Jersey Metro Cru is Unique

Students who are and alumni who were involved in the Cru movements of New Jersey (known as Jersey Metro Cru) are unique. These young Christian leaders have been exposed to the Good News of Jesus as expressed through a variety of people and cultures.

Kean University Cru @ Fall Retreat 2014

A DIFFERENT WORLD
Not many college campus movements are made up of such an ethnically diverse group. Being involved in Cru at just one campus, you can befriend someone from Singapore, dorm with a Filipino American, meet African-Americans, Chinese Americans, first generation Haitians, second generation Dominicans or Puerto Ricans, Portuguese students and even 7th generation Germans. It's not uncommon to see this group having dinner, fellowshipping in the game lounge or going on mission trips together - especially in the northeast parts of New Jersey.

In fact, Steve Douglass, president of Campus Crusade for Christ - the worldwide non-churched based organization to which Cru belongs, spoke at Jersey Cru (our statewide Cru meeting) just two years ago. He told stories of people from around the world coming to know Jesus and then looked at the crowd and pointed out the reality of the amazing diversity in the room. We once asked how many people spoke a second-language and 2/3 students stood up. Darryl Smith, president of the high school ministry of Cru also came to speak at this meeting and noted feeling like it was heaven but without the amazing food.

STEP BY STEP
This type of environment didn't just happen overnight. 
A few students had to make a decision to be uncomfortable in a setting that was for the majority different than what they were used to. These students challenged the band to learn new music for worship, gave the staff different background music to play before and after the meetings, and introduced various Pastors and speakers to the team. Each individual student engaged with as many of the majority culture in the room as possible so that each person they met would know that not all stereotypes are correct and crossing culture isn't so scary. When other ethnic minorities came, they felt more comfortable seeing people who looked like them and sounded like them. This initial group stayed and created space for others to come and continue to create space. The ministry in New Jersey isn't perfect but also hasn't lost it's core values to glorify God but now expresses them through a variety of ways.

OUR VISION
Empowered and led by the Holy Spirit, each staff and student strive to advance God's kingdom by making Jesus Christ known in whatever way possible to whomever possible for the sake of influencing the state and the world. These staff and students recognize that there are students attending college on U.S. soil who are citizens of countries in which Christians are not allowed. They also see and seize opportunities to create communities that are ethnically diverse and reflective of their state.

SO WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? 
Students, staff and alumni of New Jersey have a unique perspective of the body of Christ. 

• We can more easily connect with others across cultures unlike many in our nation.
• So we can share the Good News of Jesus with MORE people.

• We see the spiritual depravity first-hand as we engage in spiritual conversations across ethnic barriers on campus.
• So we can step up in leadership within and outside of our ethnic cultures to bring about positive change.

• We have seen and acknowledged the racism within our own hearts and the relational divide within the body of Christ nationwide.
• So we can challenge our brothers and sisters in Christ here and around the U.S. to grow in building relationships and loving others across cultures.

#GETOUTTHERE

God didn't just place you in the Jersey Metro ministry of Cru for no reason. Our nation is currently suffering from the lack of knowledge and love for each other that comes with the experiences we've had living here. You know this breaks God's heart. So Have His Heart for our nation.

Could God want you to go somewhere, say something, do something, or give something that can be a small step towards the healing of our nation? 

A Willing Heart

Will you check out this video describing the organization I work with as a full-time missionary and consider joining my team through prayer or financial support today?

Did you know?

Did you know this about Cru & my ministry scope?

I figure since I will be getting training for the next few weeks to be the Missional Team Leader of all the Urban schools in New Jersey, I should share a few fun facts I learn. There are many reasons why I chose to work with college students, here are a few:

Did you know?

• Professors influence every student with whom we work. Over the course of four years, every single student spends around 2,000 hours in a classroom, being taught and shaped by 25-30 professors. And the influence doesn’t stop there—add textbooks, homework assignments, papers to be written, and so on and we begin to see the incredible reach of university professors. 

Help me reach students who can reach the professors who shape and mold the next generation of  leaders. Visit give.ccci.org/0597677

Everyday of my life...

Luke 21:4 "For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

I am a full-time missionary. My boss is God. Every day of my life I choose to serve Him and His mission to accomplish His vision through the organization formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ, now called Cru.

Using a picture survey to start spiritual conversations

I spend my workday talking to students who have always 'known" Jesus but don't fully know His transforming love (discipleship & training). I spend multiple days a week starting spiritual conversations and building relationships with the students, faculty and staff that God brings across my path who don't yet know Him (evangelism).

Tammy  (my director) & I at a Jersey Metro staff mtg

Twice a week I gather with a group of individuals (my staff team) who are deeply in love with Jesus and passionate about seeing the same vision come to reality across the state of New Jersey so that it ultimately impacts the world. Together, we pray for the college students that flood the campuses and the faculty that guide those students in their knowledge of this world. Together, we listen to God and pray about how He may want us to encourage one another and encourage the students to action; Action in prayer, action in planning and action in stepping out on faith to see those plans come to pass.

Because this is what I do with my time, I have a team of supporting friends and family who financially support me to be able to be on campus without concern of finances or food or shelter or health. From financial gifts of $10/month to annual $800 promises or even groceries for a few days, stamps for the week or gas cards in the mail. Because of people like you, I can be used by God to reach the increasing number of students around the world. Thanks you.

If you would like to help in any way, check out the how you can give note on my facebook page or visit give.ccci.org and use account number 0597677 or simply ask me.

Don't dismiss what you can't see...

Interesting time at Kean today.... 
....Especially consider I had just told my directors that "nothing is happening at Kean". Literally. I said that. (Now if you're a Kean student, please remember I'm fallen!) I mean with all things considered I guess I shouldn't say "nothing" because God is always doing something whether we we see it or not. However, in my defense, this Fall started off very slow because despite the best efforts from the Kean Cru leaders to plan for "freshmen week" (where freshmen get all of our attention & love), nothing happened. We couldn't book rooms for our events, freshmen were already so busy with moving in and attending seminars, and none of the upperclassmen were on campus yet to help promote things. Needless to say, I was growing discouraged.

Problem? Pray!
When I'm feeling low, I remember our verse of the year: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 which says "Pray without ceasing". So I began to pray... A lot. Every day that an event was cancelled, I prayed. I prayed at home. I prayed in the car. I prayed on campus. I prayed with the students. I prayed with faculty. I prayed with my staff team. I just prayed. Today, September 12th, is the 3rd Wednesday residents are on campus and the second week of classes. Wednesday nights are the new times for our weekly meeting/Bible study where all the students get together for a little worship, opportunity to hear from each other and from a speaker who speaks from scripture. Even though we are two weeks into the semester, we have not been able to book a regular room for our events or meetings and so students have a difficult time finding us on campus.

Lost? Seek Vision!

Leaders pray at Kean

This week, I decided to have a leadership meeting with all the Kean Cru leaders to help cast vision for them, encourage them, and give them a bit of training that will help them better plan outreaches in the future. :)  I sincerely enjoy this part of my job so much! I want to see students "get it"! I want to see students grow deeper in love with Jesus and understand the honor and opportunity they have to respond and then execute well the plans God has for their lives! Out of 13 leaders, 8 were able to make it to the leadership meeting today while others were in class or work. Towards the end, I was confident that some may have been convicted while others were motivated to see change. We started the meeting with 35 minutes of prayer and then talked about the need and their roles on campus (this was mainly in preparation for Friday's statewide planning meeting at Rutgers University). At the end of this meeting, I asked how and when was this evening's activity/outreach happening. The September flyer they created earlier said there would be man-hunt tonight. One student responded with a mellow tone that he doubted anyone would come, so we should just cancel and no one else said anything, so that's just what was decided. - Nothing Happening.

Back to campus life...

Hey friends!
I hope your summers have been just as rejuvenating as mine has! I’ve been praying about what to tell you in this newsletter since summers are so unique on staff with Cru. If I’m not on a mission trip (summer project) or taking classes, most of the summer consists of planning and preparing for the new academic year, connecting with students, and encouraging them to walk closely with Jesus. As you already know, this summer consisted of classes at the Institute of Biblical Studies in Orlando. August however, was very strategic.

  Just two weeks ago, I finished my New Staff Development Curriculum and then went to the Jersey Metro staff retreat. This year we have one new intern coming to Kean University, Joel Aponte (pictured right with Jon & Mario - Kean Cru student leaders), and two part-time female staff for the North and the South parts of the Jersey Metro team. Please pray for Joey & Jenn Sforza (pictured left) who have been raising their financial support for two years and have not yet reported to full-time campus work. We need them in the Urban region, especially at Jersey City University and Kean! Just following the retreat, we had one full week of staff meetings 10-4 everyday to pray, strategically plan, have devotions, and set goals for the entire state. I’m so excited to see what God is going to do at Kean University!

This week is already the first week at Kean University for incoming freshmen. Upperclassmen move in on Friday and classes start on Tuesday, Sept. 4th.  Please pray for the Kean Cru leaders to continue to prioritize their relationships with Jesus as the semester begins to unravel and that be an overflow of their service to the King. These leaders truly love Jesus and want to see His kingdom expanded here, but it can be often difficult to keep that a priority when there are so many other things fighting for their attention as students with jobs other responsibilities. Please pray for me as well as I take on more responsibility with multiple students and ministries in the Urban section of New Jersey, that I may keep Jesus as the focus of my time and affection. :)

These leaders will be coming together on September 14th with Christian student leaders from around the state ministry. Please pray that God will give them wisdom to learn what to do at Kean to reach their community here with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thanks for your prayers and financial support, which encourages us all as we prepare! :)

Working alongside Christ,

 Tabitha Morales

Education and IBS

These letters may be confusing to you if you're not up on the Campus Crusade for Christ lingo. :) Starting this past Monday, I am taking 4 weeks of seminary courses with the Institute of Biblical Studies (IBS) by Cru.

Eliza graduating Monroe College

Last month, my sister graduated from Monroe College with her Culinary Certification as a pastry chef one week after my father graduated from New York School of the Bible with his advanced education certificate in Biblical Studies! :) Even Gia, my 5 year old niece, is ready to read and will start in an advanced Kindergarten class this Fall! So proud of my family seeking to be good stewards of the time, money and skills God has given them.

My 5 yr old niece, Gia, READS!

One way I'm trying to do the same thing this summer is through IBS. Experienced full-time staff and professors from other seminaries around the United States put together various courses that Christians going into full-time ministry typically study and create them as a two week summer class for the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ around the world! - IBS. Next week I will be finishing my first two courses in Biblical Interpretation and Old Testament Survey.

Dad graduating from NYSB with Liberty U.

So far I've really enjoyed them both. Biblical interpretation is something I've learned growing up in a Reformed Baptist Church and with a father who loves "choppin' up" the scriptures. Although it's something I have a heavy background in, it's great to receive organized instruction and learn specific methods of how to best dissect the Word of God. It's also really encouraging to learn the terms to describe the scripture within it's historical, narrative and redemptive context.

Growing up in a Reformed Baptist Church, I knew the importance of properly dividing the Word and so I was slightly intimidated when I found out my professor for "Old Testament Survey" would be Dr. Futato from Reformed Theological Seminary. His lectures are wonderfully detailed and designed for hearers of all backgrounds but I KNOW his exam will NOT be easy. He is a God-fearing man, excited about the knowledge of the scriptures as it pertains to our living to glorify God; he reminds me a lot of my father. I just hope and pray to be able to retain the massive text we have to read and his daily 3 hour lectures! : /

Please continue to pray for me as I study to discern God's Word properly and return with greater ammunition for the spiritual battles on campus in NJ. Please also pray for me to finish raising the support I need to pay for these courses, dorm-life and meal plans.

May Updates

"I'm Muslim & we believe Jesus is alive!"

You must think I've twisted someone's words, but I promise you this was said in a conversation on campus with two Muslim student women.

Maria (far left) and I also took a tool called “perspective cards” and walked up to two young women sitting at the Starbucks on campus to initiate spiritual conversation. The purpose of Perspective is to ask the person surveyed to choose the cards that best represents what he/she believes about the following: Nature of God, Human Nature, Meaning and Purpose of Life, Identity of Jesus Christ,  & Source of Spiritual Truth.  

This step of faith led to a 2 hour conversation with Oraib, a Muslim student originally from Jordan, and Saeeda, the president of the Kean Muslim Student Association. Maria, being from Egypt, immediately related to them on a language level. And I connected with them, even more than we already were, after learning in the conversation that they both studied sign language! These new relationships support the importance of listening to others in the midst of evangelism.

For details of my conversation with Saeeda and Oraib, read below! :)

New Believers Follow Up

2012 Keeping Tabs with Campus Ministry                                                           April 2012

New Believers Follow Up

                 In the Fall of 2011, I told you about Dailyn Santana, a sophomore at Kean, who prayed to receive Christ at our annual Jersey Metro Fall Retreat. A few short months later I mentioned Jennifer Gonzalez, a Kean transfer student entering her junior year who prayed to receive Christ with her best friend and leader in Cru, Christa Diaz. This happened as a result of the Spirit’s leading during a conversation Jenny & I had.

Dailyn, Tabitha, Jennifer

 

Both Dai & Jenny (pictured right) were initially interested in making personal decisions to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ because of the relationships they witnessed their friends (like Christa) have with Him. Being mutual friends with Christa, whom I disciple, they both knew of the possibility of a relationship with me, where I train young women to live a godly life. So after they asked to learn more about this “Christian life”, I thought it’d be great to bring them through five basic life concepts for a new believer together. This past week we talked about investing our time to live for things that are eternally worthy instead of the temporary temptations of this world.

Prayer Request:
Please pray for Dai and Jenny as they prepare to enter the summer with a new life purpose.

Quest Week - Spring 2012

Jersey Metro Cru: A caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ.
Across the state, students are intentionally starting conversations and taking steps in their relationships to sharing Jesus Christ.

Quest Week: At Kean, we'd like to start spiritual conversations with students and faculty to get a better perspective of their views on life, love, God, and spiritual things. Join us in prayer as students start enlightening conversations, play games, and having lunch on the lawn for the sake of an opportunity to change a life with GOOD NEWS!

Week Schedule @ Kean:

Souls on the Green

Kean Cru students at "Souls on the Green"

• What? Have lunch together on the lawn daily. (Acts 2:42-47) Use tools like Soularium and Perspective Cards to start spiritual conversation & pray for the campus (an evangelism tool using pictures).
• When? 2-4pm(ish)
• Where? On grass in front of University Center (center of campus)

3:15-4:30pm daily activities:
Monday - Sports Outreach/ Evangelism using Perspective Cards
Tuesday - Prayer table and Soularium in the UC
Wednesday - Extended Souls on the Green
Thursday - Easter Egg Hunt (meet at UC clock tower)

Regularly Scheduled Other:
Prayer Walk - Monday 6:30pm - Clock tower
Women's time - Mon. 8pm - Library
Men's Time - Tues. 7pm - Basketball Court
Cru weekly mtg Bible Study- 8pm Hennings Hall Room 113 Thursday

Prayer Request:
Please continue to pray that the Kean leadership team endures, not giving up in helping make Christ fully known at Kean University!

Happy End of the Year!

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family! Of course, my friend having an asthma attack Friday night after my mom fell down the stairs and dislocated her elbow wasn't fun. But all are well and healing slowly as they trust the Lord, their Raffa. As I reflect over this past semester, I can't help but think of blessing after blessing after pain. Makes me think of that verse "goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life".

Just before Thanksgiving, I went away for a staff conference where the Lord challenged me through our regional directors to REST in Him! Not just escape via movies, television and friendly conversation, but spend time in His lap listening to His soothing words. I would consider myself an introverted extravert; I really enjoy spending time with people or sitting alone in my room as I video chat with them or read about them on Facebook or Twitter. The cyber interaction isn't as overwhelming as face to face interaction all week long, but it's also not very restful. Being the good New Yorker that I am, I'm constantly in motion and the idea of spending the entire week of Thanksgiving at REST at home caused me stress.

So I decided to spend as much time on campus as possible before "leaving" for a week of rest. Just before the staff conference I spent nearly 40 hours working in just a 4 day period and although in retrospect it wasn't the wisest thing to do, it was SO worth it!
 

Sharon, Christa & Coral

• Monday night, Kean Cru organized a party to pack shoe boxes that they would later donate with sororities & other social  groups from Kean University to Operation Christmas Child via the ministry of Samaritan's Purse. We were able to pack and wrap around 15 boxes from Kean Cru alone! :) Praise God, Jehova-Jireh, our provider!

•  Wednesday night I knew God was laying it on my heart to talk to the best friend of one of the student leaders from Kean Cru. After a long day of meetings and discipleship, I went to visit Jenny in her dorm. Through a 4 1/2 hour conversation full of random stories and the Gospel, we called Christa (center above), to experience the joy of watching her best friend pray to enter into a relationship with Christ! :) Praise God, loving Father.

• After an initial failed attempt to visit the gay pride group on campus, Kean Cru was invited to attend their weekly meeting. Kean Cru leaders prayed all week long as a few well-spoken seniors and grad students from the Christian group represented the ministry by apologizing for the general actions of hateful Christians towards homosexuals. Soaked in love and prayer, these students delivered an authentic and unapologetic message to the gay community at Kean University. "We serve a God of love, not hate. He created you and us for relationship with Him and we know that He sent us here to Kean to tell you that He loves you." Cru students reported that the members of the gay group were in awe and nearly moved to tears at the thought that God would love them. At the end of their truthful and loving message, a student responded "I have something to say to you on behalf of the gay community..." At this point, the Kean Cru student leaders nervously began to try to recall scripture that they may need for the anticipated debate. The student continues "...we are sorry for avoiding you and treating you differently simply for what you believe. You may be different from us, but we can treat you with love." Mouths dropped as they thanked one another for their time and left in peace! :) Our God is loving and sovereign! In His time, we pray He will cause that planted seed to grow!
• Thursday afternoon, I met with a student who prayed a year ago to receive Christ but has been struggling with figuring out how that changes her life. Later that night at our weekly meeting Bible study, guest Pastor Peter Torres spoke on "Love and Forgiveness". Taking us to the garden of Eden and through a detailed meaning of the cross of Christ, Peter challenged those who know and don't know God to have a deeper understanding of His relentless love. This challenge pierced the heart of the young lady I met with earlier that day and she re-dedicated her life to the Lord and set up accountability to walking with Him right then and there. :) Praise God, omniscient King!

Free from Ctrl

This song, Hold Me - Jaime Grace and Toby Mac, is one of those songs I hear and wish I would always believe. Laura Story sings a song called "Blessings" that does a good job of reminding me of the truths I need to stay focused on.

Backdrop: (pray please)

• I haven't had an apartment since the end of July and the school semester started the end of August. So I've been staying with my parents on the weekend and friends/students throughout the week as I work on campus at Kean University. 
• My support has been $1200/month lower than I need it to be so that I can fully engage college students with the revitalizing story of Jesus Christ. So I've only been working at Kean University for the most part and working on support the rest of the time.
• My tire blew an unexpected expense through my emergency fund the second day of work.
• My laptop has been unexpectedly been shutting down on random occasions.
• Kean Cru has been having problems getting a room for it's weekly Bible studies.

What God's been teaching me...

This weekend I was able to go to Baltimore with our Jersey Metro Intern, ChiChi, and a few NJ students to meet up with staff and students from around the region to discuss and plan our upcoming winter conference, RADIATE2011. Immediately after this conference, I decided to drive to Virginia with a student of mine to go visit friends & students from Hampton Beach Summer Project 2011. It was Saturday afternoon and I had Monday off since I had just finished working a 65 hour work week. I've obviously been struggling with finding rest without a place of my own and I knew that if I went to NJ or NY, I would probably work in one way or another. So I decided I need to get away.

Truth:
On this 5 hour drive to Virginia Tech & 8 hour drive back up to NJ, I learned that I have a strong desire to be in control of all things in my life and cause them to work my way - "the good way". I tend to forget God's promises and truth that He loves me and has plans to prosper me and not to harm me (Jeremiah 29:11). I see my circumstances and wonder where is God's hand, but He said He will never leave me or forsake me (Hebrew 13:5). So then can I believe Him even when I don't see Him working? Can I believe His word, which says He is good & all that He does is good (Psalm 119:68)?

Focus:
This song, "Tear Down the Walls" by Hillsong, reminds me that I can believe Him because there is a greater purpose to being here in this life than to be comfortable and adjusted in my life-seat. I can BE FREE from the need to control because He's trust-worthy. Christian rap artist, Lecrae, says it beautifully in his song "Background"- "I can play the background cuz I know sometimes I get in the way". He can handle my life.... I just gotta trust Him and see it from His perspective. Kinda gets me excited for what God is going to do at our Fall Retreat this year entitled "focus - Change your perspective. Find your purpose."

NOW... (praise time)

I can see God's goodness in all these things that appear painful.

• Because I don't have an apartment, I've saved on rent and utilities for two months and haven't had to pay with students, friends and family.
• Because my support is low, I've been able to talk to more students about what I do and the importance of giving to God's kingdom work.
• Because my tire blew & my laptop may be at the end of it's working life, I'm excited for what God's going to do on campus to upset the enemies schemes!
• Despite Kean having problems getting a room for their weekly meetings, we've had MANY freshmen students come out to our meet & greet, pizza & God event, and bowling night out... people know we are on campus! This is key to our movement! PRAISE JESUS!

Friends with Freshmen!

Classes have just started but freshmen have already met the people they will be friends with for the next 4-5 years of their college careers.

Due to the Hurricane, Kean University postponed move-ins til Monday, August 29th. But that didn't change any other activities for the week! Tuesday, the freshmen were oriented to "all things Kean", including Kean cru! Many colleges believe that freshmen need to learn how to survive college, but we believe they also need to be equipped to thrive in life. At a club awareness fair, I was able to set up a table and hand out "freshmen survival kits" (Bibles, water bottles, fliers & "Jesus Without Religion" books by Rick James) to over 100 new freshmen! Within an hour of the first group of freshmen, we had given nearly everything away. And the only reason I believe we still had Bibles was because we had extra donated by a local church.

Answered prayer: KU Cru men leaders! Joe, Harvey, Karl, Jon, Joe

Before anything else happened, I met with all the Kean cru leaders (men pictured right) to divide the 115 surveys so that we could each follow them up. On a survey from 1-10, nearly 30 students marked a 10 to answer the question "rate your desire to know God personally"! Tuesday night, after the fair, students were invited to meet in front of a freshmen residence hall to go out for a photo scavenger hunt! Wednesday, our Kean cru student leaders met over lunch to follow up with more surveys! Thursday, they were all invited to our "meet & greet" in the New Freshmen Residence Hall. About 10 students who attended were freshmen who desired to strengthen their walk with Jesus! Praise the Lord!

Three of these freshmen stated in their intros that they went on mission trips this summer with their churches! I have a great feeling that this year we will see strong freshmen believers sent as missionaries from their local churches to our college campus to share Christ and help transform lives through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Jersey Cru

J.Cru is a meeting that gathers the students involved in our ministry across the state to one central location to worship and fellowship with other believers. The students lead worship, share testimonies with one another, discuss strategies for campus ministry and enjoy good friends and fellowship.

This is a video a few of my students from New Jersey City University put together as a promo for our monthly student meeting called JCru. I love their creativity! If you have Facebook, check it out by clicking here.

FYI - In the video you might recognize Joey and Jenn (first two students seen), who will soon be getting married and joining staff with the Jersey Metro Team.