#cru15

CRU15

Every other year 5,000 staff from all over the US and world invade Fort Collins, CO for the Cru conference at CSU. This year, Cru15, the theme of the conference was ‘together’.

The first four days of the conference we dove into topics like; ethnic diversity, partnering with others and going to the ends of the world. It was refreshing hearing from Cru leaders in our organization as well as outside thought leaders about these topics. They were not easy topics, and I really applaud the conference organizers for launching into sensitive topics like race with humility and openness. I know I have a lot to learn about my brothers and sisters in Christ that are different than me. We had a day off, in which I explored the Rocky Mountains with my fellow Berkeley Staff. 

The last two days we had a myriad of speakers and stories from all over the world about God moving. Francis Chan spoke on the last day of conference and one of the things he said really struck me. He asked us when was the last time we were our knees praying for our people? When did we stop the ‘doing’ of ministry and just be still and pray? To be honest, I couldn’t remember the last time I stopped and really just prayed for Berkeley students and the girls I encounter. Chan reminded us that movements of God are fueled with people who are deeply in love with Jesus. Am I spending quality time with God and am I relying on Him for all that I do? It is hard to answer those questions, but it made me re-evaluate how my walk with God is going and to aim for just being with Him.

Larry and I are gettin’ schooled! That is, we’re taking seminary classes. Over the course of the summer we’ll have gone through Old Testament Survey, Biblical Interpretation & Communication, and God, Bible, Holy Spirit classes! 

I’ve really appreciated these courses! AND if you have the mental picture of two people (probably high schoolers?) who like each other passing notes to each other in class--you are essentially seeing our behavior in class. Just kidding! But it IS so fun to learn with Larry and hear what he’s taking away from our studies so far! 

I’m really enjoying the Old Testament Survey class as it’s opened my eyes and heart up to the Old Testament. I, like many (maybe even some of you?), have not traditionally had much of a desire for understanding and knowing the Old Testament beyond the Psalms. However, as we’ve learned about the historical context of Old Testament times and writings, I’m growing more and more aware of how crazy, genius, and beautiful God is and how He really is working everything for His purposes. Truly, I am amazed! Sometimes I leave lecture just feeling awe for God and what He’s done/is doing. 

We really do love learning, and it’s probably why we continue to work with Cru/Epic Movement... because we’re constantly put in situations where we don’t know any answers, but must learn how God desires us to act in faith. Case in point: we’re both playing lots of sports while we’re here--volleyball and soccer! I’m very new to soccer and am really going into it by faith and hoping I don’t break any limbs but still have a good time! Yikes!