CULTIVATE
From Gary’s Desk
God’s Word bearing much fruit and changing lives
Martyn Lloyd-Jones is quoted as saying “I know of no greater tonic for the soul than a thorough reading of the book of Acts.”
I agree! The account of how the gospel spread as the Holy Spirit enabled believers to share the good news of Jesus is wonderful. Massive levels of opposition and the challenge of entering uncharted territory couldn’t match the power of the gospel to change lives, create new communities, and spread hope. Acts traces this growth. As Luke summarises on various occasions “the word of God spread” (Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20). Paul could write to the Colossians “The gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world…” (Col 1:6 NIV).
We continue to see God causing growth to occur at CRU. It is such a joy to see campers and students in CRU Groups responding to the gospel and trusting in Jesus. I’ve been privileged to see them grow older over the years and to take their turn in passing on the Bible’s message. I see those whom I first met when they were in primary school, having grown in Christ through high school, now continuing to
share the hope of Jesus with their own children and others in their care. Many are now involved in leading Christian ministries in other parts of Australia and overseas.
The foundation in Acts for the growth is the faithful teaching of God’s truth. It remains the case today. While CRU loves to see kids enjoying each other’s company at school and on camps, at our FIT meetings and Inter-CRU, we go much further. We share what the Bible teaches. We allocate time to prayer to the God who gives growth. We recognise that rich abundant life, which is marked by true, lasting joy, is built on Jesus.
Your prayers and gifts and encouragement have seeded this growth. God has used your support to produce a great harvest. Be encouraged as you read this latest issue of Cultivate, and praise God!
Gary Hill, Executive Director
Training Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
In the same way that the Apostle Paul encouraged and trained Timothy as a young leader of the early church, Nepean Christian School strives to encourage and equip their young Christian students for leadership at school. They understand that the next generation of Christian leaders are those students currently sitting in classrooms around the country.
When Skye Russell, Head of Student Wellbeing, joined Nepean Christian School last year, part of her role included running the ‘Timothy Leadership’ program, aimed at providing Christian students in Years 11 and 12 with
opportunities to exercise Christian leadership at school. She saw the potential a voluntary CRU Group would provide for both Timothy Leaders and for the wider school community. So, with added support from Tom Wilson, one of CRU’s Schools Ministry workers, a new CRU Group and student-led bible study groups were launched at the end of 2023.
Skye shares why the CRU Group started at Nepean Christian School, “we wanted a place where we could share the gospel with students and nurture the faith of our existing Christian students.”
A carefully selected group of student leaders from Years 9 to 12 formed the new CRU Group (meeting on Fridays at lunchtime). These students invited their friends to join and already about 45-50 students attend regularly, with new students joining every week.
Timothy Leaders have a rotating roster for leading the CRU Group each week, under the supervision of Skye, Jason Ward (Deputy Head) and David Blanch (Science Teacher). These students also lead smaller Bible Study groups which run alongside the larger gathering. Several larger events have also been run that have contributed to the growth and vibrancy of the CRU Group.
“One of the highlights of our CRU Group is witnessing students consistently bringing
Nepean Christian School CRU Group
Timothy Leaders from Nepean Christian School: Bella, Nomathemba and Xavier
new friends. It is also encouraging to see the natural formation of diverse smaller groups each week. Another highlight is the eagerness of our Christian students to learn and develop new skills such as writing talks and sharing testimonies. Our students’ genuine passion to serve and grow in their faith is both motivating and uplifting.” shares Skye.
“Although our CRU Group is in the early stages of its journey, its impact has already been noticeable at the school. It has empowered Christian students with the confidence to boldly share the gospel with those around them. It is evident in their willingness to openly discuss their faith, invite friends to join, and take on leadership roles within
the group. The CRU Group has fostered a supportive environment where students feel encouraged and equipped to live out their faith authentically, contributing to a spiritually enriched school culture.”
Skye is grateful for the support offered by CRU. “In a school setting where staff are often stretched thin with numerous responsibilities, CRU provides crucial assistance by offering prayer, training, and resources that might otherwise be unavailable. The support and encouragement I have received from Tom has been instrumental in helping to set both short term and long goals for our CRU Group. Thank you!”
“The next generation of Christian leaders are those students currently sitting in classrooms around the country.”
New CRU Group Shines Bright in WA
From its beginning in 2015, CRU West has grown to support 47 schools in Western Australia today — and it keeps growing! The newest CRU Group to be established is in the Junior School of Dale Christian College, which is located in the south-eastern suburbs of Perth. We caught up with Tamara Alberts, the teacher behind its formation, to learn more.
“We launched in April this year and already have 20 students attending each week on Tuesdays at lunchtime. The primary drive
Tamara Alberts, Year 6 Teacher at Dale Christian College Junior School
for starting CRU came from students in the senior school. They had witnessed firsthand the positive impact CRU had in the secondary school and wanted to see it extended to the junior school. After the first meeting, several Year 6 students eagerly asked if they could help run the sessions. I was very encouraged by their enthusiasm.”
Tamara asked Dougal Steven from CRU West to conduct some leadership training for them and she shares, “our students are always very excited by visits from CRU West and Dougal’s guidance helps us run a group that best shines a light for God.”
She continues, “students attending the group are certainly being a light to those around them and have been speaking about the group in their classes and at home. Parents and teachers have mentioned they have heard the weekly message being discussed. Some colleagues have even begun to reschedule lunchtime sports events to allow students to attend CRU on Tuesdays!”
Tamara has been so encouraged to see these students grow in confidence as they speak about their faith and share their spiritual
journeys with each other. “I am very thankful to see God guiding, equipping and growing our students and am encouraged by feedback from parents who have mentioned that their children have come home and initiated further discussion on the CRU Group message of the week.”
CRU West’s support is precious to Tamara and the CRU Group at Dale Christian College. “Their support and resources are invaluable in providing a safe place for students to learn about the gospel, serve God and deepen their relationship with Him. It fosters a sense of Christ-centred community within the school and provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through discipleship. I can’t thank them enough.”
“Students attending the group are certainly being a light to those around them.”
Year 6 students from Dale Christian College being trained for leadership by Dougal Steven from CRU West
Amazing Growth, How Sweet the Sound
The number of CRU Educational Camps at Lake Mac is booming! Teacher Tom Sowden provides an inside look at what lies behind this amazing growth.
The numbers you are about to read are not a misprint
Due to the redevelopment and expansion of CRU Lake Mac (Stage 1), camper numbers have grown from 4,421 in 2018 to 19,487 in 2023. An amazing growth rate of 341% which equates to
Mr Thomas Sowden, Teacher at St Philip’s Christian College (Cessnock) on a CRU Educational Camp at Lake Mac
an extra 15,066 campers encountering Christ each year, despite our culture’s best efforts to sideline the Christian message.
However, sometimes, when things are growing fast, small but important items can get missed — like remembering a camper’s name. It may sound insignificant, but to a 10-year-old, a name remembered can mean the world — as it shows interest, respect and care and speeds the building of relationships.
So, we were delighted to catch up with Tom Sowden, a teacher at St Philip’s Christian College Cessnock recently, and hear his feedback concerning the CEC (CRU Educational Camp) he was attending at the Lake Macquarie campsite. Tom shared, “One CEC leader, Wellen, at our first activity, really shocked me. He’d only just met our students and yet he already knew the students’ names — this speaks volumes…”.
It’s these young CEC leaders that Tom believes make camp so special. He says “What I love about being on camp is that I see these young Christian men and women, who are bold in their faith and willing to invest in the kids. You
see their heart for ministry and the students look up to them and respond.”
Tom is no stranger to CRU Camps. He says, “I first got involved with CRU in 2011 when my wife and I were houseparents on a CRU Study Camp. I was struck by the warm and welcoming Christian culture provided, where kids felt really cared for and were challenged by the gospel. The camp environment naturally fosters conversations and I remember having lots of chats with kids about significant things.”
Tom has been bringing Year 11 students on a CRU Educational Camp at Lake Mac for the past 3 years, with the main goals being to build community amongst the student body; challenge the students to ‘step up’ as young adults; and to consider how Jesus fits into that.
When asked why he loves coming back to CRU Lake Mac he responds, “I just love the quality of the facility and the beauty of the spot. There’s something special about this site that is really helpful. It adds to the wonder and feel of the beautiful natural environment and outlook.”
Amazing Growth at CRU Lake Mac
Before & After Stage 1 Redevelopment
Commitments
*CRU Lake Mac camper numbers from CEC Camps, Holiday Camps and Guest Groups
Tom goes on to say “CEC camps offer a dual benefit — both outdoor education and building community amongst the students. Camp helps move our year groups forward in their connectedness and includes the challenge of the gospel. The love of God is modelled well amongst the staff — the leaders are gentle in character, lead well and model who God is. Even when something isn’t going right, their posture of humility speaks volumes about their faith in Christ.
“So far on camp, our students have participated in rock climbing, kayaking, bushwalking, laser tag and other fun activities. They’ve also heard talks about Jesus and participated in daily discussion groups where they have had their questions answered and their stereotypes challenged.
“It’s wonderful to witness the CEC leaders taking every opportunity to speak to the kids
about Jesus at every chance they get in a natural, unforced way. Just last night I was encouraged to see a CRU leader take the time to chat and pray with a student, in their own time, after the evening session had finished.
“I love how camp provides a different context for our students to hear about Jesus. It validates what we’ve been telling them at school and gives them a broad perspective. Camp sows a seed and grows those seeds that have been sown by others.”
Back in 2015 Tom did a year of Bible college at Sydney Missionary and Bible College (SMBC) because he was thinking of leaving teaching to become a minister. He says “This could have been the moment where I left teaching…but I decided to go back. A mentor challenged me about the huge size of the ministry opportunity within schools and the fact that all kids go to school (willingly or not), but only the willing
“Camp sows a seed and grows those seeds that have been sown by others.”
attend church! I realised that schools are a massive harvest field — so I decided to stay in a place where kids turn up each day and I can tell them about Jesus.”
At CRU we are delighted to come alongside schools and teachers like Tom who says “To have a camp that supports the mission of our school and my personal mission is so valuable. I’m very thankful for it.”
We praise God for moving CRU supporters to generously fund this amazing site at which thousands of school children are encountering Christ each year.
Thank you so much for your support of our EOFY Appeal
New Hobie sailboats, replacement safety powerboat, Boathouse kitchen upgrade and new access path, floating pontoons, new life jackets and more…
All these are now possible thanks to your generous support for our EOFY Appeal!
We are incredibly thankful for your prayers and sacrificial giving which not only helps us keep kids safe on the water, but also enables us to expand our water activities so we can share the good news of Jesus with even more young people. Thank you!
Autumn CRU Camps
8 CRU Camps
410 campers
119 leaders
43 kids reported faith commitments
“Camp is the best! I learnt that Jesus rose from the dead so I started to believe in Him.”
— Aiden, 8 years old / CRU Pulse Day Camp
“On camp we learnt about God and Jesus and I am convinced!” — Alexie, 9 years old / Pumped
“Before, I was kind of half in and now I understand faith is a relationship and you have to be all in. I’ve also felt more motivated to attend a youth group when I get back from camp.” — Caitlin, 18 years old / Autumn Study 1
Winter CRU Camps
“I did not know or believe how true Jesus really is. I would like to take faith more seriously now.” — Henry, 14 years old / Powderhounds
“CRU Camp has helped me to appreciate God’s glory more and reminded me of the freedom and joy that ultimately comes from following Jesus.” — Cooper, 15 years old / Shred
“Camp helped me by encouraging me to follow Jesus and not go my own way.” — Jeremy, 9 years old / Hills Holiday Club Day Camp
24 CRU Camps
1,114 campers
455 leaders
77 kids reported faith commitments
I Want What They Have!
20-year-old Olivia Vouris shares how a CRU Study Camp changed everything.
Growing up, Olivia’s mum was a Christian and they regularly went to church, but it caused division in the family. Then Olivia’s parents divorced when she was in Year 8. Life was uprooted and everything changed. Her family split in two with Olivia caught in the middle. She had to move and change schools, and Olivia stopped going to church regularly. Olivia still believed in Jesus but didn’t know what God was doing.
Her heart began to harden towards all things Christian.
It wasn’t until Year 12, when Olivia signed up for a CRU Study Camp, that everything changed. She shares, “I had the narrative about Christianity so wrong. I had thought Christianity was a bunch of fake people living by a bunch of rules. But, for the first time, my eyes were opened to seeing that being
CRU Camp leader, Olivia Vouris
a Christian was about having a personal relationship with Jesus.” She saw for the first time what it looked like to follow Jesus. “I could see the Spirit working in so many of the leaders and I thought “I want what they have!””
Study Camp was the first time Olivia felt challenged to really consider what she believed and if Jesus was really who he claimed to be. After gripping Bible talks and numerous chats with leaders during the week, she decided to hand her entire life into God’s hands. Olivia prayed with a leader at the end of camp, asking Jesus to help her to live for Him. “That was the key moment when I decided to become a Christian.”
Now that she follows Jesus, Olivia shares, “It’s good to know what I’m living for. To know what my purpose is and what my identity is as a much-loved child of God.”
“The most important thing to me is that others know Jesus and put their trust in Him.”
Olivia is currently at university studying Psychology with a plan to do a Masters in Primary Teaching next year. She spends a lot of her time striking up conversations where she can share Jesus with others. “I have learnt to be more dependent on God in these conversations, and to be bolder and more unashamed of the gospel. The most important thing to me is that others know Jesus and put their trust in Him.”
Olivia is now back on CRU Study Camps as a leader, serving on the same camps she attended as a student — Autumn Study 1 and Winter Study 1.
“Leading on CRU Study Camps is such a valuable ministry. It’s rare for Year 12 students to have so much time to consider what it means to live for Christ while they study. I just don’t think you ever really get as much time to think deeply and ask all your burning questions. Also, I think the most valuable ministry to me was seeing how the leaders lived their life. You could see that because they loved Christ, they were able to love others and that was really refreshing to me.
“I can’t think of a better way to spend my week than to share Jesus with Year 12’ers on camp!”
Olivia with CRU leadership team on Autumn Study 1, 2024
Harnessing Fun and Faith
CRU Lake Mac played host to Federal Member for Hunter, Mr Dan Repacholi, on Tuesday 18th June to officially open the second climbing tower and dual zipline, with 30 VIP guests and staff in attendance.
A short ceremony was held at the base of the second tower in which CRU’s Chairman, David Braga, and CEO, Gary Hill, thanked the Australian Government and other contributors for their generous support of this project. Dan Repacholi followed, sharing his enthusiasm for this exciting project and cutting the ribbon to officially open the tower and zipline.
“What a great project! I am looking forward to seeing the positive difference a challenge like this will make in the lives of kids all around the place. What you guys do is fantastic!”
Guests had the opportunity to ride the 147m long zipline after formalities were completed. Dan Repacholi made the journey safely (with just a little trepidation), as did CRU’s Chairman, David Braga and Treasurer, Ian Bucknell. All expressed their enthusiasm for this thrilling new activity and looked forward to seeing how it impacted children in the years ahead.
Our prayer is that this climbing tower and zipline, the first of its kind in the Hunter Region, will attract many young people to camps at CRU Lake Mac, where they can not only harness up for thrilling activities such as this, but also learn to put their trust in the God who loves them.
“What a great project! I am looking forward to seeing the positive difference a challenge like this will make in the lives of kids all around the place. What you guys do is fantastic!”
CRU’s Chairman, David Braga (left), and Dan Repacholi (right), Federal Member for Hunter, on the dual zipline at CRU Lake Mac
Where
There’s
a Will,
There’s
a Way
Tara and Werner Pienaar discuss an important, but rarely discussed, way to grow the kingdom.
As I enter the front door to chat with Tara and Werner Pienaar, I’m greeted by big smiles from their two young children. Zoe, aged 3, is keen to show me her new high heels and Rowan, aged 7, has built such amazing Lego creations that I’m sure there’s a brilliant engineering career ahead of him!
The Pienaar Family
When the children go into the other room to play, I sit down with the Pienaars to chat about a topic most people know is important, but often fail to address.
What topic is that? you ask.
Writing your Will.
We all know that it’s important to make sure our loved ones are well provided for once we’ve gone home to glory, but so often the busyness of life, the hassle of paperwork and the cost of lawyers, means writing a Will gets cast onto the ‘later’ pile.
But this wasn’t the case for the Pienaars! So, what prompted them to take action?
Tara shares, “When we started our family, we realised we should have Wills for the kids’ welfare. We noticed CRU were running a free Wills Day service and, as our values align big time with what CRU stands for, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to get it done. The whole process was super easy, convenient and free.”
Helping the next generation put their trust in Jesus is something that both Werner and Tara are passionate about and both have been involved with CRU for many years.
Before they met, Tara served as a leader on CRU’s Christmas Capers camp and Werner had attended a CRU Study camp as a student and led on a CRU Surf camp. Then, after they were first married, Tara and Werner decided to serve together as house parents on a CRU Surf camp in Manly.
Tara hopes to send Rowan and Zoe on CRU Camps when they are old enough because, “I feel it’s going to be harder for our kids to be Christians. The western world is not as accepting of Christianity as it used to be. In fact, it’s getting openly hostile. It really seems like our society is saying you can be anything, but you can’t be a Christian.”
Werner agrees, “I think young men and women today are increasingly forming their identity based on the things they see on social media
and deriving their values of what life’s like from that. It’s a dangerous thing because it’s not regulated and opens them up to bad influences. In my view, having strong Christian role models in schools, on camps and in churches has never been more crucial. There is a huge need for it.”
Now both living at Shore, where Werner is a Boarding Housemaster, the Pienaars are surrounded by teenagers from dawn to dusk, providing many opportunities to live out their faith in word and action.
One of the things Werner has noticed is “the huge impact of CRU Study Camps on our Year 11 and 12 boys. We’ve had so many boys return with very positive experiences, not only because of the environment CRU creates, but because of the witness of seeing other students talking about their faith and this then has a positive impact on other boys’ worldview and understanding of Christianity. It really is a transformational experience for these boys.”
When I asked Werner to elaborate, he said “where CRU shines is that they have excellent leaders who are willing to share their lives and their experiences. That’s phenomenal because one of the best witnesses that young men and women can have is people who’ve walked that path before them.
CRU leaders meet the kids where they’re at — they’re fun, they engage with them and help them to see Christianity from a different angle. I think that collective witness is huge for these kids and our wish is that more kids would be able to go on camp and experience that. Which is why we have left a gift in our Will to CRU, and hope others do the same.”
If you would like to get your Will written, or updated, for FREE, the 2024 CRU Wills Days are in November. Visit www.cru.edu.au/wills to secure your free appointment before spots run out.
DATES & LOCATIONS
FRI 8 NOV
Dunn Legal, Mona Vale
FRI 8 NOV
Robertson Saxton Osborne Lawyers, North Sydney
SAT 9 NOV
Austin Giugni Martin Lawyers, Eastwood Fully booked
SAT 9 NOV
Lane Legal, Hunter St, Sydney CBD Create or update your Will for
Attend a 30-minute CRU Wills Day appointment with an experienced lawyer.
Wills & Estates Legal Service, Eastwood Fully booked
THU 14 NOV
Just follow the simple steps at www.cru.edu.au/wills
Why not choose CRU Lake Mac as the location for your next church getaway? Or perhaps bring the whole school band!
As you have read in this edition of Cultivate, CRU Lake Mac is an incredible place that God continues to use for His glory. So, if your church is considering a youth camp or the school band is planning a weekend away, why not share this link with those organising the trip? For a limited time, they can get 15% off their booking!* With cosy lakeside accommodation, delicious meals, and extensive facilities suitable for teaching, worship or band practice, your community will have an amazing time! *Terms and conditions apply. Visit crulakemac.com.au/winter to find out more.
