

acO hieved!

A

fter the prophet Jeremiah had bought a field at God’s instruction, he said this as part of his prayer:

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm.

Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17).

As we look back over the last two and a half years, we like Jeremiah, marvel at God’s power and provision in funding the Lake Mac Campsite Redevelopment.

We are delighted to report that by the grace of God, and through the generosity of hundreds of CRU® supporters, the $19m community fundraising goal for Stage 1 of the Lake Mac Redevelopment has been achieved! In addition to this, a $5m Australian

“

By the grace of God, and through the generosity of hundreds of CRU supporters, the $19m community fundraising goal for Stage 1 of the Lake Mac Redevelopment has been achieved!

“

Government grant has been awarded. Construction is now well underway and Stage 1 of the campsite is expected to be ready for use in mid-2020.

Upon completion of all stages, an extra 20,000 campers each year will have the opportunity to encounter Christ at Lake Mac. We can’t wait!

Whilst the major fundraising campaign is now over, there are still opportunities for supporters to give towards this exciting project. Further contributions will help fund an additional cabin which has been brought forward into Stage 1 as well as help reduce bridging finance costs.

You can stay updated on the progress of the redevelopment and view photos and drone videos of the construction by visiting www.growlakemac.com.au.

We are incredibly grateful for the prayers and sacrificial generosity of many in the CRU community who have helped make this kingdom-building initiative possible.

We look forward to inviting supporters to a Grand Opening of Stage 1 in the second half of 2020, God willing. Please continue to pray as construction progresses and as planning for future stages of the redevelopment takes place.

This project is funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund

Page Twenty Three Pictured (left): Construction of the first cabin

Thank You 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:

DR TIMOTHY PETTERSON

LAURA PENN

KATRINA CLIFFORD

Dr Timothy Petterson started his association with CRU® while at school. Tim recalls, “I went on Bundanoon Bike Camp, and I was instantly hooked. Post-school, I led and directed a number of Study Camps, and made many wonderful friends as a result. Most notably, my wife, Susan.”

Laura went on her first CRU® Camp when she was in Year 5, and has now attended over 10 CRU Camps, both as a camper and as a junior leader. She is also actively involved in her school’s CRU lunchtime group which she says “is a lot of fun and a great way to spend time with God during school hours.”

Katrina is the great-granddaughter of Dr Leslie Parr, who generously donated the land for CRU’s Lake Mac campsite. Her dad, Philip Bell OAM, was the Chair of CRU® for many years, whose passion for CRU’s ministry, she says, was ‘infectious’. “Through my dad, I've seen how far CRU's impact can reach… and I'm so proud of my great-grandfather's legacy at Lake Mac, enabling many thousands of campers to hear about Jesus.”

Tim is currently the Principal at St Philip’s Christian College in Port Stephens, and, as of 2020, will be the new Headmaster of Shore, following the retirement of Dr Timothy Wright. As a camper, leader, director, teacher and father, Tim has witnessed first-hand the work God is doing through CRU. He continues, “The influence of the world on young people is enormous. The saving message of the gospel is increasingly being shouted out of the public square. CRU has a terrific opportunity to address this imbalance.”

Laura shares, “CRU is such a great avenue to share the Word of God in a safe and happy environment. Children and teens can spend time in God’s Word, while also having fun.

CRU is so important because it supports people who are often at such a critical stage in their faith journey, and it provides opportunities for the gospel message to be proclaimed in a place where people are there to listen, whether that be on camp, or at school.”

Thank you, Tim, for your long-term involvement with the work God is doing through CRU.

Laura was presented with the ‘Junior Leader Award’ at the last CRU Ball for her great passion and love for camping ministry.

Thank you, Laura!

Page Twenty Four

The CRU Group at Abbotsleigh helped Katrina “hold on to Jesus” through high school. As a CRU Camper, then a leader on study and sailing camps, Katrina continued to grow in her faith. Katrina is now the Dean of Academics at Robert Menzies College, is married to Tim, and has two young sons (potential CRU Campers!).

Thank you, Katrina, for continuing your family’s legacy though your support of CRU!

CRU® Community

HOOKED • Bonnie Mason & Aaron Rootes • Emily Harrington & Frasier Bailey • Natali Benitez & Tim Vernon • Vivian Lee & Willem Booker • Melissa Brady & Brock Sperinck • Bridie Carroll & Mitchell Wall • Samantha Lewis & Mike Lihou

HATCHED • Carly & Andrew Bradford - a boy, Hamish John, born 9 January 2019 • Rachel & Andrew Drummond - a girl, Charlotte, born 10 April 2019 • Belinda & Glen Posford - a girl, Charlie Joy, born 16 April 2019 • Sarah & Ben Harradence - a girl, Audrey Rose, born 26 April 2019 • Alice & Simon Rees - a girl, Eliza Charlotte, born 9 June 2019 • Miriam & Tim Cain - a girl, Harriet Lola, born 9 July 2019

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@crusaders.edu.au

CRUVIEW

HITCHED • Emily Lane & Alaric Lewis - 10 March 2019 • Annie Wyatt & William Cant - 23 March 2019 • Anna Szabo & Charles Freeman - 27 April 2019 • Helen Buchholz & Mark Lovell - 29 June 2019 • Sarah Cutler & Cameron Isaacs - 6 July 2019

HOME • Patrick Owen - 25 April 2019 • Jean Deck - 3 May 2019 • Peter Bennett - 9 June 2019 • Kay Clark - 21 June 2019 • Ann Cartwright - 22 June 2019 • Margaret Rook – 16 July 2019

TEACHERS ON THE MOVE • Jason Pilcher has moved from being School Chaplain at Medowie Christian School to Senior Pastor of Open Door Community Church in Monbulk, Victoria.

• Anyerin Drury has commenced as the new School Chaplain at Medowie Christian School.

• Bill Rusin will be finishing as Principal of Covenant Christian School at the end of 2019.

• Rev. Alex Koch will be leaving his role as Chaplain at St Catherine’s School to commence as the Deputy Headmaster and Head of Secondary School at Arndell Anglican College from Term 1 2020.

Page Twenty Five

Sharing Jesus with a new generation

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