ATX Summer Mission
Currently within the world of Cru, many of our fellow staff are headed to another city, state or country to participate in or lead a summer mission trip. In fact, short mission trips to Asia are how Naomi and I (Zack) originally got involved with Cru 15 years ago.
This year, our Summer Mission comes in the form of hosting 13 college students in Austin. They’re working with us on national priorities for our ministry operations: Video, Graphic Design, Finance, Digital Marketing, and Conferences/Events. We just kicked off!
On Tuesdays and weekends, these students are also going out on the UT campus or around the city to engage other students in spiritual conversations. They’ve already met several international students and received training on evangelism with different cultures.
The students I’m working with are Zoe (L) and Nikki (R). The three of us will be creating several videos: promos for Destino (the ministry of Cru to Latinos); testimonies of Bridges students from Malaysia and South Africa; and teaching & evangelistic videos about work, marriage, church, and overcoming habitual sin.
Michelle
On a flight that Paxton and I (Naomi) had taken a few months ago, a sweet gal named Michelle sat next to us. I found out that Michelle was Jewish and had recently moved to Austin. We had a great conversation about spiritual topics, and I invited her to join us for church sometime. To our delight, she joined us on Easter Sunday!
During our lunch afterwards, Michelle told us her observations of a Christian worship service from a complete cultural outsider. It was fascinating. What really stood out to her was the strangeness of our focus on a violent act (Jesus’ crucifixion). Zack and I then had a wonderful, gospel-centered discussion with her, reading passages together from Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. It was a rich and pleasant time. Even though she is not an international, the whole experience of discussing Christianity and Judaism was very cross-cultural.
Angel
Last month we were joined by Angel, our dear friend and former international student from Malawi. Angel is at several crossroads in her life, and we were able to impart some wisdom and guidance.
UPCOMING
We’ll be in Colorado for the Cru Staff Conference and to connect with our ministry partners. If you’ll be in Colorado we would love to see you there!
PRAISE REPORTS
- Annalei & Miah and friends were extras in a short film for Cru (pictured in header, left).
- God brought 13 students to join us in Austin for our a jam-packed Summer Mission.
- Spirit-filled conversations with Michelle and Angel.
PRAYER REQUESTS
- Michelle to take the next steps in investigating who Jesus is and how he fulfills Scripture.
- God to open doors for Angel to pursue vocational ministry.
- Students from ATX Summer Mission to get a vision for life-long ministry, and for several of them to join us full-time.