CRUview Spring 2017

CRUVIEW Spring 2017

IT’S WHERE YOU

Inside this issue:

2-3

A Great Gift

4-5

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

6

Sharing the Gospel with the Next Generation

13

CRU® Community

SPRING 2017

CRUVIEW

CONTENTS

PAGE 1

PAGE 2-3

PAGE 4-5

PAGE 6

The Big Picture

A Great Gift

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

Sharing the Gospel with the Next Generation

PAGE 8-9

PAGE 10-11

PAGE 12

PAGE 13

CRU Ministry & Property Updates

Lake Mac Update

Thank You

CRU Community

Wills Day 10 & 11th November th

23rd October

14th October

CRU Camps Volunteers Thank You Event – a night to celebrate

VOLT Summer 25th November

Join other faithful women to pray for the work of Crusaders on camps and in schools. We’d love to invite you. For details, call Linda Newman on 9188 9712.

Gary Hill Executive Director

CRU Camps – It’s Where You Belong

I

t is not surprising that teenagers today are using social media to help provide a sense of belonging1. However, the equally welldocumented failure of social media to provide genuine relationships and deep connections highlights a real problem: where can our youth find helpful, meaningful community?

UPCOMING EVENTS Crusader Women’s Fellowship

THE BIG PICTURE

Had a change in life circumstances? Want to provide for your family into the future? Come along to Crusaders' Wills Days and have your will written or updated for FREE by one of experienced lawyers.

To make an appointment, please email Roslyn at roslyn.harvey@crusaders. edu.au or call 9188 9719.

A training event for CRU Camp Leaders – an opportunity to get equipped and meet like-minded people who are enthusiastic about sharing the gospel with the next generation. For details, email us at crucamps@crusaders.edu.au.

According to recent data, camps have been identified as being crucial in shaping Christian life in Australia – camps were a key factor in the conversion of some 47% of Australia’s adult Christians2.

Those who have attended camps are twice as likely to attend church regularly, to read their Bibles daily, and to serve their churches in leadership roles.

Christian camps like CRU Camps provide opportunities for young people to be exposed to the transformational news of Those who have attended camps God’s love, conveyed not by a are twice as likely to attend church regularly, to read their distant interface, but through Bibles daily, and to serve their the proximity of relationships churches in leadership roles. as people do life together and experience Christian community.

The value of camping programs is reflected in the authentic friendships which ripen when people spend extended time together away from life’s regular distractions. Camp settings allow trust to develop, meaning that conversations can explore deeper truths. A new community emerges.

People blossom.

Leaders provide role models, pointing to Jesus. For many years, CRU Camp leaders have identified with Paul’s claim: “We loved you so much we shared with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” (1 Thess 2:8)

Thank God for the opportunity which camps provide! “CRU Camps: It’s where you belong” is more than a T-shirt slogan. While the Holy Spirit certainly works in a variety of locations, He has clearly used Christian camps to provide centres for the physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development of children and youth.

Katie Davis, Friendship 2.0: Adolescents’ experiences of belonging and self-disclosure online, Journal of Adolescence, 2012, University of Washington.

2 National Church Life Survey 2016, Australia 1

Page One

SPRING 2017

CRUVIEW

CONTENTS

PAGE 1

PAGE 2-3

PAGE 4-5

PAGE 6

The Big Picture

A Great Gift

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

Sharing the Gospel with the Next Generation

PAGE 8-9

PAGE 10-11

PAGE 12

PAGE 13

CRU Ministry & Property Updates

Lake Mac Update

Thank You

CRU Community

Wills Day 10 & 11th November th

23rd October

14th October

CRU Camps Volunteers Thank You Event – a night to celebrate

VOLT Summer 25th November

Join other faithful women to pray for the work of Crusaders on camps and in schools. We’d love to invite you. For details, call Linda Newman on 9188 9712.

Gary Hill Executive Director

CRU Camps – It’s Where You Belong

I

t is not surprising that teenagers today are using social media to help provide a sense of belonging1. However, the equally welldocumented failure of social media to provide genuine relationships and deep connections highlights a real problem: where can our youth find helpful, meaningful community?

UPCOMING EVENTS Crusader Women’s Fellowship

THE BIG PICTURE

Had a change in life circumstances? Want to provide for your family into the future? Come along to Crusaders' Wills Days and have your will written or updated for FREE by one of experienced lawyers.

To make an appointment, please email Roslyn at roslyn.harvey@crusaders. edu.au or call 9188 9719.

A training event for CRU Camp Leaders – an opportunity to get equipped and meet like-minded people who are enthusiastic about sharing the gospel with the next generation. For details, email us at crucamps@crusaders.edu.au.

According to recent data, camps have been identified as being crucial in shaping Christian life in Australia – camps were a key factor in the conversion of some 47% of Australia’s adult Christians2.

Those who have attended camps are twice as likely to attend church regularly, to read their Bibles daily, and to serve their churches in leadership roles.

Christian camps like CRU Camps provide opportunities for young people to be exposed to the transformational news of Those who have attended camps God’s love, conveyed not by a are twice as likely to attend church regularly, to read their distant interface, but through Bibles daily, and to serve their the proximity of relationships churches in leadership roles. as people do life together and experience Christian community.

The value of camping programs is reflected in the authentic friendships which ripen when people spend extended time together away from life’s regular distractions. Camp settings allow trust to develop, meaning that conversations can explore deeper truths. A new community emerges.

People blossom.

Leaders provide role models, pointing to Jesus. For many years, CRU Camp leaders have identified with Paul’s claim: “We loved you so much we shared with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” (1 Thess 2:8)

Thank God for the opportunity which camps provide! “CRU Camps: It’s where you belong” is more than a T-shirt slogan. While the Holy Spirit certainly works in a variety of locations, He has clearly used Christian camps to provide centres for the physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development of children and youth.

Katie Davis, Friendship 2.0: Adolescents’ experiences of belonging and self-disclosure online, Journal of Adolescence, 2012, University of Washington.

2 National Church Life Survey 2016, Australia 1

Page One

CRUVIEW

I

n 2010, Sherine Singh and her husband Ashwin

The leaders continued to have an impact on Ashel

were facing difficulties in their marriage. Not

throughout camp. “They were so welcoming and

knowing where to turn for help, they started

open-hearted, they wanted to be your friend no

looking into going to church, and ended up

matter what. That sense of love from strangers

attending one with their two children.

struck me. I wondered, what’s so different about these people? I realised the leaders must be

Now, seven years later, Sherine and Ashwin are

Christians! I wanted to take the step of being like

committed churchgoers, raising their now five kids

them, to grow. After the camp, I said yes, I want

as Christians. From their home in Fairfield, full of

Jesus to be my Saviour.”

smiles and a trampoline in the backyard, they tell the story of their life since 2010.

Now Ashel wants to give other kids the same opportunity he had: “I’m hoping to go lead on a

Shortly after first going to Smithfield Baptist

CRU Camp, and be the kind of leader who helps

Church, Sherine became a Christian. She grew in

kids go on the same journey I’ve been on.”

her faith through reading the Bible and through

A

eat gro

G I F T For us to go on camps, it’s been life-changing.

In camps, the five days we’re away from family, there’s always something that stands out and

the influence of a new friend named Wendy Back.

Without Wendy Back, however, Ashel and Jazlyn

Wendy and her husband had dinner with Sherine

may never have been on a CRU Camp. Ashel

and Ashwin every Friday night, alternating homes,

may not have accepted Jesus as his Saviour two

and it wasn’t long before Wendy and Sherine were

years ago and now want to pass that message

close friends.

on to others. Because in fact, Wendy has not just encouraged Sherine to send her kids on camps –

For a new Christian like Sherine, Wendy’s friendship

she has also financially contributed to Ashel and

was deeply influential. Sherine reflects now,

Jazlyn attending camps.

“Wendy guided us on this Christian journey – without her we wouldn’t be here. It’s great to have

Ashel and Jazlyn realise just how meaningful

a person like that.”

Wendy’s gift has been. Ashel says, “For us to go on camps, it’s been life-changing. In camps, the

But Wendy’s impact didn’t end with Sherine. Wendy

five days we’re away from family, there’s always

encouraged Sherine to invest in the faith of her

something that stands out and changes things.

children by reading the Bible with them. When

When someone contributes to a child being able to

Sherine and Ashwin wanted their kids to have

go on a camp, that’s a great gift for them. If they

Christian mentoring and people to be able to look

choose to accept Jesus on one of those camps, you

up to, Wendy told them about CRU® Camps. So in

can’t even put a monetary value on that.”

2015, Ashel, then 12, and Jazlyn, then 9, went on their first CRU Camps.

If you want to provide kids like Ashel and Jazlyn with the opportunity to go on camp, grow in their

changes things. When someone contributes to a

Jazlyn went on Xtreme Games, and Ashel went on

child being able to go on a camp, that’s a great

faith and learn from wonderful leaders, you can

a dirt bike camp. Ashel, now 15, remembers that he

contribute to our Camper Sponsorship Fund, which

gift for them. If they choose to accept Jesus on

was excited and nervous when he was dropped off

goes towards reducing camp fees for those who

one of those camps, you can’t even put a mone-

at Eastwood to get the bus to camp. But the nerves

need it - www.crusaders.edu.au/adoptacamper

tary value on that.

quickly evaporated. “The leaders were so outgoing and friendly and I felt a sense of connection even though they were older,” Ashel says.

Page Three

CRUVIEW

I

n 2010, Sherine Singh and her husband Ashwin

The leaders continued to have an impact on Ashel

were facing difficulties in their marriage. Not

throughout camp. “They were so welcoming and

knowing where to turn for help, they started

open-hearted, they wanted to be your friend no

looking into going to church, and ended up

matter what. That sense of love from strangers

attending one with their two children.

struck me. I wondered, what’s so different about these people? I realised the leaders must be

Now, seven years later, Sherine and Ashwin are

Christians! I wanted to take the step of being like

committed churchgoers, raising their now five kids

them, to grow. After the camp, I said yes, I want

as Christians. From their home in Fairfield, full of

Jesus to be my Saviour.”

smiles and a trampoline in the backyard, they tell the story of their life since 2010.

Now Ashel wants to give other kids the same opportunity he had: “I’m hoping to go lead on a

Shortly after first going to Smithfield Baptist

CRU Camp, and be the kind of leader who helps

Church, Sherine became a Christian. She grew in

kids go on the same journey I’ve been on.”

her faith through reading the Bible and through

A

eat gro

G I F T For us to go on camps, it’s been life-changing.

In camps, the five days we’re away from family, there’s always something that stands out and

the influence of a new friend named Wendy Back.

Without Wendy Back, however, Ashel and Jazlyn

Wendy and her husband had dinner with Sherine

may never have been on a CRU Camp. Ashel

and Ashwin every Friday night, alternating homes,

may not have accepted Jesus as his Saviour two

and it wasn’t long before Wendy and Sherine were

years ago and now want to pass that message

close friends.

on to others. Because in fact, Wendy has not just encouraged Sherine to send her kids on camps –

For a new Christian like Sherine, Wendy’s friendship

she has also financially contributed to Ashel and

was deeply influential. Sherine reflects now,

Jazlyn attending camps.

“Wendy guided us on this Christian journey – without her we wouldn’t be here. It’s great to have

Ashel and Jazlyn realise just how meaningful

a person like that.”

Wendy’s gift has been. Ashel says, “For us to go on camps, it’s been life-changing. In camps, the

But Wendy’s impact didn’t end with Sherine. Wendy

five days we’re away from family, there’s always

encouraged Sherine to invest in the faith of her

something that stands out and changes things.

children by reading the Bible with them. When

When someone contributes to a child being able to

Sherine and Ashwin wanted their kids to have

go on a camp, that’s a great gift for them. If they

Christian mentoring and people to be able to look

choose to accept Jesus on one of those camps, you

up to, Wendy told them about CRU® Camps. So in

can’t even put a monetary value on that.”

2015, Ashel, then 12, and Jazlyn, then 9, went on their first CRU Camps.

If you want to provide kids like Ashel and Jazlyn with the opportunity to go on camp, grow in their

changes things. When someone contributes to a

Jazlyn went on Xtreme Games, and Ashel went on

child being able to go on a camp, that’s a great

faith and learn from wonderful leaders, you can

a dirt bike camp. Ashel, now 15, remembers that he

contribute to our Camper Sponsorship Fund, which

gift for them. If they choose to accept Jesus on

was excited and nervous when he was dropped off

goes towards reducing camp fees for those who

one of those camps, you can’t even put a mone-

at Eastwood to get the bus to camp. But the nerves

need it - www.crusaders.edu.au/adoptacamper

tary value on that.

quickly evaporated. “The leaders were so outgoing and friendly and I felt a sense of connection even though they were older,” Ashel says.

Page Three

CRUVIEW

Last year, a Year 5 boy named Mark, a student at Shellharbour Anglican College, was asked to give the talk at his lunchtime CRU Group. He went home and faithfully prepared, and came to CRU the next week and a group of fifteen boys sat around him, soaking up every word. He preached the gospel, then he prayed.

Following this, Mark revealed he’d prepared a craft for the group to do, so everyone took home something they had made to remind them of what had been taught.

M

att Low and Mark Brown are primary school teachers working at Shellharbour Anglican College, and coordinators of the CRU Group in the primary school. These days the group is flourishing, with up to 70 kids in Years 3 to 6 in attendance each week and students like Mark Laird capably leading and demonstrating Christian maturity far beyond their years.

But Mark and Matt, who coordinate CRU, admit that this hasn’t always been the case.

“Mark and I have been doing CRU for a long time,” Matt shares. “I set up the group. But I don’t think either of us took it for what it could be, and it was really poorly run, I’ll have to say. We didn’t make the most of the opportunity.”

TA K I N G

y er ev o

O P P O R T U N I T Y Every week, we ask [the students], 'why do you want to be a leader at CRU?' And every week, they say, ‘because I want to learn more about God, I want to learn more about Jesus, and I can tell my friends about him.’...

FIT opened our eyes to see that God can use these kids amazingly.

Like many young Christian adults, Matt and Mark had significant ministry experience from church and past jobs. So it was easy for them to ‘wing it’ when leading the group, and not put much effort in. Though they are sure that God still used the CRU Group to make and grow disciples, Mark and Matt don’t think they “totally grasped the enormity of the opportunity that CRU is in the school environment.”

A change began when a new chaplain, Daniel Odell, started working at Shellharbour. Having worked for CRU in the past, he encouraged Matt and Mark to take members of the CRU Group to Followers in Training (FIT), a CRU event designed to equip primary-aged kids to lead their CRU Groups.

“We’d heard about FIT and put it in the too-hard basket for years, because of our lax attitude towards the CRU Group,” Matt recalls. “But it was fantastic! The teaching was incredible. I couldn’t believe that it was free.”

So, they told them they could run CRU® the next week. That’s when Mark Laird gave his talk.

It was a moment of change for the teachers. They were deeply challenged by seeing God work through the young leaders.

“It was like God was saying to us, ‘I have given you this massive opportunity – what are you doing?’”

Mark shares.

In their own words, Matt and Mark began to take CRU far more seriously for the opportunity that it is. Later that year, Shellharbour hosted another FIT event for schools in the area, and a big group of leaders from Shellharbour were in attendance.

Servant leadership and gospel proclamation characterises the group of children. Every week, the student leaders of CRU meet at recess the day before CRU Group to pray for the group and for their friends.

“Every week, we ask them, why do you want to be a leader at CRU?” Matt says. “And every week, they say, ‘because I want to learn more about God, I want to learn more about Jesus, and I can tell my friends about him.’”

Matt and Mark are firm believers that God used FIT to bring about extraordinary growth in the gathering of Christians at Shellharbour. “Our leadership group is now the size that our CRU Group was a couple of years ago,” Matt shares.

“We put it down to that first FIT event. FIT was a catalyst for change. The kids came back with skills and abilities and it got things going.”

“FIT opened our eyes to see that God can use these kids amazingly,” says Mark.

Matt and Mark decided to let the kids who attended FIT put their newfound skills into action.

Page Five

CRUVIEW

Last year, a Year 5 boy named Mark, a student at Shellharbour Anglican College, was asked to give the talk at his lunchtime CRU Group. He went home and faithfully prepared, and came to CRU the next week and a group of fifteen boys sat around him, soaking up every word. He preached the gospel, then he prayed.

Following this, Mark revealed he’d prepared a craft for the group to do, so everyone took home something they had made to remind them of what had been taught.

M

att Low and Mark Brown are primary school teachers working at Shellharbour Anglican College, and coordinators of the CRU Group in the primary school. These days the group is flourishing, with up to 70 kids in Years 3 to 6 in attendance each week and students like Mark Laird capably leading and demonstrating Christian maturity far beyond their years.

But Mark and Matt, who coordinate CRU, admit that this hasn’t always been the case.

“Mark and I have been doing CRU for a long time,” Matt shares. “I set up the group. But I don’t think either of us took it for what it could be, and it was really poorly run, I’ll have to say. We didn’t make the most of the opportunity.”

TA K I N G

y er ev o

O P P O R T U N I T Y Every week, we ask [the students], 'why do you want to be a leader at CRU?' And every week, they say, ‘because I want to learn more about God, I want to learn more about Jesus, and I can tell my friends about him.’...

FIT opened our eyes to see that God can use these kids amazingly.

Like many young Christian adults, Matt and Mark had significant ministry experience from church and past jobs. So it was easy for them to ‘wing it’ when leading the group, and not put much effort in. Though they are sure that God still used the CRU Group to make and grow disciples, Mark and Matt don’t think they “totally grasped the enormity of the opportunity that CRU is in the school environment.”

A change began when a new chaplain, Daniel Odell, started working at Shellharbour. Having worked for CRU in the past, he encouraged Matt and Mark to take members of the CRU Group to Followers in Training (FIT), a CRU event designed to equip primary-aged kids to lead their CRU Groups.

“We’d heard about FIT and put it in the too-hard basket for years, because of our lax attitude towards the CRU Group,” Matt recalls. “But it was fantastic! The teaching was incredible. I couldn’t believe that it was free.”

So, they told them they could run CRU® the next week. That’s when Mark Laird gave his talk.

It was a moment of change for the teachers. They were deeply challenged by seeing God work through the young leaders.

“It was like God was saying to us, ‘I have given you this massive opportunity – what are you doing?’”

Mark shares.

In their own words, Matt and Mark began to take CRU far more seriously for the opportunity that it is. Later that year, Shellharbour hosted another FIT event for schools in the area, and a big group of leaders from Shellharbour were in attendance.

Servant leadership and gospel proclamation characterises the group of children. Every week, the student leaders of CRU meet at recess the day before CRU Group to pray for the group and for their friends.

“Every week, we ask them, why do you want to be a leader at CRU?” Matt says. “And every week, they say, ‘because I want to learn more about God, I want to learn more about Jesus, and I can tell my friends about him.’”

Matt and Mark are firm believers that God used FIT to bring about extraordinary growth in the gathering of Christians at Shellharbour. “Our leadership group is now the size that our CRU Group was a couple of years ago,” Matt shares.

“We put it down to that first FIT event. FIT was a catalyst for change. The kids came back with skills and abilities and it got things going.”

“FIT opened our eyes to see that God can use these kids amazingly,” says Mark.

Matt and Mark decided to let the kids who attended FIT put their newfound skills into action.

Page Five

SPRING 2017

S H A R I N G T H E G O S P E L W I T H T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N

by Bill Peirson, Director of the Centre of Christian Apologetics, Scholarship & Education at New College

and everything as workplaces, bars and restaurants.

The recent Australian census showed a significant The truth is, the recognition that there is something more rise in the proportion of the population claiming no to life than the physical world points us – young or old – religious affiliation1. Some representatives of atheistic to a reality beyond energy and matter. organisations were quick to use the outcome to argue for reduced religious influence in public life2. Others Christians know there is a God who is the central have interpreted the result differently, citing possible reference for all of reality: who made us, who is worthy of contributions from changes in the census answer our honour and obedience, and ordering and recent exposure who will hold us accountable of criminal abusive behaviour for how we live. Jesus highlights within religious organisations3.

As Christians, knowing the truth, we have this in his parable of the rich a responsibility to equip ourselves for Between many of those who fool (Luke 12:13). This rich man conversations with the next generation. claim religious affiliation and neglects the unseen God in the Young people are questioning, wondering and many of those who don’t lies a midst of his success, leading to searching, and only pointing them to Jesus will fundamental difference in the his eventual downfall. We see provide them with a truly satisfying answer to way reality is understood. Is purpose and meaning because the biggest questions in life. there an invisible, supernatural God has made the world with reality? Or is there nothing but a purpose, and with a meaning. matter and energy? Is there a We know about it because supreme being with a claim on our lives, or are notions Jesus became human, and entered the physical world: to of God and the supernatural fanciful and irrelevant (or tell us what that purpose is; to rescue all those who will worse), as the New Atheists have argued over the past follow Him; and, to give them new life that is yet unseen.

20 years4?

As Christians, knowing the truth, we have a responsibility The question of “what is real” is fundamental to to equip ourselves for conversations with the next understanding what life is all about: who we are and what generation. Young people are questioning, wondering we should do. And this question is affecting not just adults, and searching, and only pointing them to Jesus will but young people too. School playgrounds and classrooms provide them with a truly satisfying answer to the biggest are just as likely to host debates about life, the universe questions in life.

Personal identity

Tues 12 Sept Opening Event – 6pm Lecture 1 – 7.30pm Identity Angst: Unstable Foundations

2017 NEW COLLEGE LECTURES 12-14 SEPTEMBER

Wed 13 Sept Lecture 2 – 7.30pm The Relational Self: You are a social being

DR BRIAN ROSNER PRINCIPAL, RIDLEY COLLEGE

Thurs 14 Sept Lecture 3 – 7.30pm The Narratival Self: You are your story

ADMISSION FREE

Register at newcollege.unsw.edu.au/events MORE INFO

P: +61 2 9381 1999 E: newcollege@unsw.edu.au VENUE

New College, University of New South Wales

Eryk Bagshaw, Census 2016: Fifty years on Australia, it’s amazing how much you’ve changed, 26 June 2017, Sydney Morning Herald Tosca Lloyd, The message in the Census: End Australia’s Christian bias, 27 June 2017, Sydney Morning Herald 3 Daniel Burdon, Census 2016: Canberra residents reporting ‘no religion’ hits 36 per cent, 27 June 2017, The Canberra Times 4 Many writers –Christian and non-Christian—have effectively answered the arguments of the New Atheists. See, for example, Denis Alexander’s Rebuilding The Matrix, 2001.

1

2

Page Six

WE WILL TELL THE NEXT GENERATION THE PRAISEWORTHY DEEDS OF THE LORD, HIS POWER, AND THE WONDERS HE HAS DONE. - PSALM 78:4B (NIV)

SPRING 2017

S H A R I N G T H E G O S P E L W I T H T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N

by Bill Peirson, Director of the Centre of Christian Apologetics, Scholarship & Education at New College

and everything as workplaces, bars and restaurants.

The recent Australian census showed a significant The truth is, the recognition that there is something more rise in the proportion of the population claiming no to life than the physical world points us – young or old – religious affiliation1. Some representatives of atheistic to a reality beyond energy and matter. organisations were quick to use the outcome to argue for reduced religious influence in public life2. Others Christians know there is a God who is the central have interpreted the result differently, citing possible reference for all of reality: who made us, who is worthy of contributions from changes in the census answer our honour and obedience, and ordering and recent exposure who will hold us accountable of criminal abusive behaviour for how we live. Jesus highlights within religious organisations3.

As Christians, knowing the truth, we have this in his parable of the rich a responsibility to equip ourselves for Between many of those who fool (Luke 12:13). This rich man conversations with the next generation. claim religious affiliation and neglects the unseen God in the Young people are questioning, wondering and many of those who don’t lies a midst of his success, leading to searching, and only pointing them to Jesus will fundamental difference in the his eventual downfall. We see provide them with a truly satisfying answer to way reality is understood. Is purpose and meaning because the biggest questions in life. there an invisible, supernatural God has made the world with reality? Or is there nothing but a purpose, and with a meaning. matter and energy? Is there a We know about it because supreme being with a claim on our lives, or are notions Jesus became human, and entered the physical world: to of God and the supernatural fanciful and irrelevant (or tell us what that purpose is; to rescue all those who will worse), as the New Atheists have argued over the past follow Him; and, to give them new life that is yet unseen.

20 years4?

As Christians, knowing the truth, we have a responsibility The question of “what is real” is fundamental to to equip ourselves for conversations with the next understanding what life is all about: who we are and what generation. Young people are questioning, wondering we should do. And this question is affecting not just adults, and searching, and only pointing them to Jesus will but young people too. School playgrounds and classrooms provide them with a truly satisfying answer to the biggest are just as likely to host debates about life, the universe questions in life.

Personal identity

Tues 12 Sept Opening Event – 6pm Lecture 1 – 7.30pm Identity Angst: Unstable Foundations

2017 NEW COLLEGE LECTURES 12-14 SEPTEMBER

Wed 13 Sept Lecture 2 – 7.30pm The Relational Self: You are a social being

DR BRIAN ROSNER PRINCIPAL, RIDLEY COLLEGE

Thurs 14 Sept Lecture 3 – 7.30pm The Narratival Self: You are your story

ADMISSION FREE

Register at newcollege.unsw.edu.au/events MORE INFO

P: +61 2 9381 1999 E: newcollege@unsw.edu.au VENUE

New College, University of New South Wales

Eryk Bagshaw, Census 2016: Fifty years on Australia, it’s amazing how much you’ve changed, 26 June 2017, Sydney Morning Herald Tosca Lloyd, The message in the Census: End Australia’s Christian bias, 27 June 2017, Sydney Morning Herald 3 Daniel Burdon, Census 2016: Canberra residents reporting ‘no religion’ hits 36 per cent, 27 June 2017, The Canberra Times 4 Many writers –Christian and non-Christian—have effectively answered the arguments of the New Atheists. See, for example, Denis Alexander’s Rebuilding The Matrix, 2001.

1

2

Page Six

WE WILL TELL THE NEXT GENERATION THE PRAISEWORTHY DEEDS OF THE LORD, HIS POWER, AND THE WONDERS HE HAS DONE. - PSALM 78:4B (NIV)

SPRING 2017

CRUVIEW

C R U ® M I N I ST RY & P R O P E R T Y U P DAT E S We are thankful for the great work God is doing through CRU. Stay updated with everything that is happening in our various ministries and properties.

GALSTON

Praise God that the waste water treatment and dispersal got off to a great start with over 3000 tons of soil delivered to the site.

The staff team at Galston were delighted to welcome the new senior property assistant, Andrew Fahey.

“It is so special and an honour to be part of such a strong connection with students [who come back on camp year after year with their school]. One of the students decided to give his life to Jesus on his fourth Summit Camp.”

Zane Summit Outdoor Educator

SCHOOLS MINISTRY

“We were really appreciative of all that the staff did for us! The girls were very impressed with the food (especially the special dietary requirements). They even cooked jam donuts! We also had the space to do all of the activities we wanted to - even in the rain!”

Juliana Whiteman Teacher at Ravenswood School for Girls

Praise God for the provision of many guest group bookings over the next year.

“Camp was such a wonderful week where I grew in my faith, was challenged, learned more about how wonderful our God is and made some wonderful new friends” Jessie Camper from Evacu8 2017

SUMMIT Praise God, Summit Fellows received intensive training during Term 2.

This included sessions in sailing, canoeing, bushwalking, abseiling, rock climbing and skills in discussion group facilitation, biblical debriefing, theology and apologetics.

Thank God that the Schools Ministry staff had the privilege of being involved in sharing the gospel at St Catherine’s Faith Week during Term 2.

Praise God, in Term 3, Summit ran 25 camps for approximately 2000 students. Thank God for the wonderful privilege to be involved with planting the seeds in the hearts of these kids.

Thank God for over 400 students who attended CRU’s FIT primary school training events in Semester 1.

Thank God that Jonnie Wintle (Schools Ministry Associate) recently attended the confirmation of a student who he led on a CRU Camp and has now joined his school CRU Group.

CRUWEST HOLIDAY CAMPS

Praise God, Crusaders celebrated the biggest autumn season in CRU Camp history with 12 camps, 578 campers, 149 leaders. On top of this, we had 1,462 campers over winter.

Camper surveys showed that an overwhelming 99% of campers loved/ liked camp.

Praise God, 44 campers indicated they became a Christian during Winter CRU Camps 2017, with another 61 recommitting their faith in Christ.

Page Eight

Praise God for two mothers who are keen to start prayer groups at the two schools where their children are students.

In October, CRUWest will hold the inaugural Spring Leadership camp for students from years 9-11.

Praise God for the faithfulness and enthusiasm of one student who has been regularly attending the CRU Group at her school. Praise God that some new students have since joined her.

Page Nine

SPRING 2017

CRUVIEW

C R U ® M I N I ST RY & P R O P E R T Y U P DAT E S We are thankful for the great work God is doing through CRU. Stay updated with everything that is happening in our various ministries and properties.

GALSTON

Praise God that the waste water treatment and dispersal got off to a great start with over 3000 tons of soil delivered to the site.

The staff team at Galston were delighted to welcome the new senior property assistant, Andrew Fahey.

“It is so special and an honour to be part of such a strong connection with students [who come back on camp year after year with their school]. One of the students decided to give his life to Jesus on his fourth Summit Camp.”

Zane Summit Outdoor Educator

SCHOOLS MINISTRY

“We were really appreciative of all that the staff did for us! The girls were very impressed with the food (especially the special dietary requirements). They even cooked jam donuts! We also had the space to do all of the activities we wanted to - even in the rain!”

Juliana Whiteman Teacher at Ravenswood School for Girls

Praise God for the provision of many guest group bookings over the next year.

“Camp was such a wonderful week where I grew in my faith, was challenged, learned more about how wonderful our God is and made some wonderful new friends” Jessie Camper from Evacu8 2017

SUMMIT Praise God, Summit Fellows received intensive training during Term 2.

This included sessions in sailing, canoeing, bushwalking, abseiling, rock climbing and skills in discussion group facilitation, biblical debriefing, theology and apologetics.

Thank God that the Schools Ministry staff had the privilege of being involved in sharing the gospel at St Catherine’s Faith Week during Term 2.

Praise God, in Term 3, Summit ran 25 camps for approximately 2000 students. Thank God for the wonderful privilege to be involved with planting the seeds in the hearts of these kids.

Thank God for over 400 students who attended CRU’s FIT primary school training events in Semester 1.

Thank God that Jonnie Wintle (Schools Ministry Associate) recently attended the confirmation of a student who he led on a CRU Camp and has now joined his school CRU Group.

CRUWEST HOLIDAY CAMPS

Praise God, Crusaders celebrated the biggest autumn season in CRU Camp history with 12 camps, 578 campers, 149 leaders. On top of this, we had 1,462 campers over winter.

Camper surveys showed that an overwhelming 99% of campers loved/ liked camp.

Praise God, 44 campers indicated they became a Christian during Winter CRU Camps 2017, with another 61 recommitting their faith in Christ.

Page Eight

Praise God for two mothers who are keen to start prayer groups at the two schools where their children are students.

In October, CRUWest will hold the inaugural Spring Leadership camp for students from years 9-11.

Praise God for the faithfulness and enthusiasm of one student who has been regularly attending the CRU Group at her school. Praise God that some new students have since joined her.

Page Nine

CRUVIEW

I

n 1946 when Dr Leslie Parr donated the land for CRU’s Lake Mac campsite it’s unlikely he foresaw how fruitful his contribution would be for the kingdom.

Thanks to his sacrificial generosity hundreds of thousands of children have heard

row gI

the gospel taught, explained and lived out at CRU’s Lake Mac campsite over the decades with amazing results.

Camps are a phenomenal vehicle for outreach. Today the vast majority of young people going on CRU Camps are unbelievers, but camper surveys show that by the end of camp 94% have grown in their understanding of God and faith. Indeed, 47% of young people on Summit Educational Camps indicate they want to join a youth group as a result of camp!

L A K E M AC

It is results like this that make it essential we take action to expand this fruitful work -

R E D E V E LO P M E N T U P DAT E

Join our prayer gatherings which are held quarterly, specifically

and a God-given opportunity is now upon us. Plans are in place which transform the Lake Mac campsite from a single-user to a multi-user site meaning an extra 20,000 campers every year will be reached with the Gospel message.

This is the largest Kingdom building project CRU has ever tackled and we’d value your prayers that the development application, still under review by Lake Macquarie Council, would be approved by November this year.

Partner with us:

for this project

View the new campsite plans

Take a tour of the existing campsite

Give through financial support

For more details, contact Anna Wood (Fundraising Director) on 9188 9711 or via email anna.wood@crusaders.edu.au

Page Ten

Page Eleven

CRUVIEW

I

n 1946 when Dr Leslie Parr donated the land for CRU’s Lake Mac campsite it’s unlikely he foresaw how fruitful his contribution would be for the kingdom.

Thanks to his sacrificial generosity hundreds of thousands of children have heard

row gI

the gospel taught, explained and lived out at CRU’s Lake Mac campsite over the decades with amazing results.

Camps are a phenomenal vehicle for outreach. Today the vast majority of young people going on CRU Camps are unbelievers, but camper surveys show that by the end of camp 94% have grown in their understanding of God and faith. Indeed, 47% of young people on Summit Educational Camps indicate they want to join a youth group as a result of camp!

L A K E M AC

It is results like this that make it essential we take action to expand this fruitful work -

R E D E V E LO P M E N T U P DAT E

Join our prayer gatherings which are held quarterly, specifically

and a God-given opportunity is now upon us. Plans are in place which transform the Lake Mac campsite from a single-user to a multi-user site meaning an extra 20,000 campers every year will be reached with the Gospel message.

This is the largest Kingdom building project CRU has ever tackled and we’d value your prayers that the development application, still under review by Lake Macquarie Council, would be approved by November this year.

Partner with us:

for this project

View the new campsite plans

Take a tour of the existing campsite

Give through financial support

For more details, contact Anna Wood (Fundraising Director) on 9188 9711 or via email anna.wood@crusaders.edu.au

Page Ten

Page Eleven

SPRING 2017

CRUVIEW

T H A N K

yI ou

CRU® COMMUNITY

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

HOOKED

HITCHED

• Elizabeth Hung & Samuel Baumgart • Alice Winter & Simon Rees DAN WONG

CLARE PENDLEBURY

IAN MCALPIN

Dan loves partnering with CRU to

Clare has been a leader, director,

Ian first heard about CRU as a

reach the next generation for Jesus!

cook and house parent on dirtbike

primary school student at Shore

He’s directed or led on over 30 CRU

camps since 2008. She also uses her

back in 1965. He committed his life

Camps, gives regularly and, most

accounting skills serving on CRU’s

to Christ on a CRU sailing camp at

recently, decided to leave a gift to

Finance Committee and has also

Lake Mac in January 1968. Since

CRU in his Will.

been a member of Crusader Council

then, he has used his teaching

since 2010.

career (trained in English and Modern History) to lead on CRU

Why? Because, Dan explains, “Christ’s love compels me (us) to

Clare explains, “I love the vision

Study Camps – and he just ticked

act that others might be reconciled

of Crusaders to share the gospel

off his 30th last Autumn 2017!

to God (cf 2 Corinthians 5). God has

with the next generation of kids,

given me resources - time, skills,

and equip school students to be

Ian says, “As a teacher, I wanted

experience and money. It is right

disciples in their own schools. A

to use my teaching skills to help

to give these back to God, towards

large organisation needs good

students in their learning, to make

initiatives that further his gospel.

governance and wise management

a difference both educationally

The work CRU is involved in is

to enable the staff to enact the

and spiritually. I love study

powerful and effective in making

vision. That is where Crusader

camps because I know I can offer

the gospel known to young minds.

Council comes in, to ensure

something. Since I became a

That is why I regularly give now

the organisation is functional

Christian through CRU, I saw a need

and also have left a gift to CRU in

and thriving for many more

to support the work of CRU.”

my Will.”

generations to come. I serve on Council to help make that happen.”

We thank God for Dan and his

We thank God for Ian, and for many camp leaders like him who

generosity of time and money in

We are thankful for Clare and her

give up their time and offer their

enabling the ministry of Crusaders.

many years of service to God

skills to support campers and

through Crusaders.

share Jesus.

Page Twelve

HATCHED

• Heather Denyer & Simon Hill – 1st April • Steph Smith & Matt Steele-Smith – 8th April • Ellen McDonald & James Algeo – 22nd April • Heidi Miles & Andrew Gombossy – 6th May • Lisa Mason & Adam Houghton – 17th June • Em & Chris Rooleht – 24th June • Anne Dudley & Lachie Murray – 1st July • Alice Rowan & Samuel Martin-Thomas – 29th July

• Sarah & Hugh Chilton – a boy, Hamish Wyndham, born 2nd March, 2017 • Lorelle & Nick Hood – a girl, Evie Joy, born 8th March, 2017 • Stephanie & Dan Cummings – a girl, Anna McLeod, born 9th March, 2017 • Corinna & Rhys Duggan – a boy, Huxley Samuel, born 23rd March, 2017 • Kirsty & Rob Warner – a girl, Brooklyn Rae Cameron, born 24th April, 2017 • Madeleine & Jeremy Nance – a boy, Elijah, born 4th May, 2017 • Angella & Mike De Beer – a boy, Jordan John, born 7th May, 2017 • Tania & Tim Hawkins – a boy, James, born 10th May, 2017 • Priscilla & Daniel Mallison – a boy, Reuben Irving, born 11th May, 2017 • Diana & Matt Collins – a boy, Toby Jai, born 26th June, 2017 • Carmen & Davyn de Bruyn, a boy, Caleb Asher, born 19th July, 2017 • Susie & James Ward – a boy, Samuel David, born 23rd July, 2017 • Annie & Ian North, a boy, Matthew Francis, born 9th August, 2017 • Tara & Werner Pienaar, a boy, Rowan, born 22nd August, 2017

TEACHERS ON THE MOVE

HOME • Arthur Pennington – 26th March, 2017 • Lisa Bennett – 21st April, 2017 • Rod Macdonald – 1st May 2017 • Deirdre Clift – 7th May, 2017 • Judy Seddon – 12th June, 2017

• Jim Dayhew is moving from Chaplain at Nowra Anglican College to Senior Minister at Wollondilly Anglican Church • Tim Bowden is moving from Principal of Inaburra School to Headmaster of Trinity Grammar commencing January 2018 • David Mulford, Head of Newington has announced his retirement at the end of 2018 • Tony George has been inducted as the Headmaster of The King’s School.

• Nick Russell is moving from Chaplain at Tara Anglican School for Girls to Chaplain at Christ Church Anglican, Perth, commencing January 2018 • Stephen Kinsella is moving from Headmaster of The Illawarra Grammar School to being the Executive Director of Anglican EdComm, commencing in 2018

Page Thirteen

SPRING 2017

CRUVIEW

T H A N K

yI ou

CRU® COMMUNITY

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

HOOKED

HITCHED

• Elizabeth Hung & Samuel Baumgart • Alice Winter & Simon Rees DAN WONG

CLARE PENDLEBURY

IAN MCALPIN

Dan loves partnering with CRU to

Clare has been a leader, director,

Ian first heard about CRU as a

reach the next generation for Jesus!

cook and house parent on dirtbike

primary school student at Shore

He’s directed or led on over 30 CRU

camps since 2008. She also uses her

back in 1965. He committed his life

Camps, gives regularly and, most

accounting skills serving on CRU’s

to Christ on a CRU sailing camp at

recently, decided to leave a gift to

Finance Committee and has also

Lake Mac in January 1968. Since

CRU in his Will.

been a member of Crusader Council

then, he has used his teaching

since 2010.

career (trained in English and Modern History) to lead on CRU

Why? Because, Dan explains, “Christ’s love compels me (us) to

Clare explains, “I love the vision

Study Camps – and he just ticked

act that others might be reconciled

of Crusaders to share the gospel

off his 30th last Autumn 2017!

to God (cf 2 Corinthians 5). God has

with the next generation of kids,

given me resources - time, skills,

and equip school students to be

Ian says, “As a teacher, I wanted

experience and money. It is right

disciples in their own schools. A

to use my teaching skills to help

to give these back to God, towards

large organisation needs good

students in their learning, to make

initiatives that further his gospel.

governance and wise management

a difference both educationally

The work CRU is involved in is

to enable the staff to enact the

and spiritually. I love study

powerful and effective in making

vision. That is where Crusader

camps because I know I can offer

the gospel known to young minds.

Council comes in, to ensure

something. Since I became a

That is why I regularly give now

the organisation is functional

Christian through CRU, I saw a need

and also have left a gift to CRU in

and thriving for many more

to support the work of CRU.”

my Will.”

generations to come. I serve on Council to help make that happen.”

We thank God for Dan and his

We thank God for Ian, and for many camp leaders like him who

generosity of time and money in

We are thankful for Clare and her

give up their time and offer their

enabling the ministry of Crusaders.

many years of service to God

skills to support campers and

through Crusaders.

share Jesus.

Page Twelve

HATCHED

• Heather Denyer & Simon Hill – 1st April • Steph Smith & Matt Steele-Smith – 8th April • Ellen McDonald & James Algeo – 22nd April • Heidi Miles & Andrew Gombossy – 6th May • Lisa Mason & Adam Houghton – 17th June • Em & Chris Rooleht – 24th June • Anne Dudley & Lachie Murray – 1st July • Alice Rowan & Samuel Martin-Thomas – 29th July

• Sarah & Hugh Chilton – a boy, Hamish Wyndham, born 2nd March, 2017 • Lorelle & Nick Hood – a girl, Evie Joy, born 8th March, 2017 • Stephanie & Dan Cummings – a girl, Anna McLeod, born 9th March, 2017 • Corinna & Rhys Duggan – a boy, Huxley Samuel, born 23rd March, 2017 • Kirsty & Rob Warner – a girl, Brooklyn Rae Cameron, born 24th April, 2017 • Madeleine & Jeremy Nance – a boy, Elijah, born 4th May, 2017 • Angella & Mike De Beer – a boy, Jordan John, born 7th May, 2017 • Tania & Tim Hawkins – a boy, James, born 10th May, 2017 • Priscilla & Daniel Mallison – a boy, Reuben Irving, born 11th May, 2017 • Diana & Matt Collins – a boy, Toby Jai, born 26th June, 2017 • Carmen & Davyn de Bruyn, a boy, Caleb Asher, born 19th July, 2017 • Susie & James Ward – a boy, Samuel David, born 23rd July, 2017 • Annie & Ian North, a boy, Matthew Francis, born 9th August, 2017 • Tara & Werner Pienaar, a boy, Rowan, born 22nd August, 2017

TEACHERS ON THE MOVE

HOME • Arthur Pennington – 26th March, 2017 • Lisa Bennett – 21st April, 2017 • Rod Macdonald – 1st May 2017 • Deirdre Clift – 7th May, 2017 • Judy Seddon – 12th June, 2017

• Jim Dayhew is moving from Chaplain at Nowra Anglican College to Senior Minister at Wollondilly Anglican Church • Tim Bowden is moving from Principal of Inaburra School to Headmaster of Trinity Grammar commencing January 2018 • David Mulford, Head of Newington has announced his retirement at the end of 2018 • Tony George has been inducted as the Headmaster of The King’s School.

• Nick Russell is moving from Chaplain at Tara Anglican School for Girls to Chaplain at Christ Church Anglican, Perth, commencing January 2018 • Stephen Kinsella is moving from Headmaster of The Illawarra Grammar School to being the Executive Director of Anglican EdComm, commencing in 2018

Page Thirteen

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