Being a part of God's plan

We enjoy watching Luke pitch this spring season

Isaac is a passionate follower of Christ.  I called Isaac last Tuesday night to talk about his application for an internship with Gain, Cru’s humanitarian relief ministry.

Isaac works as a mechanical engineer, but his passion is helping people know Christ.   As he has sought God, he decided he wanted to give a year of full time service to Him.  He thought that it would probably be through his musical interest and talent and pictured himself coming alongside missionaries overseas and using his music talent.  He had some relationships with Cru staff, so he contacted Cru about how he could serve.

As our team interacted with him, they noticed that his skills as an engineer, and his desire to assist local ministries overseas fit perfectly with our work with Gain.  He learned that he could help with several projects to bring clean water and open doors to reach people for Christ in those communities.

We love seeing how God has a place for all kinds of people with all kinds of skills and talents.  It’s great being a small part of Isaac’s journey and the impact He will make.  

As I’m consulting with various parts of Cru about team building, strategic planning, or coaching, it broadens my vision about all Cru is doing.  I also see how a bit of my time or attention can be a big blessing to those I come alongside.  Cru can be a fast paced, demanding place.  

It’s often surprising to me that something I do that seems kind of minor to me can be a huge help to a leader.  Last week I spent an hour with one of our staff who interrupted 3 times to say how helpful it was to have someone ask questions and listen to what he was trying to accomplish.

Thank you for making a lifetime of difference in our lives, and the lives of all that are touched by those we serve.

With love,

Interesting Quotes from Staff Applications

Thirty years of Memories

For over six years, we read hundreds of applications for those who wanted to work with Cru for both stateside and international assignments.  I estimate I've reviewed between 750 and 1,000 applications over our time with Cru.

Occasionally we'd come across something an applicant wrote that struck us as funny.  We thought you might enjoy reading some of those.

"I never dreamed God would lead me to staff because it was opposed to all my rational thoughts."

"Sometimes his dogmatic persuasiveness is misunderstood as insensitive pushiness."

"I have always wanted to work in a large building with many people, and I wanted to be surrounded by Christians, especially young single women Christians."

"I have been chosen as a finalist for the Publishers Clearinghouse 10 Million Dollar Sweepstakes, but other than this, I have not received any other significant honors or awards."

“[When I deal with loneliness] I go to the beach, think, pray, and walk on the water.”

From references:

"Everyone considers me a squeaky-clean-white-as-snow guy, but compared to Jon, he makes me look off-white or cream color."

Comment on the applicant's sensitivity to others:

"For a male, very sensitive."

 "John is sometimes unaware of other's feelings, not because of a callous heart, but just because he's a male and not clued in."

Summarize the applicants fitness for Christian service:

"Overall good.  She is of small frame and appears fragile, but she tries to exercise at least once a week and eat right."

Does the applicant have any outstanding abilities?

"Excellent driver with no tickets in five years."

 "He's really good at racquetball and at sniffing-out malarkey." 

 "She is pretty good at Jeopardy."

"He can roll a quarter up his stomach!"

What moral guidelines have you established for relationships?

"Our guidelines Include: Kissing in moderation!!  We want to stay away from any kind of foreign kissing." 

 "It is very difficult to think clearly while french kissing."

 "Low-key kissing is the fartherest (sic) I will go until marriage.  French kissing is not admissible."