By Amanda Carr
Campus Crusade for Christ also known as CRU exists as an opportunity for university students who want to explore the things that matter in life, relate with one another and grow in a relationship with Jesus. They are a caring community passionate about connecting people with Jesus Christ. Heather Kahler, the advisor for CRU, took over her role from another UWS professor when they retired around 3 years ago. She says, “You can have money, a good career, success in the world but those things are still not going to fill you. God first is what will fill your heart.” She also is the advisor for Street Level, another student organization for students. Previous events that CRU has had are barn dances, a sundae bar, pizza and leadership meetings, bible studies, and many other fun gatherings.
CRU has an international night the 1st Friday of every month, which starts at 6 p.m. “It is hosted by a former professor for UWS students. There is free food, speakers, and it’s lots of fun,” according to Zach Parsons the lead student contact for CRU. According to Parsons, he has had lots of fun experiences with CRU from weekend retreats, to the CRU conference in the Twin Cities where he was able to meet students from other colleges, there were at least 1,300 students at that event. Parsons also had the opportunity to go to Spain and reach out to others. He hiked 100 miles, served food, and made beds for future pilgrims.
According to Parsons, “there are two bible study groups per Res Hall, one male group and one female group.”
“CRU will be having an upcoming picnic event on April 27, hosted by UMD. Last year around 60 people attended and it was in the booth at the UMD football stadium. They played card games, and told stories,” says Zach. CRU also has apologetics time every other Thursday. Every Thursday there is a different topic. Some other retreats CRU has are fall getaway, which is a weekend cabin retreat. There is a man vs. winter weekend retreat for men, which tries to have three speakers from each school in the area. They do retreats for women as well. Like the quote that hangs in Heather’s office says “And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul?” –Mathew 16:26.
If you are interested in getting involved with CRU you can reach out to Parsons, or check out the website, or check their Facebook page.
