A Newsletter To The Friends And Supporters Of Crusaders
Spring 2016
CRUview
CRU SUMMIT It might seem safe to assume that things would slow during the winter months, but in fact quite the opposite occurs for the Summit team, with 39 camps during Term 2 and 3 as well as an intensive training schedule. During this time, the team has had the incredible privilege of seeing the impact that the Gospel has on the hearts and lives of kids on our camps. One Summit ‘Fellow’, Victoria York, writes of her experience on a recent camp: “One of our campers, Jess, asked if we could pray to ask God into her life. After we prayed, her joy and excitement
was so evident, she proceeded to find every single one of the leaders and many of the teachers so that she could tell them that she had just become a Christian!” How good God is that He allows us to be a part of growing His Kingdom! The training the fellows undertake – in theology, ministry and Outdoor Recreation – aims to grow them, not just in their skills for their role at Summit, but also in their relationship with God.
Bonnie Mason, reflects on her time with Summit so far: “It has been such an exciting experience to be a Fellow on the Summit Team this year. I have loved being in a Christian workplace where I am constantly being challenged & grown in my faith and supported in my walk with God.” We desire to see our trainees not just gain some theoretically knowledge, but instead to experience ministry for themselves; to be grown, stretched and used by God in a way that inspires and equips them for a lifetime of service and ministry.
CRU SCHOOLS MINISTRY One of the greatest joys for the Schools Ministry team is to regularly see faithful teachers supporting young believers in CRU groups. It’s wonderful to connect with teachers and chaplains who are able to invest in these students’ lives to encourage and grow their love for Jesus.
meetings, Jo states how grateful she is that the girls continue to ask to meet with her and learn together from God’s word. Jo says, “The time I spend with these girls is such an encouragement to me, especially in the busyness of a school day. It’s been a joy to see the group growing through them!”
CRU groups provide a wonderful place where fellowship and discipleship relationships can be fostered. Joanna Chan, who runs the senior school group at MLC, recently spoke of the joy she had of being able to meet with her CRU leaders - not just meeting to discuss what is happening this week, but also taking the opportunity to open the Bible and pray with them. Although, at times, the girls’ and Jo’s schedules make it hard to prioritise these
The fruit from Jo’s desire to disciple these leaders is clear, as they have grown in confidence and courage in standing up for Jesus in their school. Praise God for opportunities teachers have to serve and support students in CRU groups and for the encouragement God gives them as they do this.
PLEASE WELCOME OUR DIRECTOR OF MINISTRIES In May of this year, Crusaders appointed Nathan McElveney to the newly-created role of Director of Ministries. We interviewed him to find out more.
Could you begin with telling us how you came to CRU? I joined the Summit team in 2004, initially as an Outdoor Educator (camp director), before taking on the role of Director of Summit in late 2005. I came to CRU from a teaching background, as I saw the wonderful opportunities we have to reach the next generation here. This is a new position. What was the need here? Largely, this role is also about investing in the future. By God’s grace,
we’ve seen significant growth in our three ministry areas – Schools Ministry, CRU Holiday Camps and Summit - in the last decade. With what’s just beginning in Western Australia and our plans for Lake Macquarie, we are expecting to see this growth continue, God willing. So there’s a real need to invest well in our ministry areas now, in anticipation of what God’s going to do in the coming years. There was also a practical need for our Executive Director, Gary, to focus more on the bigger picture.
Finally, what excites you most about the role? It’s been a real joy to be involved in an organisation where God is clearly working. So I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve in this new way. And I’m excited to see how He continues to grow these ministry areas. I’ve touched on our plans to grow in the coming years; but I’m excited to see what actually unfolds, because we serve a God who has a habit of doing more than we can imagine!
TOP TIPS FOR HAVING GOSPEL CONVERSATIONS WITH TEENAGERS The teenage years are a tricky time. We’ve all been there and experienced some of the angst, the indifference and the turbulent hormones. However, statistics show that 80% of Christians made the decision to follow Jesus before the age of 20. These turbulent years are spiritually pivotal in many people’s lives and faith. So how do we patiently walk with and bring the gospel to today’s teenagers? Here are 4 tips.
1. BE REAL Be yourself. Don’t try to ‘act cool’ or impress them. Being open and honest with them will go a long way to opening up good conversations. It’s not easy to be a Christian in today’s society, especially at school. Be willing to share your failings and struggles in faith with them, and also your joy in knowing God’s forgiveness and His faithfulness.
2. LOVE THEM If you go in thinking teenagers are brats, spoilt, rude, obnoxious and unwilling to talk, chances are they’ll meet all your expectations. However, if you go in loving them, giving them the benefit of the doubt, and seeing the potential they have in Christ, then you’ll experience the joy of relationships with teenagers. Be willing to just be with them – sit in silence, make small talk or do something active with them – then they’ll see you care about them. (Hint: often teenagers are best to chat to after the sun goes down!) One of the most practical ways to love them is to thank God for them. Not only is this a Biblical model of prayer – ensuring our prayers include thanksgiving as well as petitions – but by being thankful to God for His work and goodness in their lives, it helps us to remain thankful for them, even in the midst of any relational challenges we face.
3. LISTEN AND ASK Teenagers and parents often complain they don’t understand each other, but the real problem is that they don’t listen to each other. So be sure to listen to them. Learn what they care about, and engage with them on their terms. Ask them about things that are important to them, and use their answers as a springboard to go deeper. If you ask them how school is going and they merely say ‘good’, ask them what’s good. Care about and engage with their responses. There is more going on than the one-word answers they give you.
It is tempting to spend too much time talking at them and not enough time asking. No doubt you have godly wisdom and Biblical input to share, but discern when and how to share this – your timing and agenda on this may well be different to God’s. Spending more time asking and listening, while praying that God will open conversation doors in His timing, is the best way to entrust this to Him.
4. ASK OPEN AND DIRECT QUESTIONS If you ask questions that can be answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’, you will receive a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. So try to ask questions that are open, but also direct and probing. When you ask questions like this you may be greeted with an awkward silence; but this awkwardness is on them, not on you, so go with it and let them speak when ready. Asking “is your faith going well?” or “was church good?” are examples of closed questions. Alternative questions might be “what part of your faith are you struggling with most right now?” or “what do you enjoy about church?” Questions like this move beyond the triviality of everyday conversation and force them to dig deep and answer honestly, especially if you implement tip number 3 above, and follow up their answer with another question! Don’t be shy to take the opportunity to read a passage of Scripture if it relates to what they are sharing, and try to finish off each conversation in prayer. Reading the Bible together and praying with each other isn’t just reserved for adults and young kids. This is a habit we can all be in together. Doing this with teenagers will serve them immensely in a God-honouring way.
CRU CAMPS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE FOR LEADERS Holiday camps are such a fun season within the life of Crusaders. This Winter season saw 1,550 campers and 400 leaders spread across 27 camps! We’ve been really encouraged to see faithful, enthusiastic, skilful leaders provide high quality camp experiences and present the gospel of Jesus with integrity and passion. Leading one of our CRU “Study Camps” is the dynamic duo of Lauren van der Merwe and her husband Grant. She tells this inspiring story about leading on a camp this winter: “At our church we are really passionate about seeing the local community won for Christ – particularly young people. That is one of the reasons directing Winter Study stuck out to us because we got to spend 7 days loving and sharing Jesus with 166 campers. One
of the particularly awesome moments on camp was when we handed back the camper surveys to the discussion group leaders. One of the leaders came to me in tears. She proceeded to tell how one of her campers recommitted her life to Jesus. This camper had been around our Church with her mum for a while yet no one really knew where she was at with God. This really reminded me of how good God is. I love that God ordains circumstances to perfectly fit His plans. Out of the 9 study camps in winter, this
girl happened to end up on the one that 17 people from her mum’s church were on. It was a helpful reminder that we are not in control, but He is! I wonder what else God is doing in our lives that we are missing or trying to take control of? Leading on CRU camps is such a rewarding experience and I am blessed to be apart of God’s work in this new generation”
We’re so thankful for all our amazing leaders and the impact they have not just in CRU ministry but in His ministry!
ARE YOU A LEADER? Are you interested in leading on a CRU camp? If having fun, meeting friends, serving God and leading youth sounds inviting to you, then join us and sign up at
crucamps.com.au/cru/volunteers
CRU COUNCIL After almost 10 years as Chairman of Crusader Council, Philip Bell OAM has announced his plans to retire from the role, and Council has appointed Dr Timothy Wright, Headmaster of Shore, as its 23rd Chairman. We thank God for the wise, steady and godly leadership Philip has shown in his service to Crusader Council. In welcoming Tim as the new Chairman of Crusader Council, Gary Hill spoke of his appreciation to Council for electing a leader with a longstanding passion for Crusaders’ ministry and with substantial and significant leadership experience. Philip and Tim, with Gary, are working closely in the second half of 2016 to ensure a smooth transition, as Crusaders prepares for what we believe will be an exciting period of growth. In saying farewell, Council has also said welcome. In March, two new members joined Council – Sarah Lancaster and Alex Koch. Both Sarah and Alex bring to Crusaders’ governance a deep commitment to Jesus, training in education and theology and many years of ministry experience. Sarah is currently serving as Children and Families’ Minister at Christ Church, Gladesville and Alex is the Chaplain at St Catherine’s School in Waverley. Both were involved in Crusaders as school students. Please thank God for both Philip and Tim, and continue to pray that Council would be godly, wise and effective in guiding Crusaders.
CRU PROPERTIES WORKING BEE AT LAKE MAC If you’re looking for hands-on way to get involved, we’re holding a Working Bee at the Lake Mac campsite on Saturday, 3rd December. We need as many hands as possible, whether you’re a trained landscaper, a beginner painter, a willing gardener, a lifelong engineer, a thorough cleaner, or just happy to help where you can. There will be plenty to do and we’ll make a fun day of it through Christian fellowship! If you’re interested in coming along, email David at DavidW@crusaders.edu.au to receive more information.
GALSTON UPDATE Over a four week winter period, Galston accommodated around 200 people every night. Many of these campers were on the Winter Study Camps. This season was a huge one for staff but it also took its toll on our equipment. In this last month our main freezer had a fault, our combi oven was only working at 50% capacity and our dishwasher broke! We can thank God for a quick thinking team who put in the effort so that the combi oven and freezer limitations had no impact on our guests. Thankfully too, the dishwasher broke at the end of the busy period. Praise God for his timing and provision (and that we have now been able to replace these breakages!).
CRU COMMUNITY HATCHED
HOOKED
Amy & Nathan McElveney, a girl, Lara Ruby , 4th April
Anna Wilkinson & James Beaver Christine Lang & Mark Gilmour Sal Crook and Kjartan Aano Eilish Sullivan & Zane Garratt Izzie Perkins & Geordy Armsworth
Lee Rogers & Emanuel Grunnesjo, 9th July
HITCHED
Elizabeth Anne Forsyth (nee Quick) & David Ward, 3rd September
Ellie & Nick Pearson, a daughter, Pepper, 1st May Angela & Andrew Davidson, a boy, James Lloyd, 2nd May Renee & Huw Jones, a boy, Ethan George Brian, 17th May Bess & Andrew Yager, a girl, Charlotte Rose, 16th June Stephanie & Hamish Toose, a boy, Atticus, 30th June Michelle & Peter Thornton, a boy, Tobias, 16th July
Issy Burchett & Patrick O’Keeffe, 9th April Eli Jones & Will Lindeback, 9th April Marjorie Bangonon & Stuart Smith, 7th May Rozzy Kelly & Jono Hibbard, 28th May Jayne Elleson & Jerrell Alexander, 2nd June
Chelsea Stringfellow & Arran Mills, 13th August
Amelia Mackintosh & Andrew Barker, 10th September
HOME Dawn Hill, 14th June Peter Jones, 26th August
TEACHERS ON THE MOVE Medon Loupis has moved from Youthcare WA to Chaplain at Chairo Christian School, in Victoria.
Matthew Noble has commenced as Chaplain of the Junior School at Cranbrook School.
David Smith is moving from Head of Middle School at St Andrew’s Cathedral School to Principal of Calrossy Anglican School.
Geordie Barham has moved from Knox Preparatory School to Chaplain at Newington College.
Warwick Morrison retired as Chaplain of The Scots College Preparatory School. Matt Richards has commenced as Chaplain of The Scots College Preparatory School.
Mel Razey is moving from Rouse Hill Anglican College to Deputy Head of Middle School at Pacific Hills Christian School.
Jo Chan is leaving MLC School.
Nikolai Blaskow is moving from Assistant Chaplain at Radford College in the ACT to Gippsland Grammar School in Sale, Victoria.
Venessa Williams-Henke and Vinnie Ravatali have started as Chaplains of MLC School.
Nathan Asher has moved from Mamre Anglican College to teaching at Shire Christian School. David Chilton has been appointed to the chaplaincy team at Barker College.
Tony George is moving from Principal of St Stephen’s School in Perth to Headmaster of The King’s School. Andrew Parry is moving from Deputy Principal of The Kings School to Principal of Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange. Stephen Edwards is moving from Chaplain to Deputy Head of the King’s School. Megan Krimmer is moving from Principal of Roseville College to Headmistress of Abbotsleigh School for Girls.
THANK YOU FOR A NEW SEWERAGE SYSTEM AT GALSTON We’re excited to report that, through God’s provision and the support of friends like you, we met the $409,000 EOFY goal needed to help fund a new sewerage system at our Galston
campsite! This means we can now replace the failing system and kids can continue experiencing Jesus on camp at Galston. We are in discussions with Hornsby
Council about progressing this project and expect to complete it in 2017. We’ll keep you updated on our progress!
INVESTING IN LEADERSHIP: LAUNCH OF THE HOWARD GUINNESS LEADERSHIP TRUST With religious education under threat in Aussie schools, Crusaders’ ministry to grow our future Christian leaders has never been more needed. Through strong leaders, young people are given the best opportunity to hear the
Gospel and grow in their service of Him. In May, the Howard Guinness Leadership Trust (HGLT) was launched. This trust is named after our founder, Doctor the Reverend Howard Guinness. He had vision to win young people
for Christ then nurture them into servant leaders. The HGLT has been set up to provide ongoing funding for resourcing our ministries into the future – particularly in the area of leadership. This ensures we are fully prepared to multiply
disciples of Jesus. It was a great privilege to have Mary Jones OAM, the daughter of Howard Guinness, speak at the launch. Visit crusaders.edu.au/hglt to find out more.
BOOST YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH CRUVIEW We’re looking for CRUview sponsors to help cover the costs of communicating with our supporters. You’ll have the opportunity to place the logo of your local business in our newsletter for the CRU community to see. If you’re interested to find out more, contact Maddie on (02) 9188 9719 or madeleine.nance@crusaders.edu.au
OUR FREE, NO-OBLIGATION WILLS SERVICE Professional solicitors from Frank Legal, Lane Legal, Dunn Legal and Michael Cassin Solicitors are volunteering to help friends like you prepare your Will free of charge at the upcoming Crusaders’ Wills Days. Wills Days give you time and support to write or update your Will free of charge. You will also have the no obligation opportunity to leave a gift in your Will to Crusaders for continuing Kingdom growth into the future. To find out more information or to register your interest for an appointment please contact David on (02) 9188 9717 or davidhall@crusaders.edu.au
FRIDAY, 11TH NOVEMBER Lane Legal, Level 2/16 Spring Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Frank Legal, Level 1/7-11 Railway Street, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
SATURDAY, 12TH NOVEMBER Crusaders’ Eastwood Office, Suite 1/38 Rowe Street, Eastwood NSW 2122
FRANK LEGAL Frank Legal is a growing firm located in Baulkham Hills. They are keen to support Crusaders by offering their professional expertise. Naomi Webb (pictured) will be available to prepare your Will at our Wills Day.
YOUR CRU
DATES FOR THE DIARY WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER
FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
MONDAY 14TH NOVEMBER
SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER
Business Breakfast for young professionals, QVB Tea Room
Wills Day, Lane Legal, Sydney CBD & Frank Legal, Baulkham Hills.
Crusaders’ Women’s Fellowship lunch, Beecroft.
Lake Mac Working Bee, Crusaders Lake Macquarie.
SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER
SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER
Volunteers Thankyou Ball, Manly Management Centre
Wills Day, Crusaders’ Office, Eastwood
SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER VOLT (Volunteers Training Day), SMBC.
THURSDAY 8TH DECEMBER Summit Thanksgiving Service, Crusaders Galston Gorge.
If you’re interested in any of the listed events, please contact us on (02) 9874 8933 or supporter@crusaders.edu.au
THE BIG PICTURE “Devote yourself to prayer” Paul instructed the believers in Colossae (4:2). It echoes similar instructions in his other epistles. We are so thankful that people pray for Crusaders’ ministry!
It’s fascinating to read in Acts 4 of the early church’s response when faced by hostility to the Gospel. At a time when they are ordered not to speak of Jesus (v.18), they gather to pray (v.24), and recognize both that God is in control and that opposition to God’s message will occur in their time as it did in the past (vv24-9). So they pray for boldness to speak God’s word and that God would show His hand (vv.29-30).
HELPFUL WAYS TO PRAY
We know that prayer is important, yet it so often gets crowded out. Other things attract our attention and we rarely pray as we should. It’s staggering isn’t it: if Jesus, God’s perfect, loved Son, prioritized prayer over other things, what makes us conclude we don’t need to be committed to prayer? There were times when He could have been healing, or teaching, or sleeping, or eating, but prayer was such a priority for him that woke early (Mark 1:35) and he prayed in Gethsemane’s garden (Mark14:32ff.) As Paul E Miller has written “If you are not praying then you are quietly confident that time, money and talent are all you need in life.”
4. Let Scripture guide you. For example, if you’ve read a Bible passage about perseverance, pray for perseverance.
Holiday camps are such a fun season within the life of Crusaders. This Winter season saw 1,550 campers and 400 leaders spread across 27 camps! We’ve been really encouraged to see faithful, enthusiastic, skilful leaders provide high quality camp experiences and present the gospel of Jesus with integrity and passion.
1. Establish a routine of time and place. 2. Eliminate distractions. Personally, this means avoiding screens which catch my attention. 3. Consider praying out loud or writing your prayers.
5. Use a prayer list, like Crusaders’ daily prayers. 6. Consider using other’s written prayers to refresh your prayer time. I’ve found Peter Adams’ prayers a great example and encouragement (just google). As you do so, pray that God’s Spirit would cause you to continue to be a prayerful person. And, like Paul asks, pray that I may proclaim the Gospel clearly, as I should (Col 4:4).
Gary Hill Executive Director
The Crusader Union of Australia PO Box 590, Eastwood NSW 2122 Ph (02) 9874 8933 www.crusaders.edu.au ABN: 90 213 359 332
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