CRU Prayer Diary Oct - Jan 2015

OCTOBER 2015

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV) Thursday 1st - Thank God for the privilege that the Schools Ministry team has had to share the Gospel within schools throughout NSW and the ACT this year.

Friday 2nd - Praise God for the Spring Holiday Camps season that finishes today. Pray for campers as they return home that the seeds of the Gospel will continue to bear fruit.

Pray particularly for those starting HSC exams.

Saturday 3rd - Praise God for Erin who became a Christian on her school’s Summit Camp! Pray that the devotion that was given to her will help her to dig deep into God’s Word and know Him more.

Sunday 4th - Praise God for the fantastic result from the EOFY Plant-A-Seed Appeal! Thanks to our terrific supporters, over $255,700 was provided as seed funding for Summit Camps so an extra 2,000 students can hear about Jesus by the year 2020.

Monday 5th - Pray for Heather who started with Summit in July. Pray that she can continue to feel welcomed into the team and that she can remember all she is learning and apply it on camp.

Tuesday 6th - St Peter’s Anglican Primary School Year 6 is at Galston with Summit. Praise God that the leaders get to have the same group of kids on camp again. Pray that God will continue to build on the relationships formed from their previous Summit Camps.

Wednesday 7th - Please continue to pray for the schools that currently do not have a CRU lunchtime group. Pray that God will open the door for a group to start next year.

Thursday 8th - Praise God for the many lives that have been

turned around at Lake Mac this year and pray that God’s Holy Spirit will continue to convict campers of the need for repentance and faith in Jesus.

Friday 9th - Summit is running a camp for St Peter’s Anglican Primary School Year 5 at Lake Mac. Pray that the leadership team will build great relationships with these students and that they will serve God faithfully.

Saturday 10th - Praise God for the FIT (Followers in Training) events that have taken place this year at various locations around Sydney, Nowra and Canberra. Pray for the many Year 5–6 school students in attendance that they will use what they learnt to exercise Christian leadership and serve God in their schools.

Sunday 11th - Connecting Carers is at Galston this weekend. Pray that the Summit Team will be a great encouragement to the foster parents and to the children in their care. Pray that God will fill the team with patience, love and care for all on site.

Monday 12th - Pray for the provision of committed and skilled Christian people to fill staff vacancies.

Tuesday 13th - Thank God for the Inter-CRU events that have taken place this year including the recent end-of-year combined event at St Andrew’s Cathedral School. Thank God for the encouragement that these events provide to students.

Wednesday 14th - Pray for Rouse Hill Anglican College at Lake Mac this week. Pray that the leaders will be prayerful in the lead-up to running activities and discussion groups for these Year 5 kids and that God will work through prayer on this camp.

Thursday 15th - Pray for wisdom, imagination and joy for our Director of Properties, Matt, as he welcomes the new Site Manager, David, to Lake Mac. Friday 16th - Praise God for St Peter’s Anglican Primary School Day Camp today at the School! Pray for safety as the campers and leaders complete many activities. Pray that the leaders will show great love and patience to the Year 3s.

Saturday 17th - Danebank Anglican School for Girls is having a Mother and Daughter Camp at Galston. Pray that the mother/daughter relationships will be strengthened on this camp. Pray that the campers and their mums will think

about what it means to be in relationship with their heavenly Father.

Sunday 18th - Praise God for CrossTrain, the recent Schools Ministry Leadership Camp, and the many students who came. Thank God for the leaders who were able to encourage the students in the teaching of the Gospel at school.

Monday 19th - Praise God for a Year 11 student from Macarthur Anglican who was really impacted by the opportunities to share the Gospel amongst his school peers and started a CRU Group for Year 11 male students along with the school chaplain. Pray that this group will continue to grow and that many of the students will come to know Jesus.

Tuesday 20th - Praise God for Joanna, a carer from Connecting Carers, who was very thankful to Crusaders’ staff for their work. Praise God for the opportunity Summit has to care for the children and engage with foster parents from Connecting Carers.

Wednesday 21st - Ask God to give the Finance Committee and Divisional Heads wisdom as we enter a challenging year financially, yet still desire to reach more school-age children with the Gospel.

Thursday 22nd - Praise God for 36 campers and 24 leaders who attended the new West Australian Study Camp. Pray that this ministry will expand further in 2016.

Friday 23rd - A CRU Group student from Rouse Hill Anglican College recently said; “I was looking at the CRU camp brochure and if I don’t get on a CRU Camp these holidays I will go mad. I am saving all my pocket money and asking my mum and dad every night. … I just love Jesus!” Please pray that God will keep growing her love for Jesus and help her come on a CRU Camp this summer.

Saturday 24th - Please pray for the Schools Ministry team as they enter into a busy end-of-year period that God will continue to sustain them and work through them powerfully as they share the Good News of Jesus with students.

Sunday 25th - Thank God for Mel and Eric as they work tirelessly to support the various divisions of Crusaders through sound financial processes.

Monday 26th - St Paul’s Grammar School Year 3 is at

Galston with the Summit Team. Pray that God will bless the team as they run discussion groups with the campers.

Tuesday 27th - The Crusaders’ Business Breakfast for young professionals is on tomorrow morning at The Tea Room, QVB. Please pray that many young business people will attend, be encouraged in their faith and support Crusaders’ ministry.

Pray that CRU Campers will grow into life-long disciples of Christ.

Wednesday 28th - Summit is running an Australian Christian College camp at Galston. Pray that the leaders will be great examples to the Year 7–10 students and that God will allow great discussions to happen throughout the week.

Thursday 29th - “I learnt how to look up passages in the Bible,” said a Year 3 girl. Pray that she will be able to use this skill to learn more about our great God and that all campers will be effectively grounded in the Scriptures.

Friday 30th - Pray for Meriden with their Year 3s at Galston.

Pray the kids will begin to grasp how high, wide and deep is the love that God has for them.

Saturday 31st - Pray for wisdom and foresight for the team responsible for planning the redevelopment of Lake Mac Outdoor Recreation Centre and for the Crusader Council as they consider the future needs of the site.

NOVEMBER 2015

Sunday 1st - Year 2 students from Meriden School are at Galston next week. Pray that God will provide the team with strength and excitement as they serve Him on camp.

Monday 2nd - Claremont College Year 6 is at Lake Mac this week. Pray that the Summit leaders can build on relationships from previous years. Pray also for fun and safety on the water.

Tuesday 3rd - As HSC exams come to an end, pray for many students who attended CRU Study Camps this year. Pray that they will be inspired to investigate Jesus more. Pray that those going to university will join Christian groups and experience loving community and faithful teaching.

Wednesday 4th - Summit is running a day program for Year 1 students from Meriden School at Galston. Pray that the leaders will be caring towards these young girls and that this will be a great introduction to many years of camps with Summit.

Thursday 5th - Claremont College Year 5 are at The Tops Conference Centre with Summit. Pray that the leaders will faithfully share God’s love to the campers and for safety as they do many activities.

Friday 6th - Meriden School students are at Galston with Summit. Pray that the team will make good connections and take the opportunity to show Christ’s love towards the Year 3 and Year 4 students.

Saturday 7th - Praise God for the CRU Group at Roseville College and the student leaders who have grown over the year in their passion and commitment to share Jesus with the girls who attend.

Sunday 8th - Give thanks for God’s great provision in meeting the daily needs of Crusaders.

Monday 9th - Summit is running a camp for St Paul’s Grammar School Year 4 at Lake Mac. Pray for the team as

they seek to love and teach the campers throughout the week.

Tuesday 10th - Connecting Carers NSW is at Galston with the Summit Team. Praise God for the opportunity we get to share God’s love to the children and carers. Pray for conversations between the carers and leaders as well.

Wednesday 11th - Summit is running Claremont College’s Year 4 camp at Galston. Pray that the students will have lots of fun whilst on camp, learning more about themselves, their peers and our great God! Thursday 12th - Claremont College Year 3 is at Winmalee Christian Conference Centre with the Summit Team. Praise God for the relationship the Summit Team has with the site staff. Pray that they will work well together as a team to bring glory to God. Friday 13th - The annual Crusaders’ Wills Days are being held in the city, Baulkham Hills and our Eastwood office today and tomorrow. Please pray that many supporters will make appointments and prayerfully consider including a gift to Crusaders in their Will to impact future generations for Christ.

Saturday 14th - Give thanks for the efforts of staff in adapting to the new IT systems.

Sunday 15th - Pray for Emma as she oversees our social media and online tools. Pray for creative ideas and discernment as these platforms are used to connect with kids and follow them up after Summer Camps. Pray they will also be effective in promoting Crusaders online throughout the year to the wider community.

Monday 16th - Summit is at Lake Mac with the Year 5 students from Arndell Anglican College. Pray that everyone will be energetic and excited to be on camp and that the message of Jesus will be boldly proclaimed!

Tuesday 17th - Summit is at Lake Mac with the Year 6 students from Arndell Anglican College. Pray that the leaders will fully rely on God during their discussion groups and pray that God will work in the hearts of these students.

Wednesday 18th - Pray that God will provide the right people to lead school CRU lunchtime groups so that students can grow and encourage each other in the faith at school.

Thursday 19th - Pray for Andy, the Galston Site Director, and for effective planning for facility improvements including the upgrade of the ECOMAX (waste-water treatment) system.

Pray that children will quickly build friendships with their peers and leaders on camps.

Friday 20th - Thank God for the many schools that came to Inter-CRU events this year and the great opportunity for students to encourage each other in their walk with Jesus and as they continue to stand up for Christ at School.

Saturday 21st - Pray for safety during the upcoming CRU Camps season and protection from the elements such as bushfires.

Sunday 22nd - Praise God that Summit has run 103 camps so far this year. Praise Him for the many campers who have decided to follow Jesus and who have been given Bibles.

Praise God for this great news!

Monday 23rd - Please pray for safety and for Bec Feros and the team as they try to build good relationships and have Gospel conversations with CRU Schoolies campers enjoying life post-HSC at Fraser Island.

Tuesday 24th - Year 7 students from Burgmann Anglican School are at Lake Mac. Pray that the Summit Team will lead with enthusiasm and excitement, ready to serve the campers, teachers and site staff!

Wednesday 25th - Pray for safety as Year 8 students from Burgmann Anglican School travel from Canberra to Galston for their bivouac camp with Summit.

Thursday 26th - The Summit Team is running Burgmann Anglican School’s Year 6 camp at The Tops Conference Centre. Pray that the leaders will fully rely on God during their discussion groups and pray that God will work in the hearts of these campers.

Friday 27th - Thank God for the many students who come to CRU Groups who are not yet followers of Jesus. Pray that through CRU Groups more students will have access to the Gospel and come to put their trust in Jesus.

Saturday 28th - Give thanks for the CRU Volunteer Training Day that is currently on at Sydney Missionary & Bible College. Praise God for so many willing CRU Camps’ volunteers. Pray that God will grow their faith, develop their ministry skills and increase their heart for the lost.

Sunday 29th - Pray that the students who came to CrossTrain, the recent Schools Ministry Leadership Camp, will continue to grow and strengthen their Christian leadership skills as they share the Good News of Jesus with their peers at school.

Monday 30th - Year 6 students from Shore Preparatory School are at Galston with the Summit Team. Pray that the campers will have a great time with the leaders while completing awesome activities.

DECEMBER 2015

Tuesday 1st - Year 5 students from Shore Preparatory School are at Lake Mac. Pray that the students have a great camp experience and that God will use the team to shine His light.

Wednesday 2nd - Summit is running a City Adventure Camp for Green Point Christian College. Praise God for this brand new camp! Pray that the Year 10 students will stay safe and that team will be confident in guiding their groups.

Thursday 3rd - Praise God for the great partnership between Summit and William Clarke College. Pray for their Year 10

students who are at Galston for a Study and Leadership camp. Pray that their hearts will be open to the Gospel.

Friday 4th - Our Christmas Appeal is underway. Please pray that those who receive it will be generous in their support to help more children attend camps where they can hear the Good News of Jesus.

Saturday 5th - Pray for clear and engaging presentations of the Gospel as the Schools Ministry team members speak at many end-of-year school events.

Sunday 6th - Pray that the Summit campers who decide to follow Jesus on camp will use their Bible to grow in their love for God and that they will stay connected and close to Him. Monday 7th - Praise God for Dale Brown’s love for camps and campers. Pray that the boys on Treasure Island will come to know that the greatest treasure is the kingdom of God. Tuesday 8th - Praise God for strong bookings this year at Galston and pray for a continued increase in bookings for the next.

Wednesday 9th - As schools are finishing up for the year, thank God for the faithful teachers and chaplains who have run CRU Groups at lunchtime in hundreds of schools throughout the year and for the many students who have learned more about Jesus through these groups.

Thursday 10th - This is Fi Copeman’s 13th year of Sail Mania! Pray that her commitment and enthusiasm overflow to other leaders and through to the campers for a Christcentred community.

Friday 11th - Pray for safety, good wind and great weather for the CRU Camps happening this week.

Saturday 12th - Thank God for our two first-year School Ministry Associates – Adriana Kanjian and Rachel Cameron – and for the wonderful way they have served school students during school visits and on camps. Pray that God will continue to equip them in their ministry as they head into their second year.

Sunday 13th - Pray that the Gospel will be shared with joy and authenticity at Lake Mac and for the continued faithful witness by staff to God’s love and forgiveness.

Monday 14th - Pray for the speakers on Christmas Capers, Game Zone, Christmas Adventure Day Camp and Waves & Wind this week. Pray that God will use the speakers’ words powerfully to speak the truth of the Gospel to campers.

Tuesday 15th - Praise God for Laura who has returned to direct another year of Christmas Capers. Pray for love and unity amongst the girls and that, as they use their hands and creativity in craft, they will come to know and love their Creator who holds them in His hands.

Wednesday 16th - Pray for Zane as he directs Game Zone for the first time. Pray that the boys will have an awesome week and get excited about the ultimate life offered in Jesus.

Thursday 17th - Pray for good weather and a smooth program as Christmas Adventure Day Camp runs alongside Christmas Capers and Game Zone at Galston. Pray that the campers will understand that the best adventure is following Jesus.

Thank God for all of Crusaders’ supporters who pray, give and volunteer to enable the Gospel to be proclaimed to thousands of kids each year.

Friday 18th - Pray for fun, friendships, focus and fruitfulness on Survivor Junior. Praise God for the opportunity to speak about the true meaning of Christmas with campers.

Saturday 19th - Pray for energy and love amongst the Waves & Wind leadership team. Pray that the Gospel will be presented clearly and discussion groups will be free from distractions.

Sunday 20th - Pray for Survivor Senior that the leaders make the most of every opportunity to glorify Jesus and share the wonderful news of salvation with the campers. Pray that

lives are transformed.

Monday 21st - Give thanks for the kitchen staff at both Galston and Lake Macquarie as they work tirelessly to help fuel kids and leaders on camps with lots of yummy food.

Tuesday 22nd - Pray for the Summit Team as they take a break from school camps to participate in training, serve on CRU Camps and welcome new members to the team for next year. Pray that they will continue to be reliant on God and be united in Christ.

Wednesday 23rd - Praise God for the generous supporters who contribute to our sponsorship fund so that many lessresourced campers can come hear about Jesus on CRU Camps this summer. Pray these sponsored campers will feel welcomed and loved on camp.

Thursday 24th - Pray for the many people who will step into churches tomorrow and hear the Christmas message of hope. Ask that God will prepare their hearts to receive the lifesaving message of the Gospel.

Friday 25th - “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Praise God for this wonderful truth and that we can celebrate Jesus today.

Saturday 26th - Pray that this Christmas holiday period will be filled with joy and good rest for all the Crusader family.

Sunday 27th - Mel* and Helen* seemed disinterested in discussion groups at the start of Winter Study 1 but asked their leaders after camp what they should read first in the Bible. Pray that God will reveal Himself through His Word and call these girls to His family.

Monday 28th - Pray that God will provide volunteers for two weeks of Autumn CRU Camps 2016 (10th–15th and 16th–22nd April) as very few universities and colleges are on break over the school holidays. Please prayerfully consider how you can get involved.

Tuesday 29th - Pray for the campers of the nine CRU Holiday and Day Camps that have been completed this season. Pray that God will take each camper to the next step in their relationship with Him. Wednesday 30th - Pray for the directors and leaders of

Extreme Games, On Two Wheels, Sailing Adventure and Mountain Muster as they make final preparations for camps starting next week.

Thursday 31st - Thank and praise God for the great works He has done through Crusaders over the past year and for the many young people He has transformed through His Son.

JANUARY 2016

Friday 1st - Praise God that this is the beginning of the 86th year that God is using Crusaders to share Jesus with a new generation.

Saturday 2nd - Pray for the Holiday Camps’ team in the middle of this jam-packed season of camps. Give thanks for their diligence, care and hard work for God’s Glory. Pray that the Lord will give them His rest and sustain them during this period.

Sunday 3rd - Pray that the team at Galston will love each other and continue to work sacrificially for each other in service to Him. Monday 4th - Pray that Hannah Meier, Scott Lucas and the team of leaders on Extreme Games will overflow with joy and selfless love for the campers.

Tuesday 5th - Pray for good weather and safety for On Two Wheels. Pray for wisdom and godly leadership for Jayne and Ben as they direct the team.

Wednesday 6th - Pray that Nate Gale and the Sailing Adventure team will have lots of energy and excitement after the Christmas break, and that Christ will be glorified through them.

Thursday 7th - Praise God for the recurring positive community established on Brightwaters. Pray that the leaders on next week’s camp will be bold with the Gospel and that campers will grow in their understanding and faith.

Friday 8th - Pray for good weather and safety for those on Dirtbike PLUS Camp next week. Pray that the Gospel is presented clearly and the campers are more impressed with Jesus than dirtbike riding.

Saturday 9th - Praise God for Kate Ferguson and her enthusiasm to direct Mountain Muster for the second time.

Pray for good friendships and discussion groups with the girls on camp.

Sunday 10th - Pray for energy and passion as Calum Henderson directs William Clarke Day Camp this week. Pray for effective follow-up of campers through the school and local churches.

Monday 11th - Pray that Dave Warner will be able to invest in training his junior leaders on After The Mast for future ministry. Pray for safety on the water and protection from distraction in the talks and discussion groups.

Tuesday 12th - Praise God that we now have two CRUTech camps throughout the year. Pray that the campers’ active minds will be open to the truth of Jesus on CRUTech Summer.

Wednesday 13th - Pray for James Monaghan as he directs Escape again this year. Pray that the campers will hear and respond to the Gospel.

Thursday 14th - Pray that the Beach Blitz campers will stay safe on the beach and in the water, and that they will have the concentration to truly engage with the talks and discussion groups.

Friday 15th - Praise God for Andrew Drummond and his gentleness with leaders and campers. Pray that the Aussie Adventure campers will feel loved by the leadership team and more importantly by their Father in Heaven.

Saturday 16th - Pray that the speaker on Aqua will proclaim the truth of God powerfully and sincerely. Pray that this might move the hearts of the campers and cause them to seek Christ.

Sunday 17th - Gareth* gave his life to Jesus on Shed Thredbo. Please pray that he and other new Christians will stand firm and be faithful lights to both family and friends.

Monday 18th - Pray that the campers will have a fun, memorable week on Triple S but be most impacted by the

relentless love of Christ.

Tuesday 19th - Pray God will be softening campers’ hearts and allowing significant conversations to happen on Hunter Hype. Pray for Damien and Grace Wang that God will use camp directing to strengthen their marriage even more.

Wednesday 20th - Pray that Mark Gardner will be able to be intentional and passionate in directing and discipling his leaders on Getaway. Pray that many campers respond to God’s grace with childlike faith.

Pray that young people will seek answers to their questions and God will provide opportunities for great discussion.

Thursday 21st - Pray for teachers, chaplains and principals as they prepare for the year ahead. Ask that they will prioritise faith development in their students as part of their programs, camps and entire school culture.

Friday 22nd - Praise God that so many students are keen to come on Summer Study. Pray that they will also be keen to hear the Gospel. Pray that the Christian campers will be bold in discussion groups.

Saturday 23rd - Pray for wisdom and insight for Gary Hill and the Crusader Council as they make strategic decisions and plans to further Crusaders’ mission to tell the next generation of the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.

Sunday 24th - Pray that as campers cook up a storm on Master Chef they will taste and see that the Lord is good.

Monday 25th - Thank God for Crusaders’ faithful prayer supporters and ask that the CRU team will continue to be committed to prayer in everything we do.

Tuesday 26th - Give thanks for our nation. Pray for godly leadership for people guiding our nation in government, business and schools.

Wednesday 27th - School begins again for most students this week. Pray that CRU Groups will start strongly after the summer break so that many more kids will be encouraged and transformed by God. Thursday 28th - Praise God that Abbotsleigh Senior School Year 12 is at Galston this week. Pray that God will be building even stronger links of friendship amongst the girls and softening the hearts of these students to respond to God’s Word.

Friday 29th - Praise God for the 27 CRU Holiday and Day Camps that have been run this summer. Pray that the Gospel seeds that have been planted on these camps will turn into a bountiful harvest as more young people turn their lives to follow Christ.

Saturday 30th - Praise God for the many people who have come to faith through Crusaders’ ministry. Pray they will continue to serve Him faithfully in their homes, workplaces and churches.

Sunday 31st - Hugh* was quiet in his Winter Study 2 discussion group but after camp he told his leader that while he believes Jesus died for his sin, he doesn’t call himself a Christian and doesn’t know how to make that knowledge a personal relationship. Please pray for the Spirit to connect the dots in Hugh’s heart and for others who are like him.

* Names have been changed to protect the privacy of these children.

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