Friday, May 3, 2013

Sent!

100% Sent

One of our goals as a ministry nationwide is that 100% of our students would know that they are “sent” by God to help fulfill the great commission in Matthew 28:18-20.  Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, had a desire to see our generation bring the Good News to everyone, everywhere. To do this, we need to be faithful 2 Timothy 2:2, where Paul entreats Timothy to teach what he’s learned to faithful men who will pass it on. We call that multiplication!

Since 2010, I’ve been full-time at Kean working with several young men and women who led the Cru movement there and now it is time to say goodbye to a strong few. I’m confident as these students move on to new areas to which God has called them, that they will seek the Lord diligently and learn how to serve Him in any area they are placed. But I’m sad to see them leave.
I’m especially sad to let go of some of the women I discipled: Sharon Hawkins - former president of Cru, Liscet Duran - a motivator and encourager of the movement at Kean, and Christa Diaz - a leader on campus who many followed and looked up to. I had the privilege of mentoring these women and seeing God transform them into His image to be a servant of the King. I will miss seeing them on the campus regularly although I’m sure our friendship will not cease.
 
Although sad to let some go, I am also proud to announce that Laura Fairchild (pictured right), who I’ve also disciple for two years now has just been voted in as president of Cru for next year. Please keep her in prayer as the Lord continues to mold her as His servant.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Do You Agree?

Acting Kean Cru President)
This past week, the student leaders at Kean University put together an outreach event called "Do You Agree?"with the help of staff and a good Christian friend in faculty.

The idea for the outreach was initially developed at Humboldt State University (see below for details) but at Kean, it was led by Sharon Hawkins (pictured left) and a faculty friend at Kean.
I Agree with” weeks began sweeping across college campuses in fall 1999 beginning at Humboldt State University, and then University of Arizona, stretching throughout the west coast, and east as far as Penn State University. The concept was born when Humboldt State decided to change a traditional Christmas ad, which they ran every year. The ad concludes with “If you have any questions about this incredible event, please ask one of us.” And then typically, it’s followed with the names of Christian students and faculty. Amidst much laughter, they decided to really get peoples attention with the ad that year, and listed just one name …Tom. No last name.
Kean University holds a lottery each year for non-funded groups and we just so happen to win! That means Kean funds an event of our choice for the student population and purchases whatever we need for it! We were able to order free shirts that said "Do You Agree?", free food for the night, a Cru table cloth for our info table, and money for souvenirs! We even got a few shirts for the night of that say "I Agree!" across the front. :)

With a background band, three testimonies, and about 5 musical selections, 75 students packed in the Cougar's Den (a popular cafe on campus) to hear what Cru believes is the best way to live life on campus in New Jersey, home to the National Atheist Society. Students sat at round tables of 4-8 people, discussing their opinions on God and spiritual things after a short video of student interviews. At the very end, about 50 people were still there to hear and see, through our testimonies & talents, what we all agree is the best way to live life on purpose.

Praise God for how He is moving at Kean in our Christian students' lives to impact the rest of campus! Please pray these students come visit us during our weekly meeting at some point as well!

Friday, April 12, 2013

Jersey Cru

Kean Cru Group @ Jersey Cru at Rutgers University

Once a month the Jersey Metro staff team organize an event where college students from across the state gather together to rejoice in testimonies they hear and worship through various song and scripture. 

The cool part about Jersey Cru in comparison to nearly any other Cru ministry across the United States is the sheer diversity of the students. In surveying about 200 college students, nearly 75% of the room confidently affirmed that they can speak a second language and about 10% of them can speak a third. We are literally reaching the nations at our doorstep and can continue to reach the nations right here in New Jersey as we engage in spiritual conversations with new students and build up believers in their faith to do the same.


Last month, national director of Cru High School, Darryl Smith, came to speak at Jersey Cru. As the only African-American national director, Darryl and his wife, Gwen (pictured right) have been put in many situations as minorities but Jersey Cru was an entirely different story. It was very uplifting to see Darryl and Gwen respond with such positivity and joy to the culturally diverse ministry of the Jersey Metro campus ministry. "I was so encouraged by the diversity in that room. It just shows the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!" Darryl said as I drove him to the airport. "I just wish ya'll would invite me back when it's warm!" he finished. :)

Darryl and Gwen have been a great influence in my life since I interned in 2007. It was such a blessing to be near friends I'd consider spiritual parents who pour wisdom into me every chance they get! Praise God for the few minority men and women on staff across the states willing to step into a difficult situation so that ALL may see, hear and know Jesus Christ.