Ministry Location: University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Cal Poly
Pomona (CPP)
Ministry Description: Cru’s mission is to "Win (evangelism), build (discipleship), and send Christ-centered multiplying disciples." A significant part of my role involves coaching, training, and mentoring student leaders. This includes equipping them with essential ministry skills such as leading Bible studies, initiating spiritual conversations, and effectively sharing the Gospel. I also support student leaders with operational tasks, like managing finances or planning and executing retreats, which frees them up to focus on ministry with their peers. I also focus on staff development. I train new Cru missionaries during their initial years to ensure they are well-equipped. This year, I also contributed to a class designed for veteran staff, helping them identify their next ministry role based on their unique giftings as they transition.
Recent Ministry Fruit: - Supporting and developing UCSB student leaders both the Core Leaders and those leading ministry teams like community team or bible study leaders. I have done evangelism training for students to learn how to have spiritual conversations and articulate the Gospel. Campus outreach events have been well-received, and students are growing in their passion for sharing Jesus with others. These experiences have also broadened their perspective, helping them realize that their friends, classmates, and coworkers may also be open to spiritual discussions.
- I equipped five Cru interns (four from Cal Poly Pomona and one in Maui) through the two-year Cru Core Training, developing them as missionaries in Loving God, Self, and Others. I mentored them, provided ministry skills training, and offered practical solutions for their ministry contexts.
- Over the past year, I occasionally connected with a student leader named Joanna. We connected at church, at ministry gatherings and retreats, went sharing together, and met a few times for coffee. I had no idea how significant this connection was to her. This summer, she shared how meaningful it was and that it contributed significantly to her decision to intern with Cru at UCLA this school year. The Lord reminded me that continuing to show up and being in step with the Spirit’s promptings to initiate these occasional connections can lead to unimaginable things.
- I traveled with my son, Emerson, and 25 Cru staff to launch a new ministry at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). We connected with seven students who were interested in starting Cru, and they are now receiving coaching to help them lead the ministry.
Recent Challenges: - Less Cru staff, so we have had to get creative to continue to coach, mentor, and lead our current ministries and new ministries.
- My monthly financial support has decreased due to several partners needing to discontinue their giving. I need to raise an additional $1,200 per month to be fully funded.
