CRUview Spring 2022: The Enduring Hope Edition

CRUVIEW Spring 2022

e p o H g n i Endur THE

EDITION

2-5

Growing & serving in CRU Educational Camps

6-8

Partnering in God’s eternal work

9

Q&A with Naomi, Schools Ministry Associate

Contents 1 2 6 The Big Picture

Growing & serving in CRU Educational Camps Partnering in God’s eternal work

9 10 12 13

Q&A with Naomi, Schools Ministry Associate CRU® Ministry & Property Updates Thank You CRU Community

Upcoming Events Lake Mac Open Day & Thanksgiving Service

CRU Wills Days

Date: Saturday 3 September Time: 10:30am - 4:00pm (transport can be provided) Location: CRU Lake Mac campsite

Date: Friday 21 & Saturday 22 October Location: Mona Vale or North Sydney

Come and experience the redeveloped Lake Mac campsite. Join us in giving thanks to God for how He has been using this site to bring children into His kingdom. To RSVP please visit: www.crulakemac.com.au/openday

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

Schools Ministry Week of Prayer

CRU Zoom Prayer Meeting

Date: Monday 5 – Friday 9 September

Date: Monday 24 October Time: 7:30pm - 8:15pm Location: Online

The Schools Ministry team will be coordinating a dedicated week of prayer for God’s work in schools. We welcome anyone who would like to join us in prayer on Monday, 5th September, at 7:30pm at the CRU Eastwood Office or online. For more information, including how you can be involved and receive prayer points, please email kellie.thomson@cru.edu.au

Join us online to pray for God's hand on the ministry and operations of CRU. Email info@cru.edu.au to receive details.

CRU Business Breakfast

CRU West Prayer Meeting

Date: Wednesday 12 October Location: QVB Tea Room

Date: Thursday 27 October Time: 7:30pm Location: 25 Stanmore St, Shenton Park 6008

Are you a young professional? Please join us for breakfast, fellowship and an update on how God is working to transform young lives through CRU. For more information and to RSVP, call Linda Newman on (02) 9188 9712 or email linda.newman@cru.edu.au

Please join us as we pray together for the ministry of CRU West. For more information, please email cru.west@cru.edu.au

*These events are correct at the time of writing. CRU is committed to following all government health advice which may require events to be postponed, cancelled or changed. Prior to each event, please contact us at info@cru.edu.au to confirm the most current details.

The Big

Picture Pictured: Gary Hill, Executive Director

The Enduring Hope Edition

Consider Jason, whose decision to follow Jesus was shadowed by strife and intimidation. Chased by a mob and called before the authorities, he and his friends faced “severe suffering”. We read of them in Acts 17 and 1 Thessalonians 1.

While Christian students in Australian schools rarely face physical violence for their faith, many know of being mocked and ostracised. Many others feel pressure not to speak of their faith, or even question whether it is worth continuing because it is such hard work to keep pushing against what feels like an overwhelming tide.

In writing to the Thessalonian believers, Paul, Silas and Timothy report that “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess 1:2-3).

Amongst the triad of faith, hope and love we see a hope which inspires endurance. Indeed, the hope itself endures because it is embedded in the central theme of the gospel – that God’s love endures. Despite opposition, this hope brings peace and joy.

I cannot tell you how often I meet older people who share with me that they came to trust in God when they were involved in Crusader activities as school children. Some will share how their faith, hope and love has continued and even grown through various confrontations and challenges. It is something that prompts me to thank God for His ongoing work in their lives. And I am so thankful too that this work is continuing among a new generation in 2022.

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Hope itself endures because it is embedded in the central theme of the gospel – that God’s love endures.

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The Christian life does not equate to comfort.

Please continue to support this work in prayer. You will find our latest prayer guide within this issue of CRUview along with stories of how God is at work in various ways.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:16-18).

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Growing & Serving in CRU Educational Camps

Each year, around 20 passionate men and women join Summit, CRU’s camps-based ministry training program. They grow in their skills and character, make lifelong friendships and are presented with countless opportunities to share Jesus with thousands of students on CRU Educational Camps.

Some move on from CRU at the end of their traineeship, equipped with valuable skills and experience to take into their future workplace, place of study, or back to their church. But many of them remain at CRU – growing and serving… two, six or twelve years later! Let’s meet some of the team.

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A growing mission mindset Scarlett Prowse, 1st Year Summit Trainee Scarlett recalls going on CRU Educational Camps throughout school and fondly remembers the CRU leaders who led her camps. Even though they would spend only a few days together, it was enough for Scarlett to recognise that the leaders were committed to getting to know the students and

remembers them as “fun, kind and cool Christians” who she would look up to.

every moment is an opportunity to glorify God and build His kingdom. That’s why I love Summit!”

Attending a Christian school, Scarlett recalls that her classmates were sometimes desensitised to the gospel message. But camp was often a time where the Word was presented in a refreshing way, and kids would often leave camp more excited about Jesus.

An eternal hope

In her senior years of high school, she knew that she wanted to do a gap year when she graduated. What convinced Scarlett to pursue Summit over other options was that the program was not just about individual growth but being able to put your learnings into practice.

“Summit equips you in such a wide range of skills.

You learn how to answer tough questions, how to write and lead a devotional and discussion group, lead outdoor activities, and you grow in your biblical knowledge. But what’s even better is that the program isn’t just for ‘you’. You’re learning new skills, but you also have a space to use them practically and you grow immensely. By going on camps, you’re actively serving, using those skills and putting your learning into practice every week.”

She continues, “I feel like I’ve grown to have more of a mission mindset – actually looking to serve people over myself and making the most of opportunities to share Jesus.”

After only five months at Summit, Scarlett has been amazed at the opportunities on camp for relationship building, conversation, and moments where campers can ask questions about God. On a recent camp, the campers were enjoying a fishing activity when a student asked her, “Who created God?” This particular question provided Scarlett with a wonderful opportunity for discussion with the camper. Afterwards, the camper was keen to receive a Bible and a devotional, and on a camper survey, she indicated that she wanted to follow Christ for the first time. Praise God! Even when she doesn’t see immediate gospel fruit on camp, Scarlett still finds great joy in serving God in the ministry and shares: “The best part is that everything you do on camp isn’t in vain – every effort you put in, every relationship you build on camp and

Luke Richards, Outdoor Leader Luke’s first involvement with CRU was serving as a Junior Leader on a CRU Holiday Camp when he was in Year 9.

A couple of years later, while in Year 12, a friend doing the program suggested he should look into Summit – and he did.

After finishing high school, Luke successfully applied to join the Summit Program. He originally planned to complete a year of Summit as a year of working in paid ministry and then move on to pursue a uni degree. However, after joining the program in 2020 and getting a taste of CRU’s ministry, God changed his mind and Luke completed the full two years.

He remembers, “It happened within the first three or four weeks of being a part of the CRU Educational Camps team. It was so clear that there was something different about the team and the attitude and energy that they had towards ministry, that it made me want to continue.”

With the COVID pandemic evolving through 2020 and 2021, Luke’s trainee experience was a little unusual, with him needing to navigate lockdowns and pauses on school camps. However, despite a disrupted Summit experience, Luke still felt that camping ministry was where he was meant to be.

He shares, “One of the reasons I’m still working at CRU is because I truly believe in the ministry. CRU’s foundation in the gospel is solid, and I’ve seen firsthand on camp that the eternal hope of the gospel is something that changes the lives of kids and youth.”

“The camp environment is really valuable. It removes campers from their everyday life and allows them to consider the gospel and who Jesus is. It’s a precious time to hear what campers think and answer questions that they ask. So, during the lockdowns and disruptions, I had that hope of being able to do ministry in such a valuable way again – it was the reason why I stuck through it and continued on.”

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Now working in the CRU Educational Camps team as an Outdoor Leader, Luke’s average week consists of “being on camp and sharing the gospel with school kids, as well as helping them shoot a bow and arrow and rock climbing, and the general camp kind of things”.

During his time with Summit and as part of the CRU Educational Camps team, Luke has found great joy and value in being mentored and surrounded by likeminded Christians who are all on board with sharing the good news of Jesus.

He explains, “It’s something that’s much deeper than just any surface-level shared hobby. Working alongside the people that I’m going to share eternity with is really encouraging. What you get on camp is a small taste of what eternity in heaven will be like with brothers and sisters.”

Because he genuinely believes in the work God is doing through CRU, Luke hopes to stick around for a while. He shares, “If I can help grow the ministry and help more campers share in the eternal hope we have in Christ, that would be something that’s really valuable.”

A journey of growth Harry Roberts, Program Coordinator Harry can’t remember a time of not being in the CRU community. He was the son of a CRU ski camp director in the late ’90s, a member of his school’s CRU Group from Year 3 to Year 12, and led a CRU Group for younger students when he was in Year 11 & 12. He was also a keen CRU Holiday Camper, attending north of a dozen holiday camps over his schooling years including three Study Camps in Year 12.

Initially enrolled in a university course after high school, Harry recalls feeling “lost and isolated and didn’t have any sort of satisfaction”. But after speaking to a friend who was a trainee in the Summit Program about what she did for work, Harry was convicted that “serving the Lord at Summit, sharing Jesus with kids alongside other believers, was a no-brainer”.

He shares, “The big picture of the job looked really appealing as well – getting skills, becoming qualified

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in different things, and it being a paying job rather than a traineeship where you’re paying someone else to train you.”

Harry joined Summit in July of 2016, six months after finishing high school and recalls his trainee experience, “For someone like me coming out of school where I didn’t have a massive support network of Christians my age, Summit was a no brainer. Being surrounded by like-minded believers in a similar stage of life was transforming for me.”

Once Harry completed his two years with Summit, he stepped up into the role of Outdoor Leader as a senior trainee, having more responsibility on camp and also in the office. He then stepped into his current role as Program Coordinator, where he spends his time “liaising with schools, building camp programs, and gathering information so that our camp teams can go and run gospel-centred camps”.

Working in CRU Educational Camps for over six years, Harry has been on a journey of continual growth – in his spiritual walk, in his understanding of the Bible and his skills.

“The training has deepened my understanding of Scripture, which has, in turn, strengthened my faith.

My faith is now rich and deep, and I am confident it will last my lifetime.”

He continues, “The hard skills in the outdoors are taught well and are heaps of fun, and the soft skills you learn, like leadership, professionalism, liaising and facilitation, are transferable into any industry long term. It’s awesome to be skilled in that way because it’s not something that naturally comes out in other tertiary studies.”

After six years, Harry doesn’t shy away from the fact that leading on camps can be tiring. However, he feels the hard work is worth it. “The privilege of meeting campers where they’re at, seeing them step out of their comfort zones and enjoying camp activities, sharing the gospel with them, and seeing them make personal decisions for Christ is beyond rewarding.

When you get to be a part of that, it makes the long days on camp and the hard discussion groups all worth it! Being able to play my part in God’s work is a privilege and something that keeps me coming back.”

Trusting in God’s plan Kat Swaisland, Associate Camps Manager Neither ministry training nor camping ministry was something that particularly interested Kat. She recalls, “It was never really in my plan, but God put multiple people in my life who steered me towards working at CRU. And through different doors closing and opening, it was very evident that God wanted me in this job. And so, I ended up saying ‘yes,’ and here I am, 286 camps and 12 years later!”

Kat joined the Summit Program in 2010 when it was still called the Ian Holt Memorial Fellowship Program. After her first four years spent in the Summit traineeship, she worked with CRU Holiday Camps, helping to establish Day Camps. And for the last six years, she has returned to the CRU Educational Camps division as a Camp Coordinator and Associate Camps Manager.

There’s no question that there have been challenges along the way, especially after 12 years of camps, but Kat finds such joy and hope knowing that God sustains and provides. She shares, “Waiting on God, and seeking Him for energy, and direction, and wisdom, and patience, in easy times and in hard times is just great.

It is a challenge to always come before Him, but it’s the most rewarding because He does provide. I wouldn’t have been able to do such a high camp load job for so long without relying on Him.” “When you take time to stop and reflect on challenges, you can always see how He’s grown and refined you.

There’s so much more to be thankful for.”

You... and Summit

A GREAT MATCH You:

A sparkling love of adventure. Positive energy that’s infectious. A strong desire to serve the Lord and do some­thing meaningful.

Summit:

Spend your days in God’s stunning creation. Share the gospel with young people. Get trained in Outdoor Ed and Christian ministry. Be part of a warm, committed community. And... get paid!

Apply for Summit today www.summitprogram.com.au

A joy of being in her role for so long is that Kat gets to see teachers return, camp after camp. She shares, “Seeing and encouraging teachers, hearing how they grow and then becoming friends with them outside of camp is really cool. I’ve been able to pray with some teachers pretty regularly throughout the year, and it’s so encouraging to know that the impact of CRU’s ministry doesn’t finish on camp.”

Over so many years serving at CRU, Kat recalls that there are so many moments of encouragement.

In particular, she still has friendships with people who have left CRU to go and do other things. She explains, “They’re lifelong friendships, they’re kingdom friendships, and they’re just such a joy.”

Another joy is seeing campers return year after year, seeing them grow in their faith and boldness to share Jesus with their peers, and then seeing them join the Summit program as a trainee. “Those moments make the challenges so worthwhile, and it gives so much light and weight to why our job is so important,” says Kat. Whether a person stays for one year at CRU or 12, Kat believes they will be stretched and grown. She shares: “Summit is such a unique experience that you won’t get elsewhere, and you’re only going to gain when you join. It’s a program where Christ is modelled and where you can grow. God has grown me the most in my time at CRU – I’ve been encouraged, shaped and moulded

by God through so many different experiences. That is a huge joy to look back on.”

Partnering in God’s eternal work

T

o say Sarah and Nathan (Wal) Walter are busy is a witness God’s work through CRU’s ministry firsthand modest assessment. Wal has loved serving as the – not just in their own lives, but in their children’s lives senior minister at Naremburn-Cammeray Anglican as well.

Church for over five and a half years, and both are Sarah is personally thankful for how she’s grown in her involved in various ministries there. Outside of church, walk with Jesus through CRU’s ministries and reflects, they both participate in sports, and Sarah works as a “Coming from a non-Christian family, CRU had a big physio, teaches at Australian Catholic University, and runs a training and development program for women in impact on my Christian journey.” ministry. With all this and everything that a family of six From making the decision to be Jesus’ friend on a Year (and two dogs) brings, it’s understandable that life can 6 Crusader Camp in 1984, to attending a CRU Group in get busy! high school and then leading on various CRU Camps, she recognises God’s work in her life.

Yet over many years, and through the busyness, Sarah and Wal have partnered with CRU and shared in its “In Year 6, I attended a CRU cooking camp. I don’t mission of reaching the next generation with the gospel. And we’re thankful that they have been able to remember any of the cooking, but what I do remember

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is a diagram that was drawn on butchers paper. The picture was of us being separated from God and the leaders explaining that the barrier was called sin,” Sarah recalls.

“Then they drew a cross to bridge the gap and explained that through Jesus, we can now be friends with God again. I remember lying on my bunk bed that night and saying, ‘Jesus, can I be your friend?’”

Following that camp, Sarah attended her local church with a friend and joined the CRU Group at school.

Through these various points of Christian contact, she gradually grew to understand more about the gospel.

After high school, both Sarah and Wal led and directed on CRU Camps and were particularly passionate about serving on CrossTrain, formerly known as January Leadership Camp (JLC). They continued to lead on camps after they were married, and when their children were born, they continued to bring them on camps as well.

Wal shares why they were so committed to leading on JLC, “The camp was mainly for Year 11 and 12 kids who would be leading their lunchtime Christian groups at school. Lots of the camp had to do with Bible training and biblical theology.”

Christ,” Wal explains. “They get to build relationships with the student leaders and teachers who help run the group and be supported by a set of trusted people that they can rely on, who are all in the Lord together.”

Wal adds, “It’s a significant thing for a teenager growing up trusting Christ to have a rich web of Christian relationships around them. Not just at church, but in a school community if possible, or on camps where you go with others. Multiple points of Christian contact help strengthen and deepen your faith in a really significant set of years.”

“A lot of the gospel work CRU does is with school children – kids coming from both Christian and non-

“

When you give, you’re a part of something bigger. A gift that was given in a previous generation is still bearing fruit.

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“It wasn’t flashy, but it was a lot of fun. There’s just a confidence in the steady chip-away ministry of opening the Bible in groups, building meaningful relationships, praying, and pointing children to Christ.

He’s the source of our enduring hope.”

Sarah and Wal pray that their own boys will continue to experience that same encouragement – to keep opening God’s Word and look to Jesus. One way they see this happening is through their Christian CRU Groups at school.

“Students get to see teachers and key adults in their school community as older brothers and sisters in

Christian families.” Wal continues, “CRU gets to work in a window of time which is often observationally very important for people to be exploring the gospel.”

For this reason, the Walters have continued to support and partner with CRU over the years. Though they aren’t leading on CRU Camps anymore, Wal and Sarah still support CRU through prayer and have made the decision to leave a gift to CRU in their Will.

Sarah and Wal took the opportunity to attend a free CRU Wills Day and recall it being a beneficial experience. Sarah explains, “It gives you peace of mind

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when you actually have it done. It’s one of those major life things that you can then tick off and then update it again according to your changing circumstances.”

Wal shares their thoughts on leaving a gift to CRU, “Writing a Will allows us to set priorities in what we want to try and do with our assets, reflecting significant relationships and important commitments.”

“If we’re disciples of Christ, we know that the great priority is the kingdom of God and the gospel being proclaimed. By including CRU in our Will, we’re not only teaching and modelling that gospel priority to our boys, but we’re entrusting assets to people who we trust are going to be able to use it for the gospel.”

Their second son, James, is in his first year of ministry training with CRU’s Summit Program and serves in frontline gospel ministry on CRU Educational Camps.

Wal reflects that this is made possible because of the generous gifts from previous generations.

He shares, “God’s people provide for these ministry opportunities, and it’s very tangible. And so, when you give, you’re a part of something bigger. A gift that was

given in a previous generation is still bearing fruit.”

We give great thanks to God for gospel partners, like Sarah and Wal, who share in our mission to see God’s kingdom grow. Please join them in their prayer: “Pray that we’d hold onto the gospel of salvation by grace alone, not by works, through Christ alone, and faith alone. Pray also for sustenance in ministry and the goal of running the race and getting to the finish line with that enduring hope of eternal life in Christ.”

Have your Will written or updated for free!

Attend a CRU Wills Day: Friday, 21 October, in Mona Vale OR Saturday, 22 October, in North Sydney Contact us to secure your appointment: Email philippa.mccredie@cru.edu Phone 9874 8933 (option 4) Online www.cru.edu.au/willsday Page Eight

Q&A

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with Naomi, Schools Ministry Associate Naomi Hammond has served in CRU’s Schools Ministry team as a Schools Ministry Associate for the past three years. Let’s find out how she has grown in her role and why she loves her job.

Why did you apply to the Schools Ministry Associate Program?

After finishing a Diploma at SMBC, I knew I wanted to give my whole life to serving God, but I also recognised that I still needed a lot of training to be an effective worker for the gospel. I applied for the program because it was the perfect mix of hands-on gospel work, training in the Bible and theology, as well as ministry-specific training. The role was perfect for a young person like me who didn’t have any experience but still knew ministry was what I wanted to do.

What have been some highlights?

I absolutely love my job. Being able to teach students about Jesus whilst also being trained up by faithful gospel workers at CRU is amazing.

I’ve had a lot of great opportunities to share Jesus with students over the past three years, but one of the big highlights happened last year. I had the opportunity to give three talks from the book of Ruth at the St Paul’s Grammar School CRU weekend away. Writing a series of talks was a great learning opportunity, and spending three days with the St Paul’s CRU Group was a really valuable time. This year, I was fortunate enough to visit the St Paul’s chapel and CRU Group and reconnect with the students.

It was so encouraging to see these young students living for Jesus in their schools.

How have you grown these last few years?

The program offers so much training and mentorship – I’ve been able to develop in my talkwriting and preaching, up-front leadership, and camp ministry skills. But the biggest growth I have seen in myself is my reliance on God. Being in a ministry role, you quickly learn that you are incapable of a lot of things. You cannot change hearts and nothing you say will ever make someone become a Christian. But God graciously chooses to work through our inability and He changes hearts. You simply must trust in God to work through you.

Why should someone consider the program?

It is an incredible opportunity to receive amazing training and teaching while doing hands-on ministry.

As Christians, we are all called to share the good news of Christ, and school students around Sydney desperately need this hope of the gospel. This program allows you to do frontline ministry and be part of God’s amazing plan to save people.

How has the program encouraged you to have an enduring hope in Christ?

In ministry, you don’t often get to see the fruit of your labour, but I have been challenged to have an enduring hope in Christ and His work. It’s Christ’s work alone that endures. Our few years here on earth can feel futile and fleeting, but our labour in Christ is not in vain – He gives a hope that endures for eternity.

Find out more and apply to the Schools Ministry Associate Program at

cru.edu.au/sma Page Nine

CRU® Ministry & Property Updates We are thankful for the great work God is doing through CRU. Stay up to date with everything that is happening in our various ministries and properties.

“

In the first discussion group, Liam* was vocal about how he didn’t believe in Jesus and was very apathetic towards the gospel. I continued the discussion group and challenged them about why the resurrection is so important and what it means for us. Liam didn’t think that Jesus could come back to life, so as a group we chatted through some of the evidence/logic around the resurrection, with the other kids giving ideas and answers. Liam’s attitude became a lot more positive towards discussion groups after this, and the next day began contributing without the same rebellion as before. He ticked ‘recommit’ on his survey, and when I asked him about it he said, “I used to go to church when I was little, but haven’t in ages, and I’ve been reminded on camp how much Jesus loves me by dying for me.”

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Abigail, leader on a CRU Educational Camp

SCHOOLS MINISTRY

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Give thanks for the release of two new CRU lunchtime resources, ‘Investigating Jesus’ (eight studies for infants and primary students) and ‘See & Believe’ (ten studies for senior school students). These studies are based on John’s Gospel and our prayer is that the studies will help students to see and believe that Jesus is the Son of God, so that they may have eternal and fullness of life through Him. We are thankful to be able to hold Inter-CRU events across Sydney and the ACT this year. Inter-CRUs are a great opportunity for students in senior CRU Groups to gather together, learn from one another, pray together and to learn about God and how He wants them to live for Him in their schools.

Praise God for the many opportunities that the Schools Ministry Associates have had this year to attend CRU Educational Camps, CRU Holiday Camps, and for many regular CRU Group visits. The Schools Ministry Associates meet students on camps and follow them up throughout the year on school visits.

HOLIDAY CAMPS • • •

DAY CAMPS

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Thank God for an uninterrupted winter season of camps. Praise God for the way He spoke by His Spirit in the hearts and minds of campers.

Praise God for Emmerson Brumby and Ellen Trimble who have recently started as Associate Directors of Holiday Camps. Pray that God will work through them as they engage with volunteer leaders and directors.

Pray for camp directors as they prepare for upcoming camps. Pray that they’ll recruit effective teams and that God will sustain them in their vital ministry.

Thank God that we were able to run a full winter season of camps for the first time since 2019! Thank God for the partnerships we have with schools and churches for these camps.

Pray for Day Camp directors, many of whom direct CRU Educational Camps during the term while they prepare a Day Camp for the holidays. Pray that they’ll be able to balance the near term and long-term planning.

Pray for our upcoming spring season of camps. Like winter, many of these camps haven’t run since 2019. Pray that the camps will run well.

EDUCATIONAL CAMPS

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GALSTON GORGE

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LAKE MAC

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CRU WEST

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*Name changed for privacy reasons.

Thank God for the opportunity the CRU Educational Camps team had to focus on training during the quieter period in the winter months. The Summit trainees have been training in theology, apologetics, leadership and outdoor recreation. It is exciting to see this training grow the Summit team, further equip them to run camps, and provide them with the skills to introduce kids to Jesus.

During Term 2, CRU Educational Camps had the opportunity to run 37 school camps; our biggest Term 2 ever. We are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to run more camps at CRU Lake Mac than previously, for our team growing to allow for more camps to happen, and for the many additional campers to share the gospel with.

We’re very thankful to God for His provision of enthusiastic new mid-year Summit trainees who joined the CRU Educational Camps team in July. Praise God for His provision, for the way that He has already been using them, and will continue to be at work in and through them as they share the gospel on camps.

Praise God for the completion of the new free time area at Eaglesview, allowing groups to spread out and use separate spaces for relaxation and team activities. The new space includes table tennis, handball, bottle filler and shade sail as well as sandstone benches surrounding the area.

We thank God for the provision of some wonderful new staff, but more are needed!

Please pray that God will provide more suitable applicants. Check out our careers page at crugalstongorge.com.au/careers Give thanks that the BMX track design is finalised and the winter tax appeal was successful in raising funds for the project. Plans are afoot to install the new track by early 2023.

CRU Lake Mac has been blessed to have Luke Zakris join the property team. The Lake Mac site is huge and having a dedicated property assistant to focus on the grounds will assist us greatly.

We are continuing to grow the kitchen team to relieve the workload on some who have been working above and beyond. Please keep praying that we can build the team to ensure we serve our guests great meals.

Give thanks that construction of the second climbing tower is about to start. This project received grant funding from the Australian Government and from another private Trust. We are looking forward to the zip line (as it might encourage campers to pray!) This will be a great activity that will be a highlight to our guests.

Thank God that Mountain Bike Camp and Study Camp ran in July, where the gospel was preached to many students on these camps. Praise God that 18 Assistant Leaders joined us on these camps, where they were able to be trained in ministry skills including running Bible studies and games.

Praise God that with a larger staff team, CRU West has been able to visit more schools than ever before in Term 2 this year. Thank God that four schools have started lunchtime groups in their schools this year.

CRU West has been encouraged by the enthusiasm from Christian teachers and chaplains who attended our New Teacher Night and Biblical Studies Heads & Chaplains Morning Tea, which both ran in August. Praise God that these teachers were able to gather together to support one another as they run the race in their schools.

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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.

JEREMY CLARK

LOUISA NORTH

Jeremy serves God as Chaplain at Arndell Anglican College. When Jeremy was in Year 12, he attended January Leadership Conference (now called CrossTrain). There he came to understand that Jesus’ death was not an easy task but cost God greatly and for which he now lives in internal gratitude.

Louisa finds joy caring for children who are sick and in need of care at the Children’s Hospital, Westmead.

Another highlight of Louisa’s week is being a part of St Matthews Anglican Church, West Pennant Hills.

As a young Christian, John was part of the recently formed Crusader Group at The Illawarra Grammar School. He then attended an HSC Study Camp in his final year where he saw Jesus’ love in action.

During late high school, Louisa was invited to serve as a Junior Leader on the CRU Camp ‘Survivor Junior’. It was here where she was able to see the involvement and impact CRU had on children’s lives and spiritual development. Since then, Louisa has gone on to direct ‘Survivor Junior’. She shares, “One of the most precious times on camp is seeing children who are from difficult home lives come on camp and hear the love Christ has for them and the security and refuge He offers.”

John has always had a passion for seeing young people come to Christ, running a boys group in Beecroft in 1968. He was a leader on several Galston Gorge and Lake Mac camps, inspired by Jim Kidd as director. During these formative years, CRU helped to encourage John in his faith.

Louisa sees the importance of CRU's work as it meets children where they are and tells them they are loved and cared for by God more than they will ever know. Louisa thinks that more than ever before, children need to know this truth and the abounding grace Jesus offers to all.

John regularly attends the CRU Business Lunch, where he enjoys hearing inspiring testimonies from students and connecting with likeminded people.

Jeremy has always been impressed with the impact CRU has on young people. He has had the chance to both attend and lead on CRU Holiday Camps and has seen lives changed through the good news of Jesus.

A highlight for Jeremy was attending CRU's Teachers’ Conference, where he was inspired to grow his students for eternity, network with others and be encouraged in ministry at his school.

He has witnessed people influenced by CRU growing in maturity and displaying a willingness to serve. As Jeremy shares, “Each year, the CRU Day Camp held at Arndell helps our student leaders develop in their understanding of kids’ ministry and how it can be done well.”

Jeremy sees that CRU has a clear gospel focus in all aspects of CRU’s ministry. He is thankful for Schools Ministry Worker, Clare Wimble, who is an amazing encouragement to him and his ministry.

Thank you, Jeremy, for your involvement with the work God is doing through CRU in schools.

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Thank you, Louisa, for your commitment to help kids come to know and love Jesus through CRU.

JOHN BOSANQUET

He sees CRU making an enormous impact, reaching young people at a time in their lives when they are receptive to the good news of the gospel.

In order to see more kids reached for Christ, John has decided to leave CRU a gift in his Will so that young people will hear the Word of God for generations to come.

Thank you, John, for your passion for the work of CRU, and for leaving a gift in your Will so more kids will come to know and love Jesus.

Community

HITCHED • Heather-Rose Newcombe & David Thompson – 2 July

HOME • Margaret Platt – 4 May

HATCHED • Kate & Jackson Stace – a boy, Camden Glyn, born 20 May • Lily & Ben Robson – a boy, Athol Gregory Robert, born 23 May • Sarah & James Righetti – a boy, Finn, born 5 June • Jessica & Jordan Shanks – a boy, Joseph Murray, born 11 June • Julia & Nate Gale – a girl, Madeline Hirst, born 20 June • Ashley & Lachlan Bunn - a boy, Jedidiah Robert, born 11 July • Elisabeth & Ryan Carter – a girl, Annalise Joy, born 11 July • Heather Denyer & Simon Hill – a boy, Edmund Denyer Hill, born 11 July • Alice & Simon Rees – a girl, Georgia Zoe, born 2 August

Keep us posted

If you have any news, updates, or stories that you would like to share with the CRU community, let us know by emailing cruview@cru.edu.au

TEACHERS ON THE MOVE • Lisa Brown has been appointed as the new Head of Meriden School and will be commencing this role in 2023.

• Dr Scott Marsh has moved on from being Headmaster of William Clarke College to be the new Principal of Scotch College, Melbourne. He will commence his new role in 2023.

• Judith Poole has been appointed as the interim Head of St Catherine’s, Waverley, commencing in 2023.

Other news

Our congratulations to CRU’s Chairman Dr Tim Wright for being awarded an Order of Australia (AM) for services to Education.

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More than a job - make an

Eternal Impact!

CRU’s Summit Program is an exciting full-time mission and ministry traineeship run over one or two years.

Be trained, learn new skills, get practical work experience, and grow in your faith as you share your passion for Christ with thousands of kids and youth on camp… all while getting paid!

Receive Bible, leadership, outdoor activity, youth and kids ministry training which can include formal qualifications

Find out more and apply today!

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

Help lead over 12,000 young people who attend CRU camps every year

To get trained and equipped in all of these different skills is amazing.

– BROOKE

Build life-long friendships and be supported by an encouraging Christian community

www.summitprogram.com.au