Showing God in action in and through His people

Let Me Tell You a Story: How Bible Stories Open Conversations

Desperate to turn back the tide of anxiety, depression and suicide among her friends and family, Rose Baijense embarks on a two-week journey to learn oral Bible stories with five other college students at StoryRunners®’ Orlando Summer Mission.

Practical Kindness at World Youth Day

World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, brought opportunities for people to demonstrate God’s character and provide encouragement through Jesus Film Project® resources.

Representing Jesus Regardless of the Results

With the high turnout of their Taste of Tampa welcome event, Cru® staff members and student leaders at the University of South Florida expected to see more than 25 students visit the Cru weekly meetings. Though God didn’t move in the way they’d hoped, student leader Lia Compton leads with faith that God will work on her campus through her everyday interactions.

Redirection Happening Within a Central Florida Campus

Wes Pfuntner thought he had his life figured out after graduating in May 2023, but God had other plans.

A Legacy of Changed Lives in San Diego

Through the 2023 San Diego Summer Mission, God changed the lives of college students and the people they met around the city.

Good News Goes Global through Guatemalan Soccer

God is reaching and equipping thousands of people around the world through Guatemalan Athletes in Action® staff member Cristobal Chamale and his ministry to elite athletes, their families, and their fans.

Why You Need Your Neighbor

Hospitality, as Jesus modeled it, happens through interconnected and interdependent communities of people. Melody, serving with a Cru® ministry called Neighbor Bible Studies 2GO, seeks ways to invite and connect others in her community in an interesting way: asking for help for herself and finding ways for her neighbors to serve each other.

Experiencing God’s Extravagant Love

Lisa Brockman trained to become a spiritual director so she could help others understand their spiritual journey.

5 Ways to Embrace Our Limitations

In a society that embraces “doing it all” and “knowing it all” as accomplishments, we find it difficult to live within our finiteness. But our lives are full of limitations — a built-in aspect of God’s design, as creator of time and space. By embracing these limitations rather than working against them, we grow in our understanding of God’s power and presence in our lives.

Message From the Editor

Melody Copenny, editor-in-chief of Cru Storylines®, shares a New Year’s greeting and important update.

How God Works in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji

How God is moving in the hearts of college students on campuses in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.

Athletes Team Up to Create Change with Clean Water

A spring break trip to Ecuador brought student athletes from the University of Iowa and Marquette University to local homes instead of tourist sites. Through a partnership with Athletes in Action® and Filter of Hope, college students left their normal routines to meet people’s physical need for clean water and start spiritual conversations.

Bringing God's Word to People One Story at a Time

Many tribal people groups around the world are oral rather than literary cultures, requiring pastors to be creative in planting churches in these communities. In Africa, two Cru® ministries equip pastors and church members to share Bible stories with people who won’t read a Bible but are hungry to hear the good news about Jesus.

Strengthening Faith Step by Step

The Athletes in Action® Sports Performance Center helps athletes build physical and spiritual strength with the help of Jeff Friday, a former NFL strength coach.

Giving Thanks When Chronic Illness Moves In

When you find ways to be grateful in the midst of chronic illness, you can strengthen your faith and improve your mental health.

The Power of Redeeming Words

One statement Taurus James made as a teenager labeled him a troublemaker and set him on a course for cultivating deep biases of hate. But God can redeem people’s pasts and bring them to a place of service using their experiences.

Message From the Editor

Melody Copenny, editor-in-chief of Cru Storylines®, shares a special message with readers.

The Art of Noticing People and Beauty

Friendships form in San Francisco as part-time Cru® staff member Hope Curran Lundblad uses art to give away God’s love.

Reimagining Work God’s Way

The pandemic has led Americans to rethink work. A God-centered view of work gives us the refreshment we need.

Two Restaurants and the Sovereignty of God

In trying to disprove the Bible, atheist college student Josh Quiros is surprised by an unexpected result.

How Mental Illness Drew Me Closer to the Heart of God

When the pandemic hit New York City in 2020, Marilette Sanchez experienced a jarring mental health crisis. Now she candidly shares her story of chaos and God’s faithfulness through it all, in hopes of encouraging fellow sufferers and those whose loved ones struggle with mental health.

The Little Church That Could

After the pandemic and a drought devastated Bakersfield, California’s workforce, God used churches like tiny Centro Cristiano Agape to meet huge needs.

Gen Z: Reaching Out with What Means Something to Them

Resolution Movement reaches Gen Zers in ways that help meet their unmet longings.

Signs to Freedom

Maameyaa Asiamah finds her place in Hands of Fire, Cru®’s campus ministry for Deaf students, to worship God as the person he made her to be.

5 Ways to Redeem Loneliness and Start to Move Towards Others

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, loneliness still affects many people. But even in our current reality, God faithfully pursues us, offering connectedness — to himself and others.

How You Can Find Rest in the Rhythms of Jesus

In a world driven to hurry and worry, Jesus Christ offers another way, a restful way embedded in his rhythms and in keeping company with him.

A Videographer Redirected

Just before the COVID-19 lockdown, newly homeless videographer Nick Angarita finds much more than just a new place to live.

Looking Forward to Advent 2021

During Advent, we remember the truth of our one unshakable foundation: Our Lord is our Immanuel, God with us, in every season of our lives.

How a Well in Chad Brought Life to a Village

God used the ministry of Unto® to provide clean water in a village, changing the life of a woman named Maysa while also showing that he is the true source of life that will never run dry.

A Welcoming Home for The Weary

A ministry for people receiving cancer treatment provides peace and rest, growing with the help of Cru® communities.

How A Single Instagram Post Impacted Two Lives

Student leader Hannah Koehler learned firsthand the value of perseverance in the face of discouragement, and in the process saw God offer a new friend new life.

The God Who Bridges The Gaps

An unusual Cru® Gap Year proves a crucial experience for all involved, revealing God’s care for both the big and small details of life.

When You Love a Prodigal

On the long and desperate road of loving a prodigal, love and grace are required — and abundantly provided by God.

Join in Spirit of Hope During the Olympic Games

As athletes from around the world gather for the Olympics in Tokyo, Christ-followers will be among them. Athletes in Action offers ways for you to pray for them and for the countries the represent.

Highlighting Women's Voices in God's Story

Jenny Steinbach beleived that an audio Bible voiced soley by woment could make the Word of God more accesible to many people, epspecially women searching for thier place in His kingdom.

Encouraged By Joy

Because of God’s healing and encouragement through her own struggles, Joy Davis reaches out to others in need, especially those who struggle with food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Slowing Down, Being Close: How A Day With God Restores Your Soul

In a world that clamors for our attention, learn what it can look like to make space for and spend time with God.

An Exciting Announcement From Our Editor

Cru Storylines™ Editor-in-Chief Rachel Geckle has a special message to share with you.

New Nets Bring New Life

Arriving in New York City after 9/11, Cru® staff member Woody Woodfin discovered basketball as a perfect vehicle to reach thousands of kids. When COVID-19 shut down face-to-face sports, he and his team adapted by playing sports elsewhere — online.

Our Family: Messy, Blended and Blessed

Kirk McGregor and Lori Romberg-McGregor love the Lord, one another and their kids. With children from previous marriages, they sought God’s perspective on their family. Ministered to through Scripture and FamilyLife Blended®, they now hope to pass on what they’ve learned.

Grace Without Conditions

When Brad and Kim first met Heather, her life was messy. But rather than putting conditions on her life and behavior, they freely gave Heather the love she needed. They didn’t expect to see the effects of their hospitality go beyond the walls of their home.

From Chaos to Christ-Centered: The Invitation of Lent

Lent is an invitation to rest and refocus in a culture that wants to use us up and burn us out.

Driving Back the Brokenness

Surrounded by brokenness, teenager Wade never dreamed that he would one day become the kind of healthy father, husband, mentor and role model he’d always wanted.

Theology Shines a Light on the Summer of 2020

During the summer of 2020, pivoting as a result of COVID-19, students and coaches embarked on an unexpected journey that carried them into the deep waters of theology, where insight into what Scripture reveals about God touches every part of our lives.

Defeating Loneliness with Lifelines in the Snow

To combat student loneliness at Oregon State University, sophomore Beth Whitten goes on a Cru® Lifelines snowshoe and snow-camping trip to learn about strengthening community.

God's Work Never Locks Down

Hear from Cru® staff members around the world, who continue to make disciples and share the gospel in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that has touched every country.

An Anchor of Hope in a Dizzying World

This Advent season, Cru Storylines™ managing editor Melody Copenny writes of how she’s reminded that hope in Jesus Christ and all He brings will never disappoint.

The Making of a New President

Steve and Christy Sellers recount God’s work in their lives as Steve steps into the role of president of Cru®.

Keeping on Mission Digitally

This year, Cru® summer missions continued pursuing evangelism, discipleship, fellowship and community, but with a heightened online focus.

Loving Thy Neighbor With a Harvest

A community garden helps Joe Bollinger build relationships with his neighbors in Orlando.

How Doubt Can Deepen Your Faith

Christian community should be a safe place to work through questions together and to learn how to “doubt well” — and ultimately find God.

Reflecting Jesus in These Hard Times

Michael and Helene Ferchak, a couple homebound because of the COVID-19 pandemic, received a small gesture from their family that deeply encouraged them. See how you can do something similar.

Building Trust and Community One Backpack at a Time

Maria Gonzalez, a recovering drug addict, reaches out for help and finds a bridge to her community and Christ through the Cru® Inner City Power Packs Program.

The Mission Moving Forward

The gospel moves throughout the world in a multitude of ways.

The Most Important Week of the Year

Daniel Mitchell, University of Nebraska–Lincoln student and part-time Cru® staff member, aims to guide a wave of incoming students toward transformation through Christ and community, something he’s experienced as well.

When Telling Stories Goes Beyond the Campfire

On a StoryRunners® summer mission, students camp in Rocky Mountain National Park and learn Bible storying to talk about Jesus with hikers.

Partnering on the Campus Circuit

Cru® and Circuit Riders together pioneer new ministries on college campuses in Southern California and beyond.

Peace to the Far and Near: How God Is Using Digital Ministry

Today, people rely on digital media like never before. As a result, the gospel is reaching people in new ways, including through the Power to Change online Mentor Ministry.

Message from the Editor

Cru Storylines editor-in-chief Rachel Geckle shares a special message of encouragement and hope in God’s restoration.

How a Trip Across the Street Led to Change Across the Globe

Decades ago, the Lord united the McGoldrick and Schuler families through faith and friendship. Today, Caroline Schuler, born in this season of connection, leads the global arm of Debbie McGoldrick’s ministry, Neighbor Bible Studies 2GO.

Mobilizing a Decade of Harvest

Join a worldwide movement to mobilize millions of believers to share their faith in May 2020.

As Strong in Defeat as in Victory

University of California, Berkeley, basketball player Kareem South’s perseverance through a difficult game and challenging circumstances off the court reveals how connection to Christ and community are vital for all of life’s victories and defeats.

The Domino Effect: Jesus’ Simple Way to Change the World

Discover how you can confidently take part in transforming our complex, intimidating and ever-changing world through Jesus’ timeless model of discipleship.

Taking Sight and Salvation to El Salvador

Grad student Josiah Lee joined a team of GAiN® staff members and college students to reach students and others in El Salvador with free glasses and with the gospel.

How to Use Your Wisdom for Eternal Influence

Cru® staff member Roger Hershey uses his experience and time to exhort young people to a life of eternal significance, modeling how to grow in spiritual maturity and discipleship.

A Film, a Makeshift Raft, and a Flight to Freedom

After Mario McDonald came to know Christ through the JESUS Film, he longed to live his faith freely. This led him to seek refuge via a dangerous journey by boat from Cuba to the U.S.

Using GodTools® to Talk About Jesus

Redd Watson was often tongue-tied when talking about Jesus — until he discovered an app that helps anyone concisely share the gospel in a conversation.

What Happened to My Son?

A transformative week-long camp from Athletes in Action® and Cru Inner City gives high school athletes life-changing opportunities to encounter Jesus and mature as young men.

Saying Yes to Invest in a Generation

Sarah Romero Yetter discovered her passion for helping children flourish while she served through Cru®, and God moved her in a direction she couldn’t have anticipated.

Living With One Foot in Business and Another in Ministry

In college, Frank Kelly III wrestled between working in full-time ministry with athletes or in his father’s company. Years later, as the CEO of that company, he leverages his business and his athletic ties to develop a thriving ministry.

Preaching and Parables: Planting Churches in the Face of Persecution

A Gambian fisherman transformed by the gospel wants to plant as many churches as possible to help others experience the truth that changed his life eight years ago.

Starting Movements Using The Cru Coaching Center

The Cru® Coaching Center empowers faithful people to lead campus ministries across the country.

Three Generations of Answers to a Grandmother’s Prayers

Carol Nordman prayed for decades for her father — who had rejected Christianity — to trust Jesus. The outcome changed her perspective on prayer.

Simple, Courageous Faith for a Complex World

A Cru® event at Brown University demonstrates how to influence people toward Christ in a society that seems to have left Him behind.

From Coffee to Christ: The Spiritual Journey of a Middle Eastern Seeker

A young Cru® intern strikes up a friendship with a college student facing a difficult choice.

Where to Turn When Feeling Crushed

A young woman cried out in anguish when her life became unbearable. Watch how her life changed.

What Happens When the Honeymoon Is Over?

A couple discovered their failing marriage would require something greater than themselves to help them stay together.

Coops and Cleats: How One Chicken Farmer Blends Faith and Soccer

An Ethiopian chaplain strategically connects soccer teams with churches to help young people hear about Jesus.

Translating Facts Into Faith

As an avid learner, Christian Vazquez seeks to transfer knowledge into action, welcoming God into every realm of his life.

Hope in a Box

After Nikki received a Box of Love®, she started attending a church, and her life began to turn from drug addiction to hope.

One God, One Week and Thousands of Students

Seven students from five continents joined thousands of others for Global Student Launch Week 2018, a worldwide initiative to bring Jesus to 1,000 campuses with no known Christian presence.

My Plunge Into Painful and Hopeful Waters

A week at a Cru® training event prompts a Cru Storylines™ writer to reflect on the difficult topics of racism, diversity and reconciliation and how these topics affect evangelism.

The Power of Film to Plant Churches Among the Romani People

A Romani couple in Romania has used the film Magdalena to plant 11 churches in their community.

Hospice and the Hope of Life

A doctor in Mongolia brings love, comfort and hope into her work with hospice care through her faith in Christ.

The End of the “Ends of the Earth”

A South Asian witch doctor and millions of others have encountered Christ for the first time through an 18-year-long collaboration of Christian leaders.

Loving Neighbors Through Life’s Storms

After the devastation of Hurricane Florence, one North Carolina woman helped neighbors stay connected through social media while sharing God’s love with them.

Slovak Students Speak Out for Christ

Three students, one in university and two still in high school, met Christ and now eagerly tell others at SpeakOut camps about Jesus’ love for every person.

A Decision to Live that Changed Lives

Alone and desperate, one college student didn’t want to keep living. But a chance meeting saved her life and prompted her to influence other young lives.

God Can Multiply 1 Conversation Into 1,300

In Manila, Philippines, one conversation about Christ leads to hundreds of Filipinos turning to God.

Bringing Hope to Ostracized People

Former inner-city pastor Scott Reese intimately knows the needs of South Chicago’s suburbs. Alongside local churches, Pastor Scott’s ministry helps people experiencing homelessness to reach others in similar circumstances.

Wrestling for Confidence in an Uncomfortable Place

A young female wrestler from Virginia gains newfound confidence at a tournament and camp in Mongolia, where the prominence of wrestling provides athletes opportunities to introduce people to Christ.

Sharing Your Faith Could Include Belly Dancing

Ministering to wealthy influencers in Europe, Cru® staff member Sara Randall offers her three best tips on how you can start sharing your faith in your own context.

The Life-Saving Power of Clean Water

When cholera started to spread through Zambia in late 2017, people were forced to drink the disease-ridden water. But a gift was about to change that.

A Dentist Who Fills Cavities and Touches Hearts

In the Philippines, as Dr. Eloisa Crisostomo takes care of teeth, she also takes care of the spiritual needs of those beyond her dental chair — from mothers to businesswomen to young couples and to her own family.

Fighting to Stay Afloat in Puerto Rico

One year after Hurricane Maria, three Christians describe the storm that changed them, the challenges they face in faith and how you can help bring restoration.

Finding Hope and Reaching God Online

When the words one woman heard in her sleep matched the gospel message on EveryStudent.com®, her life and the lives of others took a dramatic turn.

Uniting Working Out and Reaching Out

In a gym where community thrives, one Christian businessman decides to use his love of working out to initiate faith conversations.

Pursuing Success on and off the Field

Former Olympian and volunteer track coach Lorna Johnson has dedicated herself to seeing Orlando high school students succeed, especially those in tough circumstances.

A Spring Break That Breaks the Norm

Students from Virginia take courageous steps of faith to continue Cru®’s 54-year legacy of spring break beach outreaches.

From One Simple Prayer to 60 Churches

Watch how God works through one broken man to start churches all over Cambodia.

Demolishing Houses, Restoring Lives

While helping with hurricane relief work, Cru® intern Lauren Light discovers unexpected spiritual needs in a small town still fighting to rebuild.

Two Cultures, One Home

A Korean family flew halfway around the world to Mexico City to work with university students. They didn’t expect to be alone, but what they discovered in the journey changed them.

A Family Like No Other

Around the U.S., many Latino college students experience deep connection to family as they meet God personally and grow spiritually through the Destino Movement®. Hear from five students and staff members as they tell their stories.

When Walking With God Wrecks Your Feet

Discover what happens when the editor of Cru® Storylines takes on the Camino in Northwest Spain and learns what this ancient tradition offers us modern-day Christians.

What Happens When a Brazilian Skeptic Finds Jesus

“I thought Christianity was foolishness,” says Kariny Rocha, a university student in Teresina, Brazil. Watch what happened when Jesus changed her mind.

A Fisherman and an International Student Board a Boat

At a lake in the Texas Hill Country, small-town fishermen build unlikely bonds with college students from overseas.

A Different Kind of Olympics

In a sports-driven country, a local Brazilian pastor partnered with Athletes in Action® to take the gospel to nearby neighborhoods during the 2016 Olympic Games.

What Happens to Faith When Crisis Strikes?

In the middle of a war zone, a Ukrainian military chaplain offers soldiers the hope that he once discovered on a Soviet battlefield.

Advocating for the Accused

In a country where Christianity is a minority religion, a simple act of advocacy by a Christian lawyer changed the trajectory of one man’s life.

An Evangelism Shift: How Can We Reach Millennials?

Cru® staff member Josh Chen is a millennial committed to understanding his own generation. We sat down with him to explore how to better engage a unique and seemingly misunderstood generation with the gospel.

Searching for Balance in Life’s Busyness

After a full day of work, Israel “Izzy” Garrett II lives intentionally by mentoring rising spiritual leaders at his alma mater—Kent State University.

A 4-Minute Video Reaching Millions

See why #FallingPlates is so popular and how you can use it to spark conversation.

The Legacy Six Young Christians Want to Pass On

The Pamoja Africa conference in Lusaka, Zambia, united 2,600 African believers to empower the next generation of Christian leaders.

How Can Art Be a Bridge to the World?

One artist journeys to recognize art as a worthy vocation that worships God.

How Can a Weary World Rejoice?

Look into the faces of people from around the world. Jesus came for people like these.

What Can God Accomplish with One Summer?

Discover how college students this summer made a global impact.

When an Unusual Group of Women Shows Up at College

What started as Cathy Thompson’s prayer about competing desires resulted in Ask Mom, a ministry of sharing cookies, biblical advice and prayer with college students in Florida.

How One Church Served Their Community

Oasis Baptist Church in urban Dallas brought their neighborhood together with a day of fun.

Going Where the People Are

What will it take to reach the city? The city ministry of Cru® actively partners with churches and other ministries to reach and mobilize today’s urban population.

An Open Door to Opportunity in South Africa

In a nation still recovering from the effects of apartheid, Cru® staff members and local South Africans are reversing a cycle of poverty and racial disparity through education.

Fighting Homelessness in a New Way

Through a FamilyLife® resource, one man is helping homeless individuals get a fresh start in metro Atlanta.

Balancing Disappointment: 3 Ways to Struggle Well

We don’t want success to arrive through disappointment, but the collision of the two can help us learn who we are and how to struggle well, as evidenced by the personal experiences of the 2016 U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Team alternates.

Have You Ever Wondered, “Why Me?”

Is there a grand design behind why and how the gospel came to you when it did?

The Unseen Crisis Among College Women

Chronic mental health problems are on the rise, raising serious issues for those working with female students. Here’s how you can help.

A Well That Carries More Than Water

In Tanzanian villages known for witchcraft, a partnership between GAiN® and local pastors has brought clean water and the message of Jesus, leading to 48 new churches in less than two years.

An Unlikely Missionary Revives Hope on the Reservation

Bob GreyEagle, a Cru® staff member with Nations®, formerly perpetuated a toxic home life. But when God rescued him, Bob longed to change his community. Then God made it clear to Bob: I am sending you.

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