Thank You

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 CRU over the years:

SANTINO DIMARCO

Santino is the Executive Pastor at St Andrew's Anglican Church, Roseville, involved in overseeing operations, finance and music worship. He first got involved with CRU when he joined the Board as Honorary Treasurer back in 2000 and served tirelessly in the role until stepping down in January 2021.

Santino believes that CRU plays an important role in sharing the news of Jesus with young people. He is concerned that more and more young people in our community are feeling isolated and is thankful that CRU provides the opportunity for friendship, belonging, mentoring and the development of leadership skills.

The thousands of young people impacted by the work of CRU include Santino’s three children who have all attended CRU Holiday Camps and CRU Groups at school. He reflects, “To hear of young lives being transformed by the gospel, the life-long friendships that are made, and all on top of fun and adventure on camps – that is why I was joyful to serve on the Board.”

Santino has also hosted a table at several CRU fundraising lunches where he has enjoyed hearing inspiring testimonies from students and connecting with like-minded people.

Thank you, Santino, for your service as the Honorary Treasurer on the CRU Board for over 20 years.

EMMA FLOCKHART

Emma first heard about CRU at Abbotsleigh, but at the time she thought she was too cool to go to the lunchtime group! Emma started to go on CRU Camps as a teenager, and has since led on eight Study Camps because she knows the value of grappling with questions of faith at this crucial time of life.

Indeed, one of the most pivotal moments in Emma’s faith came when she was in Year 12 on a CRU Study Camp. A leader asked her over breakfast, “If you were to die tonight, get to the gates of heaven and God asks you ‘Why should I let you in’ what would you say?” In that moment, everything she’d heard about the gospel, and salvation by grace alone, clicked in and made sense.

Emma views the work of CRU as important for not only evangelising to students, but also building leaders up in knowledge and defense of the gospel - teaching love, patience and perseverance. Emma also provides financial support through CRU’s monthly giving program ‘CRU Friends’, to help spread the good news of Jesus.

We thank you, Emma, for your involvement over many years with the work God is doing through CRU.

ANDREW WILKINSON

Andrew works as a chaplain at Northcross Christian School where he has co-led the lunchtime CRU Group for the last five years. He uses CRU’s lunchtime resources to “speak truth into this generation”.

Now, after five years with the group, Andrew has built up a team of 42 student leaders who are willing to give up lunchtimes to plan, create and be trained in Christian leadership. He writes about the impact of the group: “I have seen students comfortable to share their faith, question to seek further understanding, and explore by inviting others on the journey.”

Andrew knows CRU Groups also have a positive ripple effect throughout the school and connected community. He is moved as he hears regularly from parents that they are delighted to see their child take steps of faith through the impact of CRU.

Thank you, Andrew, for your passion and commitment to help kids come to know and love Jesus through the CRU Group at Northcross Christian School.