Howard & Laura Crutsinger

My Dad's (Gerald Crutsinger) Dying Moments

2012-01-26T01:22:00.000-05:00

At the age of 73, my dad has passed away. He fought long and hard! He was first diagonosed with stage four lung cancer which spread to form a brain tumor which was removed on Christmas in 2007. Dad was told he had a 2% chance of living 2 years. He fought through brain surgery, lung cancer, pneumonia, pulmonary emboli, blood clots in lower half of body, chemo, radiation, back fracture, neck tumor, near complete closing of esophagus, stomach g-tube, and more.

My dad was not one to ever give up on anything.

I will miss him.

I love you dad -
Howard

IAmSecond Book Gifted to My Dad

Want to view this album? visit:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151192185820562.791534.835310561&type=1&l=78adee7c89

These are photos I took with my dad a couple days ago. Long story, but Norm Miller (CEO of Interstate Batteries and founder of http://www.iamsecond.com/ ) used to be a client of my dad's. Norm and many other celebrities autographed this book that I gave to my dad. This book was the conversation piece that enabled me to communicate with dad about his faith in Christ. "To be absent of the body, is to be in the presence of the Lord. "-2 Corinthians 5:8.

One of the videos I showed my dad was of Brian “Head” Welch, former lead guitarist for the band Korn, whose life was spinning out of control.
http://www.iamsecond.com/brianwelch

Obituary :: Gerald Glynn Crutsinger

Gerald Glynn Crutsinger, Sr., 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, from complications of lung cancer.

Burial for Gerald will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, in the DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211. A memorial service will be conducted that afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church Carrollton, 2400 Josey Ln, Carrollton, 75006. The family will receive visitors 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at First Baptist Church Carrollton.

Gerald was born Dec. 13, 1938, in Brownwood, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Carla; sons Glynn, Sam, and Howard; grandchildren Hunter, Travis, Cooper, Benjamin, and Cole; mother, Dorothy Crutsinger. He is preceded in death by his father, Harold D. Crutsinger, and brother, Harold R. Crutsinger.

Gerald graduated from Wichita Falls High School. As a lifelong Longhorn fan, he attended the University of Texas receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering while on a football scholarship. He was proud to be in Coach Darrell Royal’s first recruiting class and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

After graduation, he served as 1st Lieutenant in the HHC 127^th Engineer Battalion 11 Air Assault Division Third US Army as an Airborne Jumpmaster. He completed his military experience as a Captain in the Texas National Guard.

Returning to school, he received a Juris Doctor Degree from Baylor Law School in 1967. He practiced Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law; Unfair Competition; and Intellectual Property Litigation as a Senior Partner at The Crutsinger and Booth Law Firm in Dallas, Texas until his retirement in 2008.

Gerald was licensed to practice law in the state of Texas, before the U.S. Supreme Court, before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, before U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal 5^th Circuit, and before the Canadian Patent Office. He was a member of Texas State Bar Association, Dallas Bar Association, Dallas-Fort Worth Patent Law Association, American Intellectual Property Law Association, and International Trademark Association.

His special achievements include: Associate Editor, Baylor Law Review; Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity; and President Dallas-Fort Worth Patent Law Association.

Gerald coached all three sons in YMCA football and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. He was an active member of First Baptist Church Carrollton. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Carla, especially in Europe. Last summer was highlighted by a family cruise to Alaska to celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary (Sept 4, 1961).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to “Campus Crusade for Christ” under account number: 0441540 at Attn: Contributions, PO Box 628222, Orlando, FL 32862-8222 or http://give.ccci.org/give/0441540

LOVE death LIFE - a short film - trailer

2011-12-02T14:42:00.001-05:00

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Changed Lives :: Chattanooga

2011-12-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

Here's a video telling Breon Thomas' powerful story of life change through the ministry of Student Venture - A poverty stricken African American kid who grow up in the projects and in shelters.

“my student venture leader impacted me, I’m one person and now I go out and impact others... you are now witnessing a generation that has the possibility to be transformed. I think by investing in even one kid’s life, you are impacting the world!” - Breon

Breon is on a mission to show the love and joy that his relationship with Jesus has given him through the hand of music and dance. In high school, he was a servant leader in Student Venture starting lunch bible studies were the gospel of Jesus Christ was able to be shared with close to 75 teenagers a week.

Consider investing in changed lives.

2011-07 Update - Campus Crusade for Christ's Name Change to Cru

2011-07-31T14:28:00.006-05:00

We Just Returned from All Campus Crusade Staff Training

Every other summer, the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ, of which Student Venture is a part, gathers in Ft. Collins, Colorado to be refreshed spiritually, have our vision renewed, and celebrate what God has done. Soaking up the God-centered teaching (You can watch some of the videos yourself at http://bit.ly/CCCStaffConfSpeakerVideos ) has revitalized our souls in the middle of this crazy season for our family.

Campus Crusade for Christ is BECOMING... CRU

This is a big year for our ministry. It is the 60th anniversary of Campus Crusade for Christ! What started out as an outreach to college students established by Bill and Vonette Bright in 1951, has now blossomed into a movement of over 25,000 staff with a presence in 191 countries and a scope that is far beyond students.

Another reason this is a big year for us is that after sixty years, Campus Crusade’s name is changing. This past week it was announced that in early 2012, Campus Crusade for Christ will change its name to ‘Cru.’ This change will be for the United States ministry only. Campus Crusade actually already operates under a variety of names around the world. For example, in Russia, it is called ‘New Life’ and in Canada, it is called ‘Power to Change.’

The name change has been in process for two years. Our leadership has prayed, fasted and sought the advice of proven experts who help organizations makes similar changes. In addition, there was extensive market research including in depth interviews and surveys of staff, donors, volunteers and potential volunteers, ministry partners, students, and non-Christians. The change is being made in order to more effectively communicate the message of Jesus with people and partner with organizations and churches who share our aims. To read more about the reasons why this name change is important, or if you have questions or concerns, please visit http://bit.ly/WhyCCCBecameCRU to get some answers to ‘FAQ’ and see some enlightening short videos. One video is an interview of our Vice President, Steve Sellers, on Fox News.

Very recent media reports have taken an unfavorable stance (imagine that...the media spreading misleading information) by questioning our commitment to Christ since the word ‘Christ’ was removed from our official name. Be assured though, Cru remains deeply committed to proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ, the centrality of the cross, the truth of God's Word, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the global scope of the Great Commission. As you know, many Christian organizations and many local churches do not have the name Jesus or Christ in their name and this does not lessen their devotion to Him or their effectiveness in their mission.

In actuality, the name change brings little impact to our work. Student Venture will keep its name and will continue to be the middle and high school ministry of Cru. The bottom line for us is that we will never stop talking to people about Jesus, His transforming grace and forgiveness that He offers through the cross. It's who we are. It's why we're here. Thank you for standing with us in this glorious mission, and for living it yourself.

Of course, if you have questions about our new name or want further clarification behind why the change was made, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. Please join us in praying for a smooth transition.

As always, we appreciate your partnership in ministry more than words can express. Be assured that the Lord is using you, through your prayer and financial support, to make an eternal impact in the hearts of people!

Complete Letter

Click on the image below to enlarge it to a size where you can read it:

2011-05 Ministry Update

2011-05-29T13:40:00.002-05:00

Two Significant Advances:

Video Training
Mobile Phone Applications

Transitioning Volunteer Training to VIDEO

Today, 58% of adults after college will never read another book! Instead they spend 4 hours a day watching TV and 3 hrs listening to the radio. They absorb info still, but not in written form. And since more than 50% in the US prefer to hear than read, we’ve felt the need to adapt our training. Who has the time, or interest, in reading a 3-ring binder training manual? Our goal has been to shorten, simplify, and when possible, convert to interactive video. We want to value the time of volunteers. They shouldn’t spend all of their volunteer hours in training, but rather being freed up to minister to students.

Going Mobile! -- iPhone & Android

Most adults can remember life in the “B.C.” days... not “before Christ,” but “before CELLPHONES.” Hard to imagine that most teenagers have never known life without such technologies. Very soon, especially for students, mobile phones will overtake the computer as the most popular way to get on the Web! My hope is that Student Venture will quickly advance our digital strategies to be fully prepared for these rapidly changing times. We’re creating Campus Crusade’s first ever mobile app for training staff & volunteers!

Our goal: Train Student Venture volunteers in a new way; using the most popular personal electronic device of every high school student, their mobile phone. Create a custom mobile application on both iPhone and Android platforms for Student Venture.

Our ambitious launch date: July 15, in time for SV's all staff training this summer. This initial “1.0” in-house demonstration will include enough functionality for SV staff and volunteers to get an idea of what is being developed. When it is launched, Student Venture's app will be offered in the iTunes App Store and the Google Android App Store as a free application to users.

Primary initial purpose of the phase 1.0 mobile application: To deliver SV's new volunteer training curriculum with video and textual content to Student Venture's volunteers.

History: The company helping us develop the mLearning app has been refining their skills the last 18 months where they launched a pilot project in Kenya for Nairobi School of Theology. A Kenyan newspaper reported last week that two different groups took the same course - one group participated remotely using a mobile phone, the other group attended physical classes at the university.

Statistics from pilot: Only 60% of the students who attended the physical classroom completed the course (40% drop out rate); yet, 100% of the mLearning remote students completed the same course!

Observations: “What we noticed is that students who physically came to attend lectures rarely made it through all the classes because of busy schedules and heavy traffic. Those who used the mobile phones had an easier time as they could comfortably access all the content.”

Web Evangelism Statistics

Here are stats from two of our evangelistic websites. We are continually trying to learn ways to tweak our marketing campaigns using Google Ads to make it easier for those searching for God online.

THE HOME FRONT:

Two Major Surgeries - On Same Day...

Cole: adenoids removed + tubes put in his ears
Ben: adenoids & tonsils removed

Family Watched Final Launch of the Endeavor Space Shuttle

We took our kids on a 5 hour round-trip drive to the east coast to watch the final launch of the Endeavor Space Shuttle.

Going Bass Fishing

The retention pond behind our house has provided some family entertainment. One recent evening, Laura caught this 4.5 LBS bass. I couldn’t allow my sweet wife to beat me, so I caught this 5 LBS bass about 30 minutes later!

Cooper Lost His First Tooth

Cooper and Ben Playing T-Ball

Cooper & Benjamin are wrapping up their first season playing T-Ball. It has been hilarious watching. At this entry level, the only objective is to let everyone hit while the opposing team attempts to field the ball & throw it to first base.

Pictured above, Ben’s throwing the ball to Cooper on 1st base. Cooper said, “Ben threw the ball at my face. I put my glove up so I wouldn’t get hit & the ball landed inside it!”

Residential Burglaries

We’ve had some drama in our neighborhood lately -helicopters, police dogs, undercover cops, deputies in our front yard with guns drawn! There is evidence that the L.A. gang, The Crips, have moved in. (I guess gated communities only keep honest people out.) Within a 38 day timespan, there were 7 separate residential burglaries on our street! And over the last 4 years, our kid’s dvd player has been stolen out of our van. The police have arrested two kids so far, but I don’t believe that’ll be the end of the crime, but we’re shopping for another DVD player!

Family Pics

Grateful for your Partnership,
Thank you for undergirding our family and our ministry in your prayers.

Complete Letter

click on the images below to enlarge to a size where you can read them:

2011-03 Ministry Update

2011-03-30T16:13:00.004-05:00

9 Student Winter Conferences

Descriptive texts of the conferences:

Opportunity for significance
Transformed lives
Morning and evening main sessions with great worship
Evangelism training and a day of outreach in a public setting

When students and leaders returned home, their actual Facebook statuses, which you can read here, reflected the things that happened in their hearts. Andrea and Jamal had a limited knowledge about Jesus before they went to FastBreak, but over the weekend, they placed their faith in Him for the first time! Not only did Jamal give his life to Christ, he also shared the Gospel with 4-5 others the next day. Right underneath was a post from Jamal’s dad saying “I am so proud of you!” Quincy became a believer after a SV staff member shared the gospel with him last fall, and God used Fastbreak to help him grow in his young faith.

Video Gospel Presentation

For several months, I’ve lead a project using creative video clips to illustrate and communicate the Gospel message. Our prayer is the video will go “viral” online when it’s released.

Family Pics

Complete Letter

click on the image below to enlarge it to a size where you can read it:

Video I Created of Japan Devastation to Lead Viewers to Biblical Perspectives

2011-03-12T22:54:00.000-05:00

I created a 4 minute video with pictures from yesterday's earthquake/tsunami in Japan.

My desire was to lead people to pray, but also to lead seekers to EveryStudent.com, one of our key web strategies.

My description includes:
For help in finding answers about "Where is God in the Midst of Tragedy?" visit: http://bit.ly/WhereIsGodInTragedy

The YouTube video, "65 devastating photos of Japan Tsunami" can be found on Student Venture's YouTube channel here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqKGFQzYqD8

It is also on Student Venture's Facebook Fan Page here:
http://www.facebook.com/studentventure

On Student Venture's Twitter page here:
https://twitter.com/#!/studentventure

And on my personal Facebook page here:
http://www.facebook.com/crutsinger

If you visit any of the links above, please click "Like" and/or make a comment so that it will boost its rankings in YouTube and in Facebook so that more people could be ministered to.

I'm embedding the video here in our blog:

Changed Lives :: New York City, Just Not Into Church

2011-03-09T12:43:00.000-05:00

“Meeting someone where they are.” - That statement could be applied a couple of ways to this story. Student Venture Staff met Antonio “where he was” when they met him outside his school. They also met Antonio “where he was” when staff used Antonio’s answer about church to share the Gospel with him. “Meeting someone where they are” shows them that Christ and the gospel apply to their lives and their present circumstances. Combine that with the Holy Spirit’s work in a person’s heart, and a new child of God is born!

In the future, when you are walking around in Heaven, don’t be surprised if Antonio comes to you and says, “Thank you for giving to the Lord; I am a life that was changed.” We agree with Antonio!

Just Not Into Church

by Kevin and Ginnette Young, staff serving in New York City

I met Antonio, a freshman on the football team, outside the school. Moses (another SV staff) and I had decided to use the half hour lull before weight training to talk about the Lord to whomever He put in our path. “You into the church thing, Antonio,” I asked? “Not really, but sometimes I go to church when I feel bad about something I’ve done.” I asked him if he would like to grab a slice of pizza and hear about how he could be forgiven all the time; and he jumped at it. We sat down and I shared a simple outline of the gospel. I could tell he was tracking, because his questions anticipated each point I made. Towards the end of our time, I asked him if he wanted to begin a relationship with Christ, so that he could be forgiven for all of his sins, all of the time. His emphatic “yes” led to us praying together. It was sweet to see his countenance change, and the evidence of God’s assurance wash over him. I wrote the day’s date on the cover of the booklet. “Save this, Antonio,” I said, “it will remind you that today is your spiritual birthday.” His smile could have stopped the L-train (metro)!

Changed Lives :: Plano, A Student Experiences God at Work

2011-02-28T15:24:00.000-05:00

Part of our Student Conferences is giving the students an opportunity to share their faith in the community where the conference is held. They are armed with a short 5-question inoffensive survey to open a conversation, a Connecting with God booklet that talks about Jesus and having a person relationship with Him, and the Holy Spirit! We’ll take the students to a mall, on the beach or even to area neighborhoods.

This story is about an outreach at one of our conferences and a student’s experience in sharing Jesus.

This student’s life (and the lives of the girls at McDonalds) will never be the same because she experienced the Holy Spirit working through her to bring someone to Christ. Thank you for making it possible for us to be on the field, hold these conferences, and give students opportunities to share. Lives are changed because you are faithful.

A Student Experiences God at Work

by Nicole Matuska, staff serving in Plano, TX

Mackenzie is a senior at Plano HS and went to our FastBreak Winter Conference. Here is her story about sharing Jesus...

"When the S tudent Venture bus dropped me and the other campers off at a McDonald's in South Dallas, I wasn’t super excited to share the Gospel with strangers. In fact, there was a spiritual battle raging in my heart and I felt very discouraged. It was my 6th outreach with Student Venture and I had never experienced a stranger accepting Christ.

I always have trouble initiating a conversation, so this year I decided to use the MLK- themed survey to start conversations. This particular outreach I felt very successful in the conversations that my bi-lingual partner, Vidi, and I had with shoppers and employees at the local Fiesta supermarket. Although all the people we talked to considered themselves Christians, none of them had ever heard about having a personal relationship with God. Vidi and I got to explain the gospel to them and they let us pray for them, but none of them were comfortable saying the prayer themselves at that moment. Already the outreach was going better than I had ever experienced before, and it was only going to get better from there!

As all of the Plano and Carrolton students were gathering in front of McDonalds waiting for the bus, my good friend Bola spotted two teenage girls that she wanted to talk to and asked me to go with her. We awkwardly began by asking them the first three survey questions and asked them if they knew that God wanted to have a personal relationship with them;one of the girls said no and the other said yes. So we continued sharing the gospel with them, making it clear that God wants them as they are, and that we can only depend on Jesus’ death on the cross for salvation. As the bus pulled up to the edge of the street, one of the girls accepted Christ and the other rededicated her life to Christ.

I felt very excited as I walked onto the bus because although I was physically there and technically I shared the Gospel with the two girls, it wasn’t me at all. God had done all the work by preparing the girls’ hearts beforehand and speaking to them through me and Bola. I realized that this outreach went so well because I was trusting God to speak through me instead of trying so hard to share the good news in my own strength."

Changed Lives :: Indianapolis, Students Reaching Their Friends

2011-02-22T13:32:00.000-05:00

When our Executive Team discusses the different groups of people who can partner with us to reach out to students, we make sure our list includes “other students”. Students are most likely to listen to their fellow students when they share with them. Students-reaching-students is a unique relationship because students share the same experiences and challenges and can easily relate. When students share how God has rescued them from hopelessness and emptiness, students listen!

Often people don’t believe that students can lead other students to Christ or help them grow in their faith, but in S tudent Venture, we see every day that they can!

Thank you, dear friends, for supporting us and for caring about the hearts of students. We consider it a joy to share this mission with you.

From High School to College

by Mark and Dawn Michal, staff in Indianapolis

Jacey (second from left) is a Sophomore at a different high school (Lawrence North) but has been coming to our meetings for a few years now. She has had a heart to start a Student Venture ministry at her school and started this year with a Bible Study for her cross-country team. The girls who have been coming to her study after practice range "from far from Christ" to "marginally Christian".

Jacey was able to bring four of her team members with her to the Student Venture Fastbreak Conference. All of them grew spiritually and one of them, Abby, accepted Christ for the first time in her life!

Abby is so excited about her new relationship with Christ and Jacey is blown away by this change in her friend. This is such a perfect example of how a teenager can make a difference.

Jacey could have easily just considered our Student Venture meetings a place for her to grow, but, instead, she saw it as a launching point to reach out to her friends. She worked hard to get her friends to her small groups, stepped out and risked her relationships, and as a result, her friends are coming to Christ!

Changed Lives :: Northern Michigan, The Influence of Sisters

2011-02-22T13:05:00.000-05:00

If you have a brother or sister, you probably remember how much influence they had in your life (and maybe still do).

This story shows the influence that one sister has with another, and it shows how others watch our behavior and are affected by it. We are a witness for Christ – either for good or for bad. Praise God, these girls are good ones!

Your influence is felt in the life of S tudent Venture, and it is a good one! Thank you for partnering with us and supporting us—you are appreciated.

The Influence of Sisters

by Mike and Laurel Riley, Staff in Northern Michigan
The Influence of Sisters -----
By Mike and Laurel Riley, Staff in Northern Michigan

Jill (high school senior) attended our Myrtle Beach Getaway Conference last June for the first time. She was hugely impacted, and as a result, has touched her family – in particular, her younger sister and her mom --

One of the biggest things God did in Jill’s life at the Getaway was to show her that her life & faith story can touch the hearts and lives of others and bring them closer to knowing Christ in a personal way. Jill has grown by leaps and bounds in her faith this year – faithfully spending time in God’s Word, helping lead the freshman girls’ Bible study, helping start a small group Bible study with some friends, and inspiring her mom and sister Jayne (freshman) to start attending church again.

In early November I received this text message from Jill:
“I just led my sister [Jayne] to Christ! OH MY GOSH! I will never forget what she just said to me!”

Here is an excerpt from the letter Jayne wrote to Jill after begining her new relationship with Christ:
“Today I picked up my Bible for the very first time. I started reading Timothy’s chapter. Just from today, my relationship with God has started, and I can already feel it strengthening. I feel as if I can connect with God now and not feel weird about it. This all happened because of you. You are such a great role model and you continue to lead me down the right path. I want to be just like you.”

How to Join our Support Team

2010-11-22T22:17:00.000-05:00

>> Giving By Mail
1. Make check payable to “Campus Crusade for Christ”
2. Include a note that reads: "To Howard & Laura Crutsinger, Staff#: 0441540".
3. Send check and note to:
     Campus Crusade for Christ
     Attn: Contributions
     PO Box 628222
     Orlando, FL 32862-8222

>> Giving By Direct Deposit
When you join the Direct Giving Plan, your gift will be transferred directly each month from your bank account to Campus Crusade for Christ. A record of each gift will appear on your bank statement.

To set up DD from a credit card: click here

To set up DD from a checking account: (our preferred method)

1. Download and print out the DIRECT DEPOSIT FORM (PDF, 786KB)
2. Fill out the form and sign it (be sure to put our account number, 0441540, in the “divide my gift this way” section)
3. Make a check out to “Campus Crusade” for your first month's gift
4. Send form and check to:
      Campus Crusade for Christ
      ATTN: eGift
      PO Box 628222
      Orlando, FL 32862-8222

>> Giving Online
You can give a credit card gift right now, online

>> Giving By Phone
To make a one-time contribution by credit card, call 1-888-CRUSADE (option 4)

Changed Lives :: So. Idaho, From High School To College

2010-11-22T18:04:00.000-05:00

Over the last couple of years, Student Venture and the Campus Ministry (Crusade’s ministry to college students, a.k.a. Cru) have focused a great deal on the partnership between us, which God is using to mightily increase our abilities and opportunities to reach high school students. It is a natural partnership and a win-win situation.

Another focus for Student Venture is connecting our graduated SV students with their college’s Cru to continue their spiritual growth, training and influence.

Today’s story represents both priorities:
• The O’Briens, who wrote this story, work with Boise State students and with high schools in that area;
• Jared, who is now in college and involved with Cru, was involved with SV in high school.
We look forward to what God will do through our partnership!

As Thanksgiving approaches, we remember you with sincere thanks to God for your partnership. We pray that God will fill your heart with all He is and all He does for you, His cherished child.

From High School to College

by Matt and Kim O’Brien, Senior staff reaching HS and College students in So. Idaho

Jared first got involved with Student Venture before coming to Boise State. Last month, Ryan, after wrestling through his objections to Christianity, placed his faith in Jesus after two years of being influenced by his friend, Jared.

In September, Ryan (pictured at right) came to our fall retreat. One of the realities that kept him from surrendering to Jesus was the realization that the decision would result in significant life changes. A couple days after the retreat Ryan sat in his parked car and talked with God. After 45 minutes, he eventually surrendered his life to Jesus!

Since placing his trust in Jesus, Ryan has said: “It’s been awesome! I really needed this. I feel like I need to tell people about this. . . I believe my purpose is to talk with people that others won’t approach.

A few weeks ago Ryan stood in front of 50+ students at our weekly meeting and said, “If you just accepted Christ, you might not feel like you have the ability to spread the Word and share with people. I just want to urge you guys to do it.”

2010-11 Ministry Update

2010-11-15T11:47:00.000-05:00

November 2010 Ministry Update - inludes:
1. Cooper getting baptized by daddy. Congrats to and from Dwight Howard.
2. Howard turning 40, Laura turning 35.
3. 67,000 schools, 25 million students

Side 1

Side 2

Cooper Was Baptized By His Daddy At The Beach (with NBA Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard)

Cooper placed his faith in Christ back in January. We’ve read all the way through the bible several times with our boys during our nightly bedtime routine. Every time we’d get to the passages about John The Baptist, Cooper would ask all sorts of questions about baptism. He’s learned that baptism is a public, outward expression of the inward, personal decision to follow Christ. He’s been asking if he could get baptized for some time now, and we believe he was ready. Cooper even asked if I would baptize him!
On the morning of the big day, he and I had a special time together at McDonalds talking again through the significance of his decision. Then that afternoon, our family along with 1000 others from our church, drove the 1.5 hours out to the Atlantic Ocean. The weather was perfect and the waves were big.
After walking out into the ocean, we knelt in the frigid water with our pastor (Isaac Hunter) at our side. I asked him, “Cooper, do you believe Jesus Christ is God’s Son?” and “Do you believe He died on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins?” and lastly, “Is it your desire to follow Christ all the days of your life?” After saying, “Yes,” I said, “Cooper, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” I leaned him backward into the water as the waves came crashing in.
Baptizing Cooper in the presence of our church (Summit Church of Orlando) was one of my greatest honors! Cooper was one of about 100 who got baptized that day!

NBA All star, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic got Baptized, too

The final person baptized by our 5’ 9” pastor, was 6’ 11” NBA All star, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic. Dwight made a profession of faith in Jesus years ago, but only now committed to be baptized. Afterward, Cooper went up to Dwight to congratulate him.
You can see video and pictures from the day on our gallery website: http://gallery.me.com/crutsinger

Howard Turning 40, Laura 35!

November 12 is the day Laura and I both share for our birthday. Neither of us like the sound of these pivotal ages. 39 and 34 was much more palatable. Being “a couple in our thirties” is no longer a description I can use! I guess it is time to grow up... Naaa...

67,000 schools, 25 million students...

The goal is to give every student at every school the chance to hear about and see God’s love and forgiveness in action.
Humanly speaking, it seems impossible. In America alone there are 67,000 schools with nearly 25 million high school and middle school students. Around the world there are millions more. It may be seem zealous to have such a lofty scope, but the mission of reaching out to every person in every part of the world is God’s idea.

Moments before His departure Jesus gave his followers this specific directive: “Go into the whole world and preach the good news to everyone, everywhere.” Mark 16:15 (TLB), and in Matthew 28:18-20: “Go and make disciples in every nation.” This charge, given by Jesus to all Christians for all time, is called the Great Commission.

I represented Student Venture at the Campus Alliance Summit in Kansas City, MO, a partnership of youth leaders, students, organizations and church denominations. Every few years, SV does an analysis of where the body of Christ stands on reaching youth around the United States. We pool stats from Youth for Christ, Young Life, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Youth Alive (Assemblies of God), Southern Baptists, Student Venture, and Moms in Touch to show where God is at work in the local middle and high schools in America. It is exciting to see that there are 21,000 ministry locations targeting young people for Christ. Please pray the Campus Alliance can help foster partnerships between campus based ministries and strategize how to reach almost 10,000 middle and high schools that still do not currently have an effective outreach.

Appreciating Your Partnership

This is not an easy journey leading in ministry. Your prayers and support help sustain us. Please pray Isaiah 40:29-31 over us: ”He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

It is a joy for us to serve along side you,

Changed Lives :: Carrollton Discipleship Chain Continues

2010-09-14T16:25:00.000-05:00

Multiplication is in the forefront of our minds as we go about God's work. In fact, it is one of our three critical path steps (along with Launch and Involve) in reaching students. If staff were solely responsible for sharing Christ, then some students would hear. But when staff multiply themselves through students and the students multiply themselves through other students, then we have many more students hearing about the love and grace of Christ – that's multiplication.

Example of multiplication: we see students sharing their faith with other students, who share their faith with other students, and so on. God knew about "pyramid strategies" long before "pyramid schemes" came along!

While you probably will never meet these girls, you have played a role in their salvation - and multiplication - by your obedience to God and your partnership with us. We thank you.

One Reaches Two; Two Reach Four
by Tom and Bea Ann Bridges, staff serving in Dallas, TX

At the heart of this ministry, we are trusting God, by His Spirit, for spiritual multiplication among high school students.

Through your prayers and partnership, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord is raising up discipleship chains at Newman Smith High School. For example . . .

Sasha (volleyball captain and NSHS class of 2007), became a SV student leader and began to disciple Rani, who shared her testimony at an outreach.
. . Rani (volleyball captain and class of 2010), began to disciple Hanna.
. . . Hanna (varsity basketball player, class of 2011), began to mentor her younger sister Maddie
. . . . Maddie (varsity volleyball player, class of 2013) had an opportunity to lead her friend Kathryn to Christ at Fastbreak 2010
. . . . . Jenna (current volleyball captain and class of 2011), discipled by Sasha, is planning a volleyball outreach this semester.

Through sharing their faith individually and at group outreaches, these girls have seen many students give their lives to Christ in the past three years, and then have been actively involved in mentoring these young Christians.

All it takes is one student who leads another to Christ and disciples them for a year, and then the next year those two students each lead another to Christ and disciples them. Soon, thousands of students have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior and are discipling others to do the same.

Please pray that this budding multiplication chain would continue to grow and bear much fruit and give great glory to God!

Changed Lives :: Coaching Center

2010-03-29T16:44:00.000-05:00

The SV Coaching Center is comprised of staff who work via long distance with volunteers who wish to begin Student Venture in their area. The Coaches train these volunteers, teaching them how to do ministry with high school students, and walking through the challenges, joys and “how-tos”. These staff offer years of experience to help guide and teach those who have no experience but who do have a heart for high school students. This strategy is a way for ministry to happen in areas where Student Venture does not have staff.

Once again, we delight is God’s creativity in reaching people’s hearts.

Your support is important in reaching teenagers in whatever way God leads us. You are a vital part of this ministry, and we value your involvement.

And the Beat goes On
by Scott Livermore, SV Coaching Center
The heartbeat is a sign of life. It can also be used as a metaphor for passion. In Melissa’s case, I think it captures both of these ideas.

“All I have thought about since my seventh grade year was to do what Lindsey did with us.” The heart of Melissa was captured not as much by the solid biblical interaction she received from her high school-aged spiritual mentor, but more that a peer cared enough about her and her friends to invest their life in them. Move forward to her sophomore year in high school, Melissa began to meet with 2 seventh grade girls who would be the core of what now consists of more than 10 girls. When she told her story to the girls, about how a high school student invested in her, the girls said that they too want to lead younger women when they get to high school. Recently, one of the girls took a first step in that direction.

Kacy, an eighth grader and a basketball player, invited the team to her house. They had food and interacted with one another after practice and then Kacy shared how she trusted Christ as her Savior and encouraged her friends to do the same. Afterwards, Melissa stood up and shared how the girls could place their faith in Christ. Eight of the girls who attended indicated that they trusted Christ and several others have asked to get together and talk more about the content of the meeting!

Melissa’s heartbeat for discipleship was fostered by the heart of her teenage mentor. And it is Melissa’s heartbeat that has placed some of those seeds in the heart of Kacy and the rest of her girls. It appears those seeds are being nurtured and will soon bloom into a new generation of spiritual laborers.

And the beat goes on.

Changed Lives :: Indianapolis

2010-03-23T08:50:00.000-05:00

Over the years we have been sharing these stories, you may realize we take all opportunities to get in front of students so they know who our staff are and hopefully become interested in Student Venture. Holding an event with a “Love” focus is right down a high schooler’s alley – especially the girls! So staff around the country use Valentines to gather students and share the Gospel. Today’s story is about a Valentine’s event and the students who attended. God will use any method to draw students to Himself, and our staff try to listen and be obedient to His leading. Thank you for your obedience to partner with Student Venture. We are blessed by you!

Jesus is Love - - -
by Mark and Dawn Michal, staff serving in Indianapolis
Love. It's a topic that everyone is interested in, and it is a great topic to bridge to the gospel. In February, we held our annual Amazing Date outreach where we played our version of the Newlywed game and gave a $50 date package to the winner. There were 50 to 60 people who came to play the game or watch their friends play it.

Mr. Johnson (the school choir director) shared a little about how God designed our romantic relationships to be and how to carefully navigate the treacherous roads of dating. He is a well respected teacher at the school, so his genuine vulnerability on this topic was very much appreciated by the students About half of the people that came were new; ten said they wanted to get more involved and three said they wanted to start a relationship with Christ! Please be praying for these people as we follow them up, and get them plugged in with our meetings and small groups. Thank you so much for helping us reach these teens who desperately need Jesus!

Changed Lives :: Lake Tahoe Summer project

2010-03-17T17:25:00.001-05:00

When Jesus called His disciples to faith in Him, He then spent three years “building them in their faith and sending them to reach others”. We strive to do the same; in fact, Campus Crusade for Christ’s mission is to “win-build-send”. This is an example of the building and sending part of what we do. We rejoice to see the work that Jesus has done (and is doing) in the life of Jared, and the work Jesus is doing in the lives of others through him. We echo Robert Frazier’s statement that appeared at the end of his story, and we sincerely thank you: Your investment has given Jared a place and opportunity to grow and develop and multiply himself in ministry.

Jesus grows his Children
by Robert and Malia Frazier, staff serving in Boise, ID
When Jared was a freshman in high school, his father pressed him to be involved in a confirmation process with his church. Jared was very interested in the true meaning of life and how spirituality and religion could be a part of his life. As he went through confirmation Jared started to read the Bible on his own and got to the book of Romans. Reading Romans 10 Jared gave his life to Jesus on his own and sought out a church where he could grow in faith.

Jared’s senior year of high school he showed up at a Student Venture meeting. We started to meet regularly to pray and study and train him to lead at his school. Over the fall semester he went from young believer to student leader. He was driven to share his faith with his friends and peers at school and started to lead small groups at our SV meetings.

As Jared graduated from high school in May of 2008, he headed off to college. Over the course of the year, he taught an evangelism course to a group of students on campus, shared his faith with a few dozen peers and helped as an adult leader for SV.

This summer Jared went to the Lake Tahoe Summer project with the college ministry of Campus Crusade. While at the project God gave Jared a heart to reach the homeless that hang out on the beach during the week—so he rallied other students on the project and raised money to bring lunch to 25+ people every day. While he fed them and their physical need, he also took initiative to share his faith with dozens of men on the beach. Several received Christ, he helped find jobs for a few and plugged some of them into discipleship groups at local churches.

Most recently, Jared has been accepted and is working as a SV intern. God has worked in Jared’s life to draw him in, raise him up, and heal him in Christ’s redemptive power.

Changed Lives :: exchange students

2010-03-17T16:19:00.001-05:00

As we work with students, our prayer is that they will influence their family and friends in their community as Christ changes their lives. Now, let’s add the international possibilities to that! When we work internationally through our Global Venture ministries or with exchange students as in today’s story, God can use what we do to reach other countries for him. Not only can His influence be felt with friends and family locally, but His message and Gospel can be spread globally --- what a mighty God we serve! Thank you for ministering alongside us locally and internationally.

Jesus working around the globe!
by Mike and Laurel Riley, staff serving in Michigan
We've written before about the large number of exchange students who come to Suttons Bay High School each year, for such a small school. We've enjoyed having a number of those students become involved in our weekly Bible studies. This year we have three exchange students who attend regularly. Yeo-min came to us from Germany, though she's originally from South Korea. While I believe Yeo-min originally came to Bible study for friendship, she seems to have found much more than that! Jordan and I have had some terrific conversations with her outside of the group, answering her questions and offering insight and pertinent reading materials. Yeo-min is leaving soon, and the other day offered the following commentary on her time here as it relates to faith: "Before I went to Student Venture I was skeptical about Christianity and God. My parents are Christians and they tried to help me understand God's word, but a lot of people I know say that God doesn't exist, and for me it was also hard to believe there is a God. But I always wondered why there are people who believe in God. I thought there must be something I don't know of why they have faith in God. During my stay in the US, a friend and I talked about religion and as a result I went to Student Venture. I learned and changed in Student Venture. I realized God's love for the first time just recently. He showed me his love by showing me these new friends who share the time with me and help me to understand and gain faith in God. I appreciate this gift because it is good for me and that was what I needed. I learned that God forgives no matter what we do, when we express regret and ask for forgiveness, because he loves us so much. For this love and mercy we should be grateful and the least we could do in return is to love God. I like that I'm changing because it means I am starting to understand the reason to have faith in God." Please pray for Yeo-min and our other exchange students– that God will cause the seeds of faith planted in their hearts here to grow into a deep commitment to Him even after they go home. Pray for spiritual support and encouragement for these young women.

Crutsinger 2009_05 Prayer Letter

2009-05-14T14:05:00.008-05:00

Here is our prayer letter for this month featuring:

Discipleship Project Beta
Houston Fastbreak Workshop
SLI Module 4: El Salvador
Leadership Conference
Dad’s Cancer
Baby Boy #3, Due date
Thank You

click on the images below to enlarge them to a size where you can read them:

click on the images above to enlarge them to a size where you can read them...

Here's the text:
May 2009 Crutsinger Prayer Update

Emerging Strategies = "The Cutting Edge of Strategic Learning, Innovation and Resource Development to Accelerate the Ministry of Turning Lost Students into Christ-Centered Laborers"

“Essentials” Discipleship Project Update

OVERVIEW: The Essentials of Spiritual Growth and Multiplication has now become a proven tool that has been used effectively in multiple contexts. The purpose of the Assessment and Expansion Project is to fine tune the resource itself (assessment) and then seek to significantly increase its worldwide usage (expansion). We have completed the first eight lessons. I have about 75 staff around the country being beta testers. The initial feedback is very encouraging! Even the high school students using them as they disciple their peers have communicated their excitement.

Have you made intensive efforts towards spiritual growth and multiplication with limited results? We have observed that the lack of success is not due to a lack of effort. The secret is to make it easy.

Steve Douglass, Campus Crusade President, invested significant personal time to help us craft a single innovative resource that encapsulates many of the best practices seen globally. Essentials is very unique. It is not like other discipleship resources.

Since 2005, hundreds of field staff and students have wrestled with the Essentials content resulting in significant modifications. It has been revised over and over again, maximized to the point where you will quickly see your small group participants experience, first-hand, the core DNA of Win, Build, and Send. It is new, yet you can have complete confidence in proven results.

I guarantee that you and other small group leaders will easily grasp the Essentials strategy in this intuitive framework. In the redesign, I’ve strived to make the discipleship process extremely easy to understand, experience, and replicate.

Few resources are able to bridge multiple people groups like Essentials. Essentials has proven to be effective with a variety of ethnic, international, high school, university and adult audiences. At it’s core, Essentials is about experiences and discussions – two universal ways to connect with anyone.

I now want to invite you to test it out! Because of your partnership with our family, I want to resource you, but I also want to listen to you. Being a digital resource, I will still continue to make ongoing improvements in response to your personal expertise and advice.

To show our appreciation for you, I want to give you a free beta copy of Essentials of Spiritual Growth and Multiplication. If Essentials does not live up to your standards, you can always resort to other options for discipleship materials.

To download your free copy, visit

http://essentials.ccci.org

Houston Fastbreak

The current Houston director, Barry Bowling, was the SV staffer who started SV in my high school when I was still a student in 1985. Many things I learned when he discipled me shaped my passion for student multiplication. Over this past Winter break, I flew to Texas to visit the 2009 Houston Fastbreak Student Conference. I was able to help Barry with a student leader workshop focusing on multiplying discipleship. What an encouragement to see students of multiple ethnicities being raised up to directly impact their own campuses. Some of these students were already using the Essentials discipleship strategy! Pray these students and those from all our conferences nationwide remain connected to the Father and committed to His plans.

Senior Leadership Module 4 - El Salvador

I am in the final stretch of my two year Senior Leadership Initiative. We met in El Salvador where our theme was “the relationships of the leader.” One assignment involved us interviewing 5 highly influential business leaders in their country, inquiring about the importance of relationships to their effectiveness as leaders. Also during the week we covered volumes of very practical content: Leadership Derailers, Coaching Over Distance, Leading with Questions, Five Components of a Healthy Team, Developing Trust as a Leader, Feedback Culture, Managing Conflict, and Importance of Self Awareness. The highlight for me was hearing from three global Campus Crusade leaders who each shared openly about their “Leadership Journey.”

SV National Leadership Conference

What percentage of your time are you working IN your organization, and what percentage of your time are you working ON it? In our National Team role, we find that in order to build Student Venture into a stronger and healthier ministry for the long run, we need to pull back from being immersed in the work that needs to be done. We have the responsibility to make whatever necessary changes organizationally to accomplish our mission through short term and long term strategies.

Last week, we returned from our annual SV National Leadership Conference where we hosted all of our SV city directors. This is only our second opportunity to meet together since the transition to our current National Team. We went to great effort to roll out our new National Strategic Planning Process and align our directors with it. Based on the evaluations, it looks like we achieved our goal that the directors would leave the conference empowered, encouraged, aligned and informed.

Dad’s Cancer

My father (Howard) has another scheduled biopsy May 20 on an enlarging spot seen on his latest CT scan of his lungs. Please continue to pray. He’s been off chemo and radiation for a few months which has helped him recover quite a bit.

Homefront - Baby on the Way!

Laura is counting the days until the birth of our third little boy! We’re due around June 26. With just a few weeks left, we are scurrying around trying to get ready. Cooper and Ben can’t wait to meet their baby brother. We still can’t believe we’re going to have three boys!

Yesterday we decided the time had arrived for Benjamin to have his first haircut. It was hard for us to depart with his long bright blond curls. Howard believes all our kids are destined for future baldness, so he wanted Ben to cherish these days with hair!

Benjamin is obsessed with any sports “ball” and Cooper is our social butterfly who loves to be at preschool with his friends.

Thank You

Knowing that you are partnering with and praying for our ministry and our family is so encouraging. We are grateful and humbled. You are making an impact in students everywhere!

Grateful for your Partnership,
Howard & Laura Crutsinger

Changed Lives :: Carrollton

2009-05-06T13:19:00.001-05:00

Our staff always enjoy sharing the Gospel and seeing students come to Christ. It is doubly enjoyable to see the “student chain” which results when students share Christ with students who share Christ with students, and so on.

The story below is just such a chain: one student led a friend to Christ, who led a friend to Christ, who led... That’s the core of Win-Build-Send!

When Christ awakens a heart, other hearts are awakened and new souls enter into the family of God. Thank you for helping bring those souls into the family!

The Student Chain
by Tom and Bea Ann Bridges, SV staff in Dallas

On April 22, we held a Newman Smith HS, student-led volleyball outreach! We partnered with Prince of Peace Lutheran to provide the food, and with First Baptist for the volleyball courts. About 100 students attended the event and had great fun, met new friends, ate hot dogs, chips, chili, drinks and dessert for FREE, and best of all, heard the Gospel from their peers. Six students indicated they had placed their faith and trust in Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and several others requested more information or want to get involved with Student Venture!

Marvin and Jose, although nervous beforehand, spoke calmly, boldly and clearly when sharing their testimony in Christ. Marvin became a Christian 15 months ago at our Fastbreak conference as a result of his friend and SV student leader, Jordan. Jordan became a Christian through the influence of his friend and SV student leader RJ. RJ became a Christian through the influence of his friend and SV student leader Jared, who was discipled in 2001 by Howard Crutsinger. Marvin is continuing the spiritual multiplication chain as he invited Jose to our Fastbreak conference three months ago, and Jose gave his life to Christ! The change in their lives are evident to their friends, and both he and Marvin are currently in a SV Bible study, and are getting their friends to go with them to the summer conference in June.

Changed Lives :: Venezuela

2009-04-14T14:05:00.001-05:00

We love hearing about students whose lives are changed by the Gospel, and rejoice greatly over those who follow Him into ministry. The story below is the story of a student who came to Christ in high school and continues to serve Him in a mighty way. Praise God!

Oscar Avalos, the staff who wrote the story below, beautifully expresses our gratitude for you ---
I am so excited about Keith’s story because in many ways you are part of similar stories. You make it possible for us to go on high school campuses and help future “Keiths” know Christ. Students who will one day impact entire nations and continents! Who knows what path God has for the students we work with, but I believe whatever great things He has in store for them is made possible by your partnership with us.

You are appreciated.

Help impact one teenager ~ you impact an entire continent
by Oscar and Candis Avalos, SV staff in Peoria, AZ

Our mission was clear: go to Maracaibo, Venezuela to pioneer a ministry among young people in the high schools. In the end, I believe God accomplished that mission through us, but the story leading up to this mission was something only a sovereign God could design.

Nearly 30 years ago, Keith Onishi was a high school student in Houston, TX. He was introduced to a group at his high school called Student Venture and soon was introduced to the person of Jesus Christ through Mike Crandall, one of the SV staff members on his campus. When it was time for Keith to go to college, Mike personally went with him to UT Austin and introduced Keith to staff members with Campus Crusade for Christ. Keith flourished in his faith, caught CCC’s vision and joined staff after college. For years he would move through the ranks of CCC as he served in various schools in the U.S.

Eight years ago, God called Keith, his wife Sheri, and their three kids to move to Maracaibo to be the national directors for the college ministry with CCC. Because of the affect SV had on Keith’s life, in the last couple of years God gave them a vision to pioneer a Student Venture ministry in the city, with hopes of the ministry growing and spreading all over Venezuela. God provided two girls through their college ministry, Nilka and Gaby, who are now graduated and have a passion for reaching teenagers in Venezuela with the gospel

Keith was recently named the national director of all South America and his passion to pioneer college AND high school ministries with CCC/SV, will now become more of a reality for an entire continent! Only God can do that!

Changed Lives :: Cincinnati

2009-03-24T00:11:00.002-05:00

One of the joys and goals of our ministry is to have our involved students share their testimonies with their peers. It is a great step of faith for them and they grow in their walk with God as they see Him use their stories to touch hearts. Students are also inclined to listen to their peers, so it is a “win” for everyone.

Thank you, thank you for partnering with us to give these students opportunities to see God at work!

God at work
by Chris McClelland with SV Cincinnati, OH

On Wednesdays I’ve been meeting with a group of freshmen at Talawanda High. Most of these guys played football this fall and are now coming to a weekly Bible Study / Follow-up Group.

Last week I took the freshmen guys to a cemetery. We found the youngest person to die (2 months old) and oldest (102 years) and then I asked the guys how long they expect to live. Alex said 50 years; Drew said at least 100. We talked about how our lives are a mist that appears for a while then vanishes. I challenged the guys to make their days on earth count by investing their time in things that are going to last for eternity.

Later, some of the freshmen students involved in SV hosted a Pizza Party Outreach (with a 29 inch pizza!) for the Freshmen Basketball team. Eleven of the 13 guys on the team came and had a blast as they played “knockout”, answered trivia questions for prizes, and ate a huge pizza. Sam & Alex told the guys why they like Student Venture, and Drew explained how to begin a relationship with God. Two of the basketball players, Sam H and Trevor, indicated on their comment cards that they asked Jesus to come into their lives after Drew shared the gospel. Pretty cool!

Pray for Sam H. & Trevor as well as the other freshmen. We’ll be getting together every Wednesday after school.

Changed Lives :: XBox

2009-03-17T08:37:00.007-05:00

Just as technology is impacting every area of our lives, it is also impacting methods for sharing the gospel. Through various websites we have developed, we are seeing hundreds of students touched by the gospel. We know this strategy has incredible potential and are working toward developing these opportunities even more. As technology continues to evolve, the potential is limitless!

Below is the story of a young man who opened his heart to Christ through technology. While some of us older folks aren’t technologically savvy, it is second nature to young people. It is so exciting to see God reach students using a method that is a major influence in their lives!

Thank you, thank you for being obedient to God’s direction in your life and for your support of Student Venture. You are appreciated!

God is even in technology
by Kevin Bowers, SV staff in Greater Oklahoma
I have been a technology guru of sorts for all my life - looking for ways to maximize and leverage technology to spread the Gospel. This past week God did something I never could have expected with what started as a video game chat with one of our high school students. The XBox video system allows people across the world to play games with others they don't even know. It's really a fascinating way to meet others and interact over time with even the same people, if you so desire. I'm not a gamer, but this is definitely unique.

Recently Brian (pictured above) began a discussion with a 19-year-old student, Adam, at the University of North Dakota.

Over time, they began to build rapport by playing online games together, and Brian took the initiative to share some personal things which led Adam to do the same. Later, Adam shared about some personal struggles and Brian took the opportunity to share Christ with Adam! Ironically, we had literally just gone over a specific training on how to share your faith! It was good that Brian listened.

During that conversation, Adam prayed and invited Christ into his life!

I took the chance to look up Adam on FaceBook, and we have also become friends. Here is an unsolicited response Adam sent me:

"Hey there Kevin! Yeah, I am amazed at the person that I found over a video game! (Brian) He is an amazing, intelligent guy who has been nothing but nice to me. It has been nice to connect with people who really do care about you and I am continuously surprised." Adam ended with this, "I hope to grow and learn much more through you, Brian, and Him! Thank you!"

Who would have ever guessed that a younger student could lead someone to Jesus over a video game?

Changed Lives :: NY Giants, David Tyree wide receiver :: New York

2009-03-09T23:05:00.001-05:00

One of the most effective ways for Student Venture staff members to reach lost students is to use a “Team Talk” strategy.

At a recent football “team talk” in NYC, David Tyree (wide receiver for 2008 Super Bowl champs, the NYC Giants) spoke of his life with Christ.

Because these kinds of outreach meetings are held in the school, we can’t have an open invitation to receive Christ. However, our local Student Venture staff member, Kevin Young, had the opportunity to tell the students about Student Venture and invited the students to get involved. Kevin and the NYC staff members will follow up with the students in the coming weeks. At these follow up meetings a clear gospel presentation is usually given with an opportunity for the students to respond.
Kevin also reported that one of the coaches said that God spoke to him during the meeting. Students are our focus when we hold these outreaches, but God can - and does - reach anyone hearing His message!

Your partnership helps make talks like this possible all across the country – we thank you!

God uses a football hero
by Kevin and Janette Young, SV staff in New York City
The room was stuffed tight with over 100 Grand Street Wolves Football players, and as we stepped into the room, it erupted. David Tryee is the home town hero, the guy involved in the catch of the century, as some have called it. It led to the Giants’ Super Bowl victory. David said his favorite part of the whole season was the parade down Hero’s Canyon in downtown Manhattan where over a million jubilant fans skipped school and work to roar for their team!
I’ve been to many outreaches over the years, but none has compared to what David did in the 45 minutes he spoke. He talked their language, having himself grown up in the hood. The first words out of his mouth were that he loved Jesus Christ, and everything about his life was now centered in Him. He talked about the low points, and the high points, about mistakes and how Christ brought him out of the lowest hell he could possibly imagine. The young men in that room were riveted, not a word by anyone. He brought the gospel to them in all its simplicity and all its glory. Wow! The coach was ecstatic. The young men who have been tracking with us in our meetings---you could see their chests swell. It was the depth of the impact that was so apparent. Only the Holy Spirit could have fashioned that evening. He did it by indwelling a young man, sold out to His purposes. Your prayers make the difference!

Changed Life Story :: 31 years later

2009-02-16T19:52:00.002-05:00

Many times in student ministry we don’t get to see the full impact of what God is doing with those we work with. The following letter from a former student named Don reminds and encourages us to reach out to teenagers with the life changing message of Christ. The whole course of this man’s life was changed.

Just think – your partnership with Student Venture may be touching a student, just like Don, who will still be following Christ in a great way 30 years from now. God is using you to make a lasting, significant difference in the lives of others! How exciting is that!

Down through the years
by Gary Wood, SV staff on international assignment

From Gary ----
You might wonder if this winning, building and sending works. It is an important question to ask. When I was in the States, a few people asked me if I knew what had happened with some of the first students I worked with when I joined the staff. I said I knew of a few who were doing very well and still having an impact for the Savior, but I had lost track of too many over the last 34 years.

Recently, I unexpectedly heard from one of those guys from my first few years in Cincinnati – one I really enjoyed working with, but had lost contact with soon after I left there 31 years ago.

Hello Gary -
Wow, it has been a long time (30+ years?). I finally found a way to reach you. I hope you don't mind.

On Friday, October 8, 1976, my freshman year of high school, you took me to a football game and shared the 4 (Spiritual) Laws with me, and Jesus changed my life - for eternity. Do you remember I bawled my eyes out in the front seat? I do...and with great joy as I look back. No doubt your famous penetrating follow-up questions drove home the significance of a decision that had brought me to the arms of a loving, forgiving God for whom I had been searching. I have no repayment plan to you, but only to say, "thank you."

From those first days of faith, you laid the foundation of the importance of evangelism and the Great Commission. You inquired if I thought any of my friends needed to know about Christ (it was a set up, and I knew it!). You had me make a list of those who needed to know, and prayed with me over it. You trained me how to set up an appointment and how to go through the booklet. And so, that's how we ended up on my friend, Bob's, front porch. I was so nervous, but you graciously and firmly nudged me on.

Bob's life might not have been changed that day, but mine was - once again. You infected me with a heart for the lost, for evangelism and for the Great Commission. You made me actually think that God could use me to communicate the glorious gospel of grace found in Christ. You gave me a passion - a conviction - that I must be about this work.

I have never thought myself very "good" at the work, and have a list of those I "should have" shared with and regret that I did not. But here I find myself today - 33 years later - taking high school students up and down Route 38 in DeKalb, IL to find groups with whom we may ask if anyone has ever taken the time to share with them the message of the Bible, etc. I have no greater joy than seeing a teenager share their faith for the first time, and rejoicing in their reaction as they see God use them. Last summer, while debriefing with a small group of our teens after an amazing evangelism moment, one 15 year old boy exclaimed, "Wow! God used me and it was so easy." I remember thinking the same thing after walking off Bob's front porch.

I have seen God open doors to share the gospel in jails, prisons, a university president's office, and various places in between...and yes, even other front porches. It has never ceased to be scary, but it always amazes me how God takes our simple step of faith in a fearful moment, and blesses it so much so that we say in hindsight, "Wow, that was easy." With God all things are possible!
Again, thanks for having such a profound influence in my life. I hope God continues to give you opportunities to serve and train others.

Sincerely,
Don

Urban Changed Life Story :: Indianapolis

2009-02-09T17:43:00.005-05:00

One of the ministries under the Campus Crusade for Christ umbrella is a ministry to African American students called “Impact”. This is a ministry that partners with us, and other ministries, to build spiritual movements within the African-American community and among people of African descent worldwide. While our FastBreak and Getaway conferences are designed for students of all nationalities, Impact conferences are able to focus on the unique needs of African Americans.

In December, some of our Student Venture staff took their African American students to an Impact conference. The story below is from one of the students who is involved in Student Venture in Indianapolis and attended the conference. We are always amazed at the various avenues God uses to turn hearts to Himself. We are thrilled and humbled that God, in His grace, will use us to do His work.

While we are on the frontlines with these students on a daily basis, you are the much appreciated, behind-the-scenes support that is vital for God’s work to be done. Your partnership is never taken for granted!

A Family Affair
by C.J and Anika Neal, SV staff in Indianapolis, IN

A letter from Lindsae - -

On December 27th, 2008, (the first night of the conference) I rededicated my life to Christ. Having done that, I called my mom ’cause I was so excited! Like, I was in shock! Then I had a chance to talk to all my family, and one of my aunts re-dedicated her life; she said that listening to me talk about how I’d changed and the personal relationship that I wanted to have with God made her want to change her ways. When I got back home, it was put on my heart that I needed to start something with my family. So, I started a Bible study with my family that Saturday at 10am. That day, I did everything — breakfast, the lesson plan, praise and worship, and I taught my first lesson!!!! (I’m so excited about that!!!) We now meet every Saturday with my whole family (aunts, uncles and cousins included)! I’m studying my Bible and learning to teach others, and I owe it all to God!
-Lindsae H.

Music Video of Family

2009-02-03T11:08:00.006-05:00

Here is a short music video showing life with our kids, Cooper and Benjamin.

Changed Life Story :: Kalamazoo

2009-02-03T10:50:00.002-05:00

I imagine that many of you are feeling the ill effects of the snow and ice; we pray that God will work in your circumstances for your good and His glory.

A very integral part of our FastBreak and Getaway conferences is the well-planned outreach opportunities for all the students to share their faith with people in the local community, such as sharing on the beach, at a mall, in neighborhoods. This is a great step of faith for many students, and they are greatly encouraged when they see God work in the hearts of people they talk to. They are also encouraged to hear the victory stories shared by their peers at the conference’s evening session.

Below is a story about students meeting people’s physical needs and also being used by God to meet their spiritual needs. Thankfully, God uses our plans and the willing hearts of students to do His good work.

Thank you for being part of God’s good work!

God is the One at Work
by brian and erin clark, SV staff Indianapolis, IN

On the Sunday afternoon of our FastBreak in Kalamazoo, MI while half the group went skiing, the other half visited homes to give out our Boxes of Love (food and gifts) and to pray for people. I was so proud of the three girls I went with! Carly shared her testimony and God's love with Jessica (in brown). Julie and Grace prayed for Sarah, who is still displaced from Hurricane Katrina and going home next month! Then at the last apartment we went to, Bernard opened more than just the front door—he also opened the door of his heart to Christ as well! God is the one who does everything in a person’s heart, yet it was easy to see that the girls were awed that God could use them as they stepped out in faith. What is more exciting in life?!

Changed Life Stories :: Dallas

2009-01-26T21:34:00.004-05:00

Last week we shared with you a changed life story from our San Diego FastBreak Conference. Below is another story, this time from Dallas. Both conferences were held over Martin Luther King weekend.

Our conferences are very special and strategic times for all of Student Venture. It is an opportunity for our students to get away from their hectic lives to focus on God. For those who are already Believers, our prayer is for them to deepen their walk with God. For those who are lost, our prayer is that God would capture their hearts for all eternity. As you will see in the story below, God did just that in the heart of Yesenia!

Thank you, thank you for your part in bringing Yesenia to Jesus. May many more come!

Another Changed life
by Benton and Susie Hall, SV staff in Dallas, TX

Yesenia thought she came to FastBreak because it was an opportunity for her to spend time with her older brother, whom she admires. But God had a bigger, eternally significant purpose in mind. On the second night of the conference, as she heard the speaker describe the work of Christ on the cross, and the implications of His sacrifice, Yesenia was struck by a sudden, unprecedented awareness of God’s love for her. After the evening session was over, Jacquelynn, an adult volunteer, found Yesenia crying in the cabin. Jacquelynn found out that Yesenia had surrendered her life to Christ that evening.

“You know that feeling you get when you’re high [on drugs]?” Yesenia asked, desperately grasping for words to describe what was going on inside of her. “I feel that way right now! I can’t believe I’ve missed out on something so great for so long.”

As Jacquelynn celebrated with her, Yesenia disclosed that she had been making a lot of unhealthy choices in life, and she recognized a need to leave those things behind. Since she returned from FastBreak, Yesenia has asked her mother for forgiveness for wrongs done in the past, and their relationship has taken a turn for the better. Yesenia has also shared her testimony with her non-Christian friends. “They don’t understand. I really want them to experience what I’ve experienced.” Yesenia has joined a girls’ Bible study and has committed to praying for the salvation of her lost friends.

Changed Life Stories :: San Diego

2009-01-19T15:57:00.004-05:00

One of Student Venture’s crucial evangelistic strategies is conferences. Each January across the country, Student Venture holds Winter Conferences/FastBreaks to gather students for a “fast break” from their normal lives. At the conferences, the students benefit from Bible teaching, worship, and evangelism, plus fun and fellowship. Most importantly, God always works in the hearts of students to make Himself known to them.

Below is a report from one of those conferences. As the story states, the San Diego Conference was a combination of high school and college students. God is working through these partnerships, and we are excited to see Him fulfilling the partnership vision He gave us!

God is so creative in the ways He reaches down to us. Over the next few weeks, we look forward to sharing more of His ways with you, our Treasured Ministry Partners.

SAN DIEGO WINTER CONFERENCE
by Oscar and Candis Avalos, SV staff in Peoria, AZ

What do you get when you take 60 high school students, 650+ college students and a really cool city? Pure chaos, you say? Yes! But it was wonderful chaos which helped transform the lives of many students we work with during our time at the SDWC.

It was especially exciting because, for the first time, we did a conference with both college and high school students. Both parties were able to see each other worship the Lord and be inspired to live a life fully committed to Christ. It was also great for college students to catch the vision of reaching high school students and for high school students to see that being a college student doesn’t mean you ditch your faith, but can actually get excited about following Jesus.

One of the conference highlights were our “chat rooms”. Every night, after our main session, our students would break up into small groups and discuss what they were learning. It was so exciting to hear from guys who, just 3 months ago, didn’t know who Jesus was or how to read the Bible, but are now excited about growing in their faith and about sharing it with others. That’s the kind of life-change we long to see, and it’s happening in powerful ways!

Chain of Discipleship - December, Prayer Letter Update

2008-12-17T21:36:00.005-05:00

Here is our prayer letter for this month featuring:

Your Picture In This Chain of Discipleship

click on the image below to enlarge it to a size where you can read it:

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Here's the text:
December 2008 Crutsinger Prayer Update

"Your Role In The Chain of Discipleship"

Seeing a disciple become a disciple maker is exciting. It really gets exciting when you start to draw out your discipleship chain. Your disciples who discipled others who discipled others...

Paul’s theme statement on discipleship was 2 Timothy 2:2. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others also.” The principle of great discipleship is spiritual multiplication, not simply winning a person to Christ. Wining someone is adding to the kingdom. Not 2 + 2 + 2, but 2 x 2 x 2. This verse transforms addition to multiplication. The emphasis goes beyond winning one person, to investing your life in that person, who will be qualified to mature another disciple who will in turn teach others. Producing disciples.

What I think is incredible is that your investment in our ministry places you into each discipleship chain! Without the prayer and contributions of ministry partners, we would not be freed up to do the ministry God has called us to. And because of people like you, students are being, and have been, discipled all over the world.

I (Howard) was discipled in 1989 in SV. I was able to disciple Jared (class of 2005), who discipled Matt (class of 2006), who helped Jenny (class of 2007) get started and then discipled by our staff girl Nikki. Matt then discipled Dave (class of 2008), who is discipling RJ (class of 2010). RJ invited Jordan who gave his life to Christ at the 2007 SV Summer Conference. RJ is helping Jordan grow steadily in his faith, and his mom said how happy she was to see the transformation that has been happening in her son. Jordan has a desire to reach his friends for Christ and recruited his friend Daniel to the SV Winter Conference where Daniel gave his life to Christ! The next day Daniel asked, “do you think I can be in the discipleship chain?” Each of these students led (or is leading) discipleship groups with their peers, seeing several of them come to Christ over the years.

This is God’s work. It is not about us, but about Him. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 says, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” All of our staff disciple students to send them into the culture equipped with the Gospel for a lifetime. Chains like this are occurring in lives all over the country.

Because of your partnership, eight generations of spiritual multiplication is happening, and this is only one of many examples. Please pray this vision of multiplication would expand to reach every student on every campus, their families, and ultimately the world! Laura and I count on the generous support of people like you to continue to bring hope to students everywhere and to help them move their lives toward Christ.

We know how much the economy is affecting many of our supporters, and so we are especially thankful and grateful for your sacrificial giving toward the building of His kingdom. Thank you so much!

Grateful for your Partnership,
Howard & Laura Crutsinger

November, Prayer Letter Update - Page 1 & 2

2008-11-21T15:46:00.004-05:00

Here is our prayer letter for this month featuring:

Essentials of Spiritual Growth & Multiplication Project
Senior Leadership Module 3
Will It Solve The Problem?
Dad’s Cancer
Launching SV in College Towns
Thank You

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Here's the text:
November 2008 Crutsinger Prayer Update

Emerging Strategies = "The Cutting Edge of Strategic Learning, Innovation and Resource Development to Accelerate the Ministry of Turning Lost Students into Christ-Centered Laborers"

Essentials of Spiritual Growth & Multiplication Project
We are creating a discipleship tool written by Campus Crusade President Steve Douglass to help students grow in Christ and get involved in ministry and spiritual multiplication as soon as possible.
Globally there are 3 “Styles of Learning”:

Literary
Primary Orality (cannot read)
Secondary Orality (can, but will not read)

Today, 58% of adults after college will never read another book. 2/3 of the world can’t, don’t, or won’t read… therefore they cannot hear our message through text. They are deaf to the Gospel b/c it is not presented to them in a way that gets to their heart. Ironically, 90% of all Christian ministry today occurs through literate communication styles! My department’s goal in resource development is to incorporate several active learning strategies: visual, hands-on, immediate application, discussion, memory, arts, video & easy transferability.

This “Essentials” series takes into account that today’s high school and college students are post-modern in philosophy and are secondary oral learners (people who can read but do not prefer to learn by reading). They are highly relational and make sense of the world through their experiences, story and discussion.

How it works: No lectures here—the group discovers Biblical truth together through a directed discussion around a passage of Scripture rather than a workbook or other written materials. Group leaders are provided with a session preparation checklist and lead from a group discussion outline. Group members keep a “mini-journal” that records what they learn from each discussion, and action to take and a person to tell.

So, what’s the big deal? We presented our design concept to Steve Douglass and he loved it! We are praying this new delivery method and new layout will exponentially increase and radically deepen spiritual multiplication all over the country!

Please pray we get a field test version of the first four lessons complete by Feb. 4.

Senior Leadership Module 3
We had a great module focusing on “execution” with a particular spin on how you have to adjust from doing things yourself to execute well through others. The basis was the “Stellar Execution” model by Bob Lewis. Each component has 2 axes—”defined” and “practiced or applied”. Four components are: 1) Achieving strategic clarity; 2) Building leadership competency; 3) Acquiring process capability; and 4) Creating a culture of accountability.

We took a Backstage Magic Tour at Disney giving us a look at a large company with a great reputation for executing well everyday. We then did an assessment of 3 national CCC ministries – Canada, US Ministries, US Campus- by teams using the stellar execution model. We identified strengths and gaps in the current level of execution, as well as developed an action plan to bridge the gaps. Included was a “start, stop, keep, improve” exercise for the first component- strategic clarity.

In the final afternoon, we looked at the character structure of a leader and how that impacts the ability to execute well. The “Growth Model” is something we use to teach about creating the right environment for character growth—based on Henry Cloud’s work (Changes that Heal). We considered what the impact of a leader who is “all truth, no grace,” or “all grace, no truth.” We discussed how a leader’s ability in love/bonding, responsibility/self-control, forgiveness (dealing with both good and bad), and authority impact execution.

I will have to report on progress made in “execution” within Student Venture during Module 4 in April 09.

Will It Solve The Problem?
My SLI team of six were “hired” (for free) by the National Team of Campus Ministries to solve a critical two part problem. Our vision: 1) All strategic roles are filled. 2) Veteran staff find ways to move into strategic roles that fit them well. Our mission: 1) Analyze the cultural problem of veteran staff not moving into strategic organizational roles. 2) Propose a blueprint for cultural change that will address this problem. After six months of intense research, on October 20, we presented our Strategic Solution: Four steps to capturing the contributions of our most experienced staff. A principle and founder of a multi-million dollar firm that consults the nuclear power industry read our report very carefully and he was thoroughly impressed saying, “there are many important findings in this report, as well as some great solutions.” He also said that in the business world you would pay $100,000 for a study and report like this. Pray that the implementation of our solution would achieve the desired results!

Dad’s Cancer
My father (Howard) is doing great battling his brain and lung cancer. Dec 15 will be his one year anniversary of the diagnosis. He is currently on chemo and radiation sabbatical until the doctors conclude if further treatment is necessary. He is a trooper! Please pray his medical reports continue to come back with good news.

Launching SV in College Towns
Kendra is a student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and active in the Cru (college) ministry. She is married to Nate, a farmer. During the summer of 2007, she worked at a summer camp for teens. When she got back to school in the fall she asked one girl from the camp, who lived near IUP, if she wanted to be in a small group. This soon expanded to include up to 20 girls from the basketball team and the cheerleaders. Kendra recognized that students can lead and she began to help some of the girls reach their friends. As the year progressed they saw other college students and a mom get involved. Because Kendra was familiar with Student Venture, she and Nate took some students SV’s Fastbreak in New York in February. Kendra began to sense the tug to consider interning with Student Venture.

During this past summer, Kendra and Nate began a weekly co-ed Bible study. IUP local leader, Phil Floyd, and Student Venture coach, Shawn Basone, are working together to help Kendra keep Win/Build/Send in their Bible Study’s DNA. During a training segment of each week, they are taking time to go through the CoJourners evangelism training. They are being purposeful about taking students out to share their faith. Recently, they invited a staff member in the region to lead an evangelism training. Kendra was encouraged to have about 15 teens and 15 college students come out. College and high school students paired up to go out witnessing. According to Kendra some of the college students had either never shared their faith or it was the first time since Summer Project. They were encouraged by the younger kids’ faith. Some of these students continue to look for sharing opportunities. Kendra and Lizzie went out to follow up a girl that came to their Bible study. After they went through the Gospel, the girl said she had already trusted Christ when she attended Kendra’s study.

In the coming weeks, Kendra and the teens are planning an outreach that will include students from two different high schools. They are already recruiting high school students to go to the Winter Conference, where they will have a high school student track. And they are making plans to take a group of IUP and high school students on a Student Venture mission to St. Petersburg, Russia in the Spring. College students, a USCM staff, a SV staff and others in the region are all working together to see an exciting ministry among high schools students grow. Please pray many other SV movements will be launched by college students!

Thank You
Helping provide national leadership to Student Venture is a huge honor and responsibility. We see your partnership as being critical. Thank you for your prayers and support!

Grateful for your Partnership,
Howard & Laura Crutsinger

April, Prayer Letter Update - Page 1 & 2

2008-04-02T12:58:00.005-05:00

Here is our prayer letter for this month featuring:

My Dad's New Battle With Cancer
SV Leadership Conference
Starting SV in College Towns
Car Wrecked
Benjamin’s 1st B-Day
Thank You

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Here's the text:
April 2008 Prayer Update New Battle With Cancer
On Dec 13, 2007, I called my dad to wish him happy birthday. He talked about how he must have food poising because of how bad he felt. Two days later, my mom took him to the hospital to see what was causing the vertigo and slurred speech. They first thought it was an inner ear infection, but after running tests, diagnosed him with a one inch tumor in the back of his brain & two other tumors in his lungs. They advised immediate brain surgery as he was just days away death. He has “stage 4 squamous (non-small cell) cell lung cancer”. On Christmas Eve, my dad underwent surgery to remove the brain tumor. The doctors were not sure he’d survive the surgery, so treating the lungs was irrelevant at the time.

Since then, he’s had at least 75 doctor appointments, 5 weeks of daily localized radiation on the brain, then chemo on the lungs, and now 5 more weeks of radiation on the lungs. For a couple of months, every week was filled with more and more unfavorable news... He developed blood clots in his leg that broke loose and went to the lungs, he came down with pneumonia, they found a fracture in his back, and was even diagnosed with sleep apnea. I find comfort that God is the One to determine timelines for life and health, though the stats from some of the doctors are bleak, we are optimistic that he’ll pull through. By God’s grace, he is making small steps of progress.

Please pray that the medical treatments would aggressively attack the cancer with minimal negative side effects. Pray my dad would become a pleasant willing participant in this process. Please also pray for my mom who is exhausted with all of the new caregiving responsibilities, doctors’ appoints, and transportation needs. She is a trooper! Clinging to James 1:2-8; Romans 8:28

SV Leadership Conference
We hosted our annual SV Leadership Conference. I spoke to all of our city leaders about resources that could help them more effectively reach the students on their campuses. The emphasis was on distinguishing the difference between “bible study” and “discipleship”. Our materials must be easily transferable. We have to be strategic in how we raise up the next generation of student leaders, if they are going to become active participants in spiritual multiplication. (2 Timothy 2:2)

Starting SV in College Towns
We finished a creative training resource to walk college students through a “START” process telling how we launch Student Venture on a high school campus. Pray God raises up leaders to open new campuses for thousands of students to hear about Christ. To see the whole booklet, visit: http://www.gocampus.org/preview/start.pdf

Car Wrecked
I (Howard) am without a car until I can find a replacement. Laura drove my car since she left the kids at home with me so she could attend a monthly SV women’s meeting. She was waiting at a red light. The light turned green. Laura pulled out. And WHAM! She got side-swiped by a guy who ran the red light. Fortunately she was not hurt, but my car was totaled.

Benjamin’s 1st B-Day
We celebrated Benjamin’s first birthday (Jan 31). We had a small group of friends over to watch him dive into his own smash cake. It was great fun! Benjamin is sooo close to walking. His bright blue eyes and his cackling laugh make us smile.

Cooper got his first haircut, often tackles daddy when he gets home from work, corrects Benjamin when he chews on electrical cords, and loves to play. He’s got enough energy to compete with the Energizer bunny. “More bible, daddy!” is often heard before he’s put to bed - I’m sure it’s his manipulative tactic to stay awake longer, but we take full advantage of it.

Thank You
We are so appreciative for your partnership in our ministry. Your prayers and support enable us to be involved in providing national leadership to Student Venture. We have the best group of staff and interns within SV. I long for the day when kids involved in each of their ministries get to approach you in heaven to thank you for your investment in their lives!

Grateful for your Partnership,
Howard & Laura

November, Prayer Letter Update - Page 1 & 2

2007-11-30T15:22:00.000-05:00

Here is our prayer letter for this month featuring:

Senior Leadership Initiative
Ministry/Life Coach
SLI Participants
Changed Life Story
SV National Team
Family News

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August 3, Prayer Letter Update - Page 1 & 2

2007-08-04T00:21:00.001-05:00

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March, Prayer Letter Update - Page 1 & 2

2007-03-15T15:38:00.000-05:00

Here is our prayer letter for this month featuring:

New baby
New SV position

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Benjamin is 3 weeks old!

2007-02-24T20:14:00.000-05:00

We are having a good time with Cooper and his baby brother, Benjamin. Many late night feedings, lots of laughter, and loads of fun...

Laura's mom was in town this last week -- talk about a major helper! Thank you! (come back soon!!)

Student Venture promotional video

2007-02-20T22:01:00.000-05:00

Watch the video by pressing the orange arrow.

This is a promotional video of Student Venture, Campus Crusade for Christ's high school ministry. It gives a great description of what our ministry does and the needs we have.

An incredible Super Bowl website

2007-02-04T11:24:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, February 4, millions of sports enthusiasts around the world will tune in to watch the ultimate game in professional football as Tony Dungy's Indianapolis Colts face Lovie Smith's Chicago Bears.

Campus Crusade for Christ has teamed up with both head coaches and several players to create an opportunity for them to use this historic stage to talk about their common faith in Jesus Christ.

Full-Page Newspaper Ad and BeyondTheUltimate.org Web Site

On Friday, February 2, Campus Crusade placed a full-page advertisement in the USA Today Super Bowl special section. The ad featured both head coaches and pointed readers to a special Web site, BeyondTheUltimate.org.

The Web site features articles and streaming video from players and coaches who share their stories and talk about their faith in Jesus Christ. Additional articles and a clear presentation of the gospel create multiple opportunities for site visitors to learn how they can begin a relationship with God and receive God's love and forgiveness.

Please visit the Web site BeyondTheUltimate.org

Thanks for partnering with us!

(And we'll see how much of the game I get to watch while chasing around Cooper, taking care of Mommy and our newborn, Benjamin... Wish me luck!)

New arrival - Benjamin Walker Crutsinger

2007-01-31T09:52:00.000-05:00

Thank you for those who prayed for us. We are proud to announce the arrival of little Benjamin Walker Crutsinger

7 lbs, 12.5 oz
18.5 in long
9:52 AM
Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Here are a few pictures of today’s excitement.

Mom is recovering just fine from her C-section.

Dad is wishing Outback Steakhouse had a delivery service to Florida Hospital Winter Park...

CCC on CBS Evening News

2006-12-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

To view the story yourself, click here:
> > VIDEO of story on CBS Evening News

> > WRITTEN story

Bibles Replacing Beer On College Campuses
Researchers Find Many Students Entering Colleges Say They're On A Spiritual Quest

MADISON, Wis., Dec. 14, 2006
Is the Bible replacing beer as motivation for college students? (CBS)

(CBS) You don't have to look far to see why the University of Wisconsin makes the Top 10 list of party schools year after year, CBS News correspondent Kelly Cobiella reports. A trip down popular State Street says it all.

But these days, another kind of bingeing is catching on, one that is less about beer and more about the Bible.

Rae Gillen used to follow the party crowd. Now she leads prayer groups in the dorm. She made the change after breaking up with a boyfriend two years ago.

"It was just probably the most difficult time of my life that I've ever had, just really sad all the time, really depressed. And didn't really know how to fix it," Gillen says.

She found her fix in Campus Crusade for Christ, a student organization whose services resemble a kind of college party for God. Their membership at Wisconsin has tripled in the last five years.

That mix of higher education and a higher power isn't unique to Madison. Campus Crusade for Christ says it has expanded to 1,200 campuses, and has seen its membership almost double during the last decade.

UCLA researchers found the vast majority of students entering college say they're on a spiritual quest. Nearly 80 percent say they believe in God, nearly 70 percent pray, and they're looking for a new way to explore faith, outside of the traditional church.

A half-dozen college ministries are spending millions to build private, religiously themed dorms close to campus like one in Madison that has an underground passage to the Presbyterian church next door.

"Students will be able to come right underneath and come up and worship in their pajamas if they want," says Pastor Mark Eldson.

What Gillen really wanted was a sense of belonging and a deeper connection.

"People who desired to really know me and not just me as the person who was crazy enough to do something that, after a few beers I was willing to do," Gillen says.

It's not that today's students are giving up the party in favor of prayer. But when the party's over, some search for more than just a ride home.

©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

An example of the fruits of recruiting

2006-12-06T14:31:00.000-05:00

Here is an encouraging blurb from one of our new staff who joined SV as a direct result of my online recruiting initiative:

"I am so thankful for the Student Venture internet job posting. I would have never known that I could serve God by utilizing my gifts in finance and administration as well as spend time ministering to students face to face at their high school. What a blessing to be able to use my gifts, talents, and desires to serve God’s kingdom and see high school students reached for Jesus. Thanks Howard, your diligent work has provided an opportunity for me to serve God that I would have never known was available. - Scott Birdsell/Student Venture - Finance"

Please pray many others like Scott will find out about SV through the internet, see how their professional skills could be used in the context of ministry, causing them to apply to join staff.

Ministry Stats through October 2006

2006-12-04T10:16:00.000-05:00

Here is a snap shot of our ministry’s statistics: (These numbers do not include conferences for the summer. They do include all cities reports through the end of October except for 3 cities, whose reports only went through the end of September.)

49,923 = Personally heard gospel (including direct field ministry, internet, and summer projects)
7,455 = Indicated decisions for Christ
1,688 = Total students in Student Venture discipleship groups

First Halloween

2006-11-06T08:28:00.000-05:00

Watch the video by pressing the orange arrow.

This video is of Cooper's first Halloween. He was a rooster!

* if for some reason the above video doesn't work on your computer, try this alternate version (but it may take a minute to load): http://tinyurl.com/yggryj

Cooper's first steps walking

2006-10-31T00:03:00.000-05:00

Watch the video by pressing the orange arrow.

This video is of Cooper taking his first steps walking... It's fun seeing his expressions as he learns this new mode of transportation!

* if for some reason the above video doesn't work on your computer, try this alternate version (but it may take a minute to load): http://tinyurl.com/yf5ddy

Mudbowl Outreach to Freshmen

2006-10-27T12:56:00.000-05:00

This fall, Student Venture West Plains (MO) put on an event for incoming freshmen called the “Mudbowl”. This was designed to be fun, high energy, and a little over the top. We got permission to use a 60’ x 100’ section of land owned by a local soccer club. We plowed up the land and had the local fire department pour several thousand gallons of water on it to make it good and muddy. To make sure it was muddy enough, we had several trucks drive (and spin!) around on it until the mud was about a foot deep throughout the entire 6000 square foot area.

We hid 8 balls in the mud, ranging from a tennis ball to a beach ball, and had 150 freshmen crawling through the mud looking for them for prizes. We had a 60 foot race on hands and knees through the mud, complete with a tape at the finish line. We had a tug of war between 30 overconfident freshman guys and 60 freshman girls. Of course, the girls won! And the highlight was the football game played with 4 footballs at once. (We actually used oversized watermelons as footballs, just to make it more challenging.)

In the course of the event, two upperclassmen shared about their relationship with Christ and challenged the freshmen to start their high school experience with God. One of the students, Amanda, shared about how her sophomore brother died in a car accident 6 months earlier giving her perspective that life is short and uncertain. She went on to share the Gospel and encouraged the students to place their faith in Christ. Twenty-seven students indicated that they did and 25 others requested more information about Student Venture.

By the end of the night, after the mud fights were over, and everyone was completely covered, the fire department hosed everyone down and many teenagers went home with a new sense of hope and purpose in their life.

Warren Bane

2006-09-25T16:45:00.000-05:00

I want to introduce you to Warren Bane, our National Director of Recruiting. He and I develop many of the recruiting initiatives for Student Venture. We have been working non-stop for the last three years seeking to find new ways to EXPOSE masses of people to Student Venture's ministry opportunities, get people the EXPERIENCE they need to get their feet wet, then ENLIST them to join our staff team. Please pray for Warren as he helps manage the recruiting agenda for all of us.

Whitney's Turning Point

2006-09-25T15:21:00.000-05:00

One of our staff, Dave Mikesell, in Minneapolis, MN recently had this dialogue with Whitney (girl on far right, with friends at the Getaway)

“Can I talk with you, Dave?” asked a red-eyed junior girl. “Sure,” I said and Whitney and her friend and I sat down to talk. We had just finished one of many powerful large-group sessions at the Rocky Mountain Getaway this summer and the speaker had talked about purity with the opposite sex.

She felt guilty about things she had done. I tried to explain that when Christ comes into our lives He forgives our sin: past, present and future. To illustrate the point further, I asked Whitney when she had given her life to Christ. She looked at me, shook her head, and said, “Even though I have grown up going to church, I don't think I have ever given my life to Christ." I asked if she wanted to experience God's forgiveness and receive Christ as her personal Savior.

To my surprise she said, “No.” She went on to explain that she did not think it was right for God to take on the punishment of her sin. “I feel like I should carry it.” I said, “But He wants to forgive you and have a relationship with you”. “But why...why would He do that?” she asked. “Because He loves you,” I said. And then it hit me why she could not accept God's great gift for her. Just minutes before she had explained how she felt like she could never live up to her parents' expectations. So, I looked her right in the eyes and said, “Whitney, you don't want to receive Christ because you don't believe anyone can love you. You don't believe your parents love you and you don't believe anyone, including God, loves you.” “That is exactly how I feel,” she said, her eyes now full of tears.

After a few more minutes of talking, Whitney looked at me and said, “I am ready! I am so tired of carrying this burden. It's too much.” So, we bowed our heads and Whitney asked Christ into her life! After we said “Amen,” she remained bowed and heaved big sobs of relief. Whitney is now going to a great church with a friend and attending a Student Venture Bible Study.

Cooper's 1st Birthday!

2006-08-08T08:38:00.000-05:00

Watch the video by pressing the orange arrow.

A giraffe
A cake - yum yum
A baby brother/sister ?!?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COOPER!

Attack of the Gator...

2006-06-05T10:38:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning, I literally almost got mauled by a 10-12 foot gator while fishing! It rapidly swam up to me and lunged out of the water with his jaws open wide! I took off running like a school girl... After regaining my composure and changing my soiled shorts, I went about 100 yards farther down this canal. After about 3 casts, I see the same gator off in the distance. He spashed around in the water and took off toward me a second time! Realizing that this Laviathan was not going to give up until he nabbed a large pink man, I decided to bail out and end my “relaxing” day of fishing...

Howard

Cooper is on the move!

2006-05-17T10:07:00.000-05:00

Cooper is just over 9 months old and is on the move! Watch the video by pressing the orange arrow.

DaVinci Code :: ministry resources

2006-05-10T07:57:00.000-05:00

Campus Crusade for Christ has produced these resources so that you can seize this unprecedented opportunity to equip believers to answer the challenging questions raised by The Da Vinci Code about the deity of Christ and his Word -- opening up the most positive, compelling and welcomed dialogues about the real and relevant Christ.

Josh McDowell's new book, The DaVinci Code: A Quest for Answers is now available as an audio Podcast. You can listen to each segment online or subscribe and download it to your Ipod at http://pcgmedia.org/davincianswers.html.

Don’t forget you can get all of our resources, including the Companion Guide mini-magazine now available in English & Spanish at http://davinciquest.org

These Mini-Magazines are aimed at equipping the body of Christ to share the truth of the gospel in the climate of the Da Vinci Code phenomenon.

May 2006 presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to equip believers to answer the challenging questions raised by the movie about the deity of Christ and his Word. If we approach this with a positive readiness, we can seize this as an opportunity to open up compelling dialogue about the real and relevant Christ.

Fervent efforts have been made to provide you with resources well in advance so that you might implement a Da Vinci Code Strategy that embraces, equips and strengthens the body of Christ.

Each magazine is 20 pages, full-color throughout, 6.5" by 9.5" in dimension and weighs 1.3 ounces.

Download the PDF here

Staci's Story after her sudden death...

2006-04-21T08:41:00.000-05:00

[We have created an evangelistic webiste: http://stacistory.com/]

As we share the gospel with students and see them respond, God will often surprise us with a bigger purpose in our work than meets the eye.

Such is the story of Staci Stephens, a sophomore this past school year at an Orlando high school. She had received Christ through our Student Venture team in Florida. A year ago in March, Staci suddenly died from what was diagnosed as Viral Myocarditis -- a virus had attacked her heart. She was a healthy, athletic cheerleader, gone just 48 hours after her first symptoms.

Shortly after her death, a remarkable story began to unfold. In the months until her passing, Staci had grown so much that the impact she had on her campus of 3,800 students was amazing.

In a letter to friends Staci said, “This has been the most life-changing year I have ever experienced. On January 18, 2004, I was reborn and found my savior Jesus Christ at a conference put on by Student Venture. Since then, I have dropped my old ways of living and completely given myself to Christ. My life has been changed for eternity and now everything that I live for makes sense. I don’t have to fill my heart with worldly things anymore. I am completely satisfied and Christ has filled every little void in my life.”

The evening after her passing, over 850 students packed out her school auditorium, sharing stories of the impact Staci had on them personally.

Staci and her friends in Student Venture had prayed all year for spiritual awakening to break out at their school, and even dreamed of a day when the auditorium on campus would be filled with people hearing about Jesus. Through the life and death of Staci Stephens, their prayers were answered.

We believe that God intends to use the story of Staci Stephens far beyond her campus. As you know, the Internet has become the preferred means of communication among teens, and the negative moral impact of the Internet on teens has been documented as well. But what if we could use the Internet for something totally different…telling Staci’s story and bringing teenagers to Christ?

Shortly after Staci’s death, we began production of a video of Staci’s story and an internet web site where students could see the video and be introduced to Christ. The web site and video have now been produced, and the site is live. Listen to just a couple of the responses we are receiving from young people who have visited www.StaciStory.com:

“'When i watched the DVD about staci i wanted to cry. because i also tried filing the empty hole with earthly things to make me happy. but nothing ever really filled it. the DVD talked about how she brought so many people to know christ while she was alive. well she brout me to know the lord last night on march 27, 2006. i thank staci for that because she made me see that i was in trouble and heading for more. well once again thank you staci, you are very much alive.'. Tomi

As students e-mail their responses to us, our “web counselors” respond back with spiritual guidance for their next steps in following Christ. In just 6 months 2,118 people indicated they trusted Christ, with an average of 14.3 people per day clicking “yes, I have prayed to receive Christ” after reading through the gospel! We have dramatically increased the number of students visiting the site, seeing the video and hearing the gospel, by purchasing ads on Google.com.

Feel free to visit the http://stacistory.com/ site and then, if you would, come back here and leave a comment with your opinion. Thank you for the part you play in our ministry to countless others!

Changed Life Story of Josh, a Freshman Leader

2006-03-23T15:09:00.000-05:00

There is nothing more exciting and rewarding to me than seeing a teenager move from darkness into light, from aimlessly wandering through life chasing empty pursuits to having meaning and purpose. That's what we get to see in Student Venture. And there's nothing like it.

Try to remember what your life was like before you had a close, intimate relationship with Christ. Remember the incredible joy and peace when you finally understood the Gospel and placed your faith in Christ. What an unbelievable privilege we have to help teenagers come into this same relationship. I've included a story below about a teenager named Josh who had achieved great success but knew that something was still missing in his life until he placed his faith in Christ.

We're almost to our final deadline to apply for one of our U.S. summer projects but still have some spots available, especially for guys. If you know someone who has a heart for reaching teenagers and wants to invest their summer in something that will make an eternal difference, tell them to visit: http://SummerVenture.com to apply for one of these life-changing projects.

Yours for reaching teenagers for Christ,

Howard and Laura

JOSH'S CHANGED LIFE STORY:
During this past fall, we had an outreach for the freshman football team at Loveland High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Lots of guys came out, the outreach went well and, as always, some of the guys came to faith in Christ. We started a follow up Bible study, called "Cross Training", with the guys who were interested. One of those was a guy named Josh Lay. Josh is an incredible athlete. As a freshman in a school of around 1,400 students, he is the starting quarterback on the freshman football team, on the varsity baseball team and a varsity wrestler. Josh, however, had not attended church since he was around 3 and had very little spiritual background.

During the second week of the study, we talked about assurance of salvation. In other words, how do you know that you are going to heaven when you die? At the end of the study, Daniel McKee, Student Venture staff member, went around the room and asked each guy what he had learned that night. When he got to Josh, Josh had tears in his eyes. He just said, "Will you guys pray with me? God, I don't want to try to do life on my own anymore. I trust you to save me from my sins. I receive you as my savior. Amen." Well, the guys went nuts for a while after he finished praying. Everyone was so excited to have been a part of seeing their buddy, Josh, place his faith in Christ.

It seems the light bulb has come on for Josh and he is just growing like crazy. He learned how to share his faith in Christ at a training we had one Sunday and the next day, he led a friend to Christ in math class. Then he went home that night and led his two brothers to Christ. He continues to share his faith regularly. Although Josh was very successful in sports he was still searching for something more. Now that he has experienced Christ, he can't stop sharing the Gospel with all of his friends. He has been talking with one friend for some time and, two weeks ago, gave him a "Connecting With God" booklet. That night his friend went home, talked with his parents, and placed his faith in Christ with them.

This is what Student Venture is all about. We help students come to faith in Christ and then help them multiply that faith into the lives of those around them, using the natural sphere of influence that God has given them.

Summer Projects for College Students

2006-03-10T09:14:00.000-05:00

We have created 6 summer project options for college students to participate this summer. Each gives them an opportunity to get their feet wet and see if SV would be the place for them to serve after they graduate. Please pray for qualified students to apply for our summer venture projects ASAP!

Daytona Beach, Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach, New York City, Orlando HQ, and Traveling Conference Team

We have lots of spots still left on all the projects and really are looking for those applicants who have good staff potential.

For more information, check out:
http://www.summerventure.com

Carrollton ministry update - 5 Generations in Discipleship Chain!

2006-03-09T13:10:00.001-05:00

Laura and I were leading the ministry in Carrollton, TX for years before transitioning to our current recruiting role in Orlando. We had to transition most of the ownership of the ministry to our student disciples and two staff who focused on the Carrollton ministry part-time. The following story of several Newman Smith High School students in Carrollton really encapsulates what we are trusting the Lord to do through this ministry. Thank you for praying this through!

Jared Lyons, a freshmen at the time, got plugged into Student Venture through a football outreach I led. He later attended our summer conference (Rocky Mountain Getaway) in 2002 and recommitted his life to Christ. He then began to help disciple an upcoming freshmen student, Matt Rucker, for the next three years. Matt attended the Rocky Mountain Getaway in 2003 and recommitted his life to Christ, and began to co-lead a student bible study with Jared in 2004 and 2005. During this time, Matt and Jared saw many students come to Christ and they began to follow them up in their weekly bible study. One of those students who started attending their bible study was Jorge. Jorge had been dating Jenny for 2 years, but then Jenny attended our winter conference, Fastbreak) in January of 2005,and after rededicating her life to Christ, called off her relationship with Jorge because Jenny was a Christian and Jorge was not. Jenny began sharing Christ with all of her friends and saw several of them place their faith in Christ and began a bible study that she helped to organize. Recently she led her atheist friend to Christ!

Anyway, two weeks after the break-up with Jenny, Jorge attended a Super Bowl outreach where Jenny helped share the Gospel message to the 80 students who attended. Although he indicated a decision to receive Christ, he really was not sincere. Several months later, and after he would avoid getting together with Jared and Tom (SV staff guy) for follow up, he attended a student –led bible study led by Matt Rucker in September of 2005. When Matt saw that there were several new non-Christians attending his study, he abandoned the bible study content for the day and shared the Gospel and Jorge sincerely trusted in Christ that afternoon. He then began coming to the weekly bible study, attending church, and growing in his faith. He then went to Fastbreak in mid January ‘06 where he really caught a vision for reaching his campus for Christ after he led 4 students to Christ on the day of outreach!

1 month ago, his good friend Ozzie (a senior and the father of a 6 month boy), came to Christ after Jorge witnessed to him and brought him to a church camp. Ozzie began coming to a weekly SV bible study with Jorge, and a short time later Jorge and Ozzie decided that they would start a weekly bible study group for their non-Christian friends. Eddie, their good friend and a non-Christian, has been attending the study, and although he initially resisted the Gospel, just came to Christ two weeks ago after Jorge invited him to attend a Christian event!!

Because of your partnership, five generations of spiritual multiplication is happening, and the chain is in it’s infancy! Please pray this vision of multiplication would expand to reach the entire campus, their families, and ultimately the world!

Fusion+Orlando

2006-03-01T20:57:00.000-05:00

The Fusion+Orlando Conference invited Student Venture to present our ministry opportunities to the 1200 attendees. We were one of many ministries, but we had some good conversations with potential candidates. Pray those we spoke with will contemplate how they could be a part of our team leading them to pursue the next steps.

Soft Hearts In The Tough Inner City

2006-02-15T21:33:00.000-05:00

In Student Venture, we're all about seeing changed lives. Seeing a teenager go from darkness to light, from hopelessness and lack of direction to meaning and purpose for their life. At our FastBreak conference recently, we saw God work in supernatural ways, convicting the hearts of students and showing them their need for Him. Below, Chip, one of our staff, shares about what God did in the lives of 5 guys from his inner city school. It's not your typical "guy thing" so keep reading below.

At our Fastbreak this year, God did a great work in the lives of 5 young men from Eisenhower ninth grade school, a pretty rough school on the edge of the inner-city that has a lot of problems. This was the first SV conference for all of these guys, and some of them admitted that they came to the conference for the wrong reasons and with wrong intentions. The second night we were there God really spoke in a powerful way and worked in each of their lives deeply. Three of the guys accepted Christ that night and stood to proclaim their decision to the entire conference. The other two had already made decisions for Christ but weren't living for Him. As God worked in their hearts that night, they made a deeper commitment to the Lord and were changed as well.

After the evening program they went back in their room for the cabin chat time. Their staff leader opened up their time in a word of prayer. Almost immediately, these five guys put their arms around each other and broke into a spontaneous prayer time that went on for almost an hour. They prayed very simple, childlike prayers of thanksgiving, confession and supplication, interspersed with words of encouragement, repentance and apologies to one another and expressions of love for one another. It was quite an amazing time.

Then they sat down and began to talk about what had happened that night. They were so filled with joy and excitement about what God was doing in their lives, especially the three who had received Christ that night. Some of the guys in the cabin next door came over because they had heard a little about what was going on. As each new person came in, they were greeted with a hug and "I love you" from at least one of the guys in the room.

Before long, many of the guys from both cabins were sharing their struggles, hurts and confessing their sins and were all loving on each other and trying to encourage each other in whatever they were facing. (Try to imagine a bunch of tough, inner city guys hugging each other, telling other guys that they love them, asking them for forgiveness.) Many tears were shed and many issues dealt with. The next day they were so excited to go out witnessing on the day of outreach. Two of the guys who had accepted Christ the night before had the opportunity to lead someone to Christ at the mall. Some of the other guys did as well. When they returned they wanted to share with the whole conference what had happened to them and how God had changed their lives.

When they returned to school on Tuesday, there was a buzz in the school about these guys and the changes that had happened. Several of the guys went to some of their teachers and apologized to them for being disrespectful and acting up in their classes. They also went to other students and asked for their forgiveness for things that they had done to them in the past. This week they packed out the SV meeting with 60-70 students and the guys shared how God had changed their lives and some of them apologized to the entire group for anything they had done that had hurt or offended them. They encouraged the rest of the students to make sure they knew Christ and to live for Him and not for the world. The students, teachers and even the school principal were all greatly encouraged by what was shared at the meeting and by what God has done.

Cooper's 6 month birthday!

2006-02-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

Today is Cooper's 6 month birthday! It seems like yesterday that he was able to fit in the palm of one of my hands, now he is sitting up and loving life. Laura is still breast feeding and we've recently added some solid foods (picture above w/ food on his face was his first solid food meal).

So we want to encourage you to go out, buy yourself a peice of birthday cake, sing Cooper a "Happy Birthday" melody, and enjoy the rest of your day.

eLearning Project

2006-01-09T15:34:00.000-05:00

I am on a taskforce trying to create an online training center for our staff, interns, volunteers. With our scope of building spiritual movements everywhere (over 56,000 high schools in US), we are inventing new platforms to equip our future workforce.

This Monday and Tuesday (Jan 9-10) eLearning Project Planning Seminar we hope to:
      Walk through the eLearning process / Big picture overview
      Review Student Venture training content of what we will put into eLearning format
      Focus on project scope / content / some design - some training in writing
      Key results: Project Plan established / Course Content Determined / Design
      Concept Outlined

http://extra.newsu.org/elearnrocks/ is a site with a nine-minute presentation explaining the eLearning concept. The site was created by a group that trains journalists. The concepts they present give a good reason for eLearning, and some of the tangibles about eLearning.

Our eLearning content, when we start designing and developing, will include print, video, flash, etc. It will require content specialists in campus ministry, writers and editors, graphics designers, software, internet and computer specialists, etc.

Pray we have some quality productive time in this first round of meetings.

Recruiting Prayer Requests

2005-12-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Please pray for the following requests for our recruiting team:
1. Pray for our recruiting efforts at the Campus Ministry Christmas and Winter Conferences. Pray that God would lead us directly to students whose hearts He has prepared to work with us. Pray that God will provide staff for next summer from this year's conferences.

2. Pray for our recruitng efforts at Passion in Nashville, TN. They are expecting around 15,000 college students and recent graduates. Pray that God would lead the most interested students to us and that several would join our staff next summer.

3. We have accepted 11 new staff this semester. They are planning on attending New Staff Training in January. This is one of our largest groups of new staff to ever join our ministry in the winter.

4. Pray for me and Joe King, a database developer who is donating his time, as we spend countless hours this week working on getting our recruiting database closer to being finished and accessible. This is incredibly significant because it would exponentially increase our ability to effectively track with our recruits at a local level and give them needed SV experience. Pray for wisdom and insight for us as we work through the countless issues that this involves. Joe has traveled to Orlando to spend this past week and next with me getting the database up and running, so pray we are able to get all the major (and most of the minor) issues resolved so we can all start using the database more effectively.

Database update: We are still working on it. Every day since Monday - each morning through every night until about 2am with literally no breaks except to eat. (working on it about 18 hours a day!)

Today my brother-in-law is moving and I must go over there for a few hours to help and say goodbye, then back to working on the database.

We’ll probably still be working through the weekend and into next week.

Pray that by the time Joe has to leave, than I can do 100% of what I have been doing on a weekly basis for the last couple years, and then obviously the other important features of being online for others to use it. But more importantly, at the minimum, I need to be able to do what I’ve been doing – ie. be able to reply to the email requests, communicate the database with the company we use to send out our monthly Venture Corps emails, be able to import new contacts after events, etc.

We basically have torn what all I’ve done over the last 3 years into separate pieces and are putting it back together into this new enhanced format, which is obviously much more time consuming than it sounds.

Congress Passes Tax Incentives for Charitable Giving

2005-12-07T16:08:00.000-05:00

When hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region, tens of thousands of Americans were left homeless. Thousands of Americans volunteered and gave to support those in desperate need.

As the recovery process began, Congress recognized that all American charities would need support. In order to help charities like Campus Crusade for Christ in this time of great need, Congress changed the charitable deduction rules.

Cash gifts for any purpose given by an individual between August 28 and December 31, 2005, will generally be deductible up to your full income.

Campus Crusade's The Great Commission Foundation has prepared two resources to help donors maximize this opportunity:

Tax Relief Overview Brochure (PDF, 878KB)

Frequently Asked Questions (Word)

Campus Crusade Featured in an ABC News, Good Morning America Segment

2005-12-06T08:20:00.000-05:00

Today on Good Morning America, there was a story worth watching online.

"Are Students Losing Their Religion on Campus? Many Young People Turn Away from God in College, But It Doesn't Have to Be That Way"

ABC's Good Morning America asked for our help casting their parenting segment called "Keeping the Faith in College."

The story line revolves around a student from a religious family who goes off to college and falls for the temptations of college life. The student wakes up to the emptiness of a party lifestyle and returns to the faith of her parents. Practical do's & don'ts for parents are suggested from the story.

ABC spent a day at the University of Georgia interviewing Ashley and her boyfriend, Ethan. They taped her in her sorority house, walking across campus, leading her evangelistic Bible study at a sidewalk cafe, praying, studying the Bible and attending our weekly meeting. They also interviewed a Campus Ministry staff member regarding our ministry helping students and giving tips for parents of college students. Ashley's parents were also interviewed in their home in Nashville as well as taped worshipping in church.

To view the story yourself, click here:
Keeping the Faith in College, on Good Morning America

Momentum in the Fall

2005-12-02T00:30:00.000-05:00

In Student Venture, the fall is a big time for reaching out to new students. In every way imaginable and with every group possible, we seek to take the Gospel to those who may have never heard. Sometimes it's with official groups that have a name, like the freshman football team or the marching band. Other times it's with informal groups of friends. Always it's for the purpose of sharing with the students how they can have a personal relationship with Christ. Keep reading for three stories of exciting outreaches from one Student Venture city this fall.

Keep in mind, most every new staff person we see join our ministry experiences responses like this all the time. Please pray our recruit efforts will continue to generate more workers.

*** MAKING A DIFFERENCE ***

From one of our staff guys in Atlanta: Recently we hosted an outreach for the Freshman Football team from a local high school. Because the outreach was held on a day where the students got out of school early, we had lots of time with the guys. They didn't have to be back for practice for almost 3 hours so we did lots of crazy, messy games that the guys really enjoyed. We had a couple of older guys share about the difference that Christ has made in their lives since becoming Christians a year ago. We even had a guy who had graduated from their high school share his personal testimony about his relationship with Christ with them. Finally, we shared with the 35 football players how they could have a personal relationship with Christ. We talked about sin, football and God's "game plan" for our lives. The guys stayed fully engaged as we talked about scoring a touchdown, winning a game and how to win the "ultimate victory". They seemed to really understand the Gospel and we challenged them to consider the "cost" of following Jesus. When we led them in a prayer of salvation, 26 guys indicated that they had placed their faith in Christ for the first time. Now they are starting the follow up process, beginning to get established in their faith and learning how they can grow closer to God.

************************************

We've started middle school ministries at many of the schools that feed into the high schools where we have established ministries. Some of the high school students help lead the middle school meetings, give their testimonies, lead discussion groups, etc. Just last weekend, we had a "semi lock-in" for students from these middle schools at a local entertainment complex. On Wednesday before the lock-in on Saturday, we had 30 registrations and knew of about 10 others that were coming for sure. We felt like there was momentum for it and that there would be a lot of kids that would just show up. Little did we know. On Saturday night, there were scores of middle school kids in line to sign in. And they kept coming! They were everywhere! 130 kids showed up for putt-putt, go-karts, arcade games, pizza, ice cream and a movie. We were able to share the Gospel in the midst of the craziness and 15 middle school kids indicated that they placed their faith in Christ! What a great night!

************************************

We had a "Freshman Rally" earlier this fall at one of our schools. This is a "broad sowing" event designed to reach into every pocket of the freshman class. We made bright orange T-shirts for the freshmen that we knew that said, "Hey freshman, got your pool pass yet? Get it at the freshman rally." The big night came and the school auditorium was buzzing with excited freshmen. We used water balloon launchers to launch free t-shirts into the crowd. We played Family Feud between a team of guys and a team of girls, with the loser of each round having to do some gross stunt. We had a contest to see who could eat the caramel apple (that was actually an onion) on a string the fastest. The rally was a great momentum builder with about 140 freshmen coming and 22 indicating that they placed their faith in Christ.

Cooper is almost 3 months old!

2005-10-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Cooper is doing great! He is beginning to sleep more through the night. He has survived his first hurricane - Wilma. And survived his first plane ride when Laura and I went to a life long friend's wedding (Amy Blevins) in Temple, TX. Special thank you to Tim & Beth Mixon's family, the Carpenters, Diane Livesay & others for caring for all of us during the wedding.

Cooper's cooing and delightful expressions light us up!

All of our boxes are finally unpacked and we are beginning to settle in our new home in Orlando, FL. Laura is loving being a mom and I'm loving the position I'm in with Student Venture.

We have a big weekend coming up that I've been working on for the last month, called the Preview Weekend. Read more about it and how to pray below...

Thanks for your prayers and support! You are so appreciated!

Preview Weekend, Oct 27-30

2005-10-27T07:19:00.000-05:00

We are hosting a Preview Weekend today through Sunday for eight sharp recruits. These college students, flying in from across the US, all have an interest in our operational roles in our national headquarters. We have never hosted an event like this in Orlando. Please pray:

these students catch a clear vision of the incredible impact they could have by pursuing a staff position with us.
their education/degree and experience would fit exactly what they’d be doing.
these eight recruits would connect with each other and we’d connect well with them.
they’d apply for staff, raise their report, and be working with us within the next year!

Recruiting at Orlando Christian Expo

2005-09-23T08:49:00.000-05:00

September 23-25 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, I’ll be joining thousands of Christian businesses, ministries and individuals for The Florida Christian Expo. Please pray that I would connect with individuals that would be interested in hearing about our ministry.

Cooper is three weeks old and our house SOLD!

2005-08-25T20:46:00.000-05:00

Cooper is doing great despite the crying, diapers and constant feedings. Mom is a bit worn out but is getting the hang of all this. I am taking her out tomorrow night on a date. Our sister-in-law, Julie Livesay, will be the heroic baby sitter! We will be celebrating Cooper's three week birthday and the official sale of our house in Atlanta! It closed finally today. Thanks for the many prayers in bringing it about!

Pictures!

2005-08-03T14:19:00.000-05:00

Feel free to say hello,

2005-08-03T08:15:00.000-05:00

Feel free to say hello, ask questions, our leave comments by clicking the word COMMENTS below any of these updates. We'd love to hear from you!

Summary of delivery!

2005-08-02T20:15:00.000-05:00

at 9:15 AM:
Recovering in hospital. Today Mom will start walking around despite the staples/stiches. Some pain but only when moving. Cooper is doing great!

at 9:02 AM:
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Announcing Robert "Cooper" Crutsinger

Robert "Cooper" Crutsinger was born on August 2 at 3:16am. He is 7lbs
4oz and 19in long. Laura had a real rough night with 18 hours of
progressing along, then ending up still having to have a C-section b/c
Cooper didn't want to come out any further, regardless of how much mommy
was pushing. The epidural kept wearing off on Laura's right side. Laura
is trying to recover and we both need some sleep. She'll be breast
feeding every 3 hours. Thank you for your continued prayers. Pictures
will be added once we get access to internet.

7:02 AM:
All is now fine. It's a healthy boy! details soon...

at 3:38 AM:
Dr. doing C-section. Prepping now.

at 2:51 AM:
Pain came back again on left side. More meds. Dr. is coming in. May do C-section. Pray baby remains safe & healthy, & for restored hope. Tired.

at 2:33 AM:
Taking a break til 1am. Got some more pain meds, 2 Tylonol &penicillin drip to fight potential infection. All is ok. Pray pushing works better.

at 12:54 AM:
Still pushing.

at 12:45 AM
Monday, August 01, 2005
At 10cm! Going into labor now.

at 10:37 PM:
Still @5cm & pain is back. Got more meds. Pray we get to 10cm QUICKLY. Been 12hrs since water broke.

at 9:46 PM:
Night shift just got here @Winter Park Hospital. Dr. Grace should be back at 9:30pm to check how dialated Laura is. Pray we get to 10cm quickly.

at 8:19 PM:
Dr. Grace just came in & did checkup. Dialated a little over 4cm. By 8pm we need to be over 5cm or may need C-section. Pray we reach 5cm soon.

at 6:07 PM:
No major updates. No pain at all. According to the monitor the contractions are stronger & closer. Estimated delivery is 10pm.

at 5:25 PM:
100% effaced, 4 cm dialated, stage -1. Howard watched epidural w/ no problem. Laura's about to sleep while Howard gets himself something to eat.

at 3:20 PM:
100% effaced, 4 cm dialated, stage -1. Howard watched epidural w/ no problem. Laura's about to sleep while Howard gets himself something to eat.

at 3:14 PM:
Just finished w/ epidural & already no more pain! Laura's now smiling again!

at 2:19 PM:
Just ordered the epidural to take edge off. Watching a dvd on computer to distract from the contractions.

at 1:21 PM:
Contractions a bit more painful. 2-4 minutes apart lasting 1 minute.

at 11:29 AM:
90% effaced, 2 cm, stage -1. Pregressing fine with minor contractions.

at 10:23 AM:
Checked into hospital @7:45am on Aug 1. On pitocin to induce. Dr. Grace broke Laura's water @9:45am. Now we wait! (making updates by cell phone)

2005-07-27T07:20:00.000-05:00

Laura's OB/GYN says...

2005-07-26T15:48:00.000-05:00

Laura's OB/GYN says she'd like to induce this Sunday night! So it looks like our baby will be coming a week early! We'll be sure to put up pics as soon as we take them!

Two Major Changes to our Lives

2005-07-26T08:51:00.000-05:00

We’re writing today to let you know of two significant changes that will affect our lives for the years to come - our recent move to Campus Crusade for Christ’s international headquarters in Orlando, FL and the near arrival of our BABY BOY!

Laura is doing well and is only days away from our due date! Crazy! We are so ready to welcome home our little boy. Can’t believe our baby won’t be born in Texas.... I guess everything can’t always be perfect! The past 2 years have been a time of growth and joy for us in Georgia. We’re so thankful for God’s provision in our lives—and are trusting in His faithful, good hand as we follow Him on this great adventure!

We have seen the Lord bring in tremendous fruit within the last season of recruiting. Just this year, we’ve had over 107 applicants who desire to join our staff, a huge increase from the past. Because of this, our national team within Student Venture has come up with many creative and significant changes to take advantage of the momentum being built...

The first change came about a month ago, when they decided the recruiting department, including Laura and myself, needed to relocate to our world headquarters in Orlando. This relocation is key in developing new national partnerships with other Campus Crusade ministries, primarily the Campus (college) Ministry. We believe that in doing so, our number of Student Venture staff will jump significantly as a result of having so many new college volunteers who, after graduation, would prayerfully join us full time. This partnership will enable us to leverage the common resources of each ministry to accomplish the mission of launching spiritual movements in every group of college students, high school students, and faculty. Keep in mind, we see that every one of our staff will personally touch the lives of well over 1000 students per year. So when we increase the number of qualified staff, the number of impacted students grows exponentially!

After much prayer and consideration, we have accepted this opportunity and are looking forward to what this could mean in accelerating the Great Commission. This was difficult for us because we love our home in Atlanta, neighborhood, church, new friends, small groups, and doctors, but we feel God is leading us to invest the next years of our lives in this more significant way. Though it is tough, we do not ever want our comforts, possessions, or circumstances to hinder us from whatever the Lord would call us to do. I will continue to be on the national recruiting team, helping to partner with the college ministry, create, strategize and bring ideas to life that will continually increase the number of new SV staff.

Please pray for our increased financial needs to be met, as we make this rapid transition. With a baby coming very soon and relocating to an insanely high real estate market in Orlando, we are forced to depend even more on the Lord's provision. When I lived here in 1995, Orlando was one of the cheapest places to live in the country. Things have changed! Within the last 2-3 years the prices have skyrocketed. We’re paying significantly more now and are getting much less in a house! In order to be prepared for our baby’s arrival, we recently purchased and moved into our new home in Orlando. We will move our furniture once our Atlanta house sells. Please pray our house sells for a great price in the next few weeks, that the baby would remain healthy in his development, and for a smooth, healthy delivery and transition for Laura.

We must raise $2650 in monthly support ($31,800 annually) to cover the new expenses of the baby’s delivery, additional salary with our expanding family, recovery of lost support, and increased cost of living in Orlando. In order to see this come in quickly, we are trusting the Lord to bring in several large contributions as well as many smaller ones. Would you consider a special gift toward our goal? Please give as the Lord leads, knowing whatever amount is significant to you, is significant to us. If you’re in a position to do so, please click here to make a contribution.

We so appreciate and value your partnership with us as we work toward seeing the Great Commission fulfilled and many young people come to know Christ. What a joy! Thank you for your friendship and faithful support in our lives and ministry. We look forward to sharing the future with you!

With great joy,

Howard and Laura

Katherine's Changed Life Story... (Summer Getaway)

2005-07-19T16:04:00.000-05:00

Katherine Nardizzi's story started several months ago when she came to a Student Venture outreach meeting and then began to get involved in a small group Bible study. Although she had gone to church some growing up, she viewed it as "boring" and "never truly understood what it all meant". Through Kat's involvement in the small group Bible study, she began to realize that she could have a relationship with God that was personal and intimate and that meant more than simply going to church or some other religious activity. Then in January, Katherine attended the Student Venture FastBreak. At this conference she was challenged with the idea of trusting Christ with her life. During the week, she placed her faith in Christ and went from knowing about God to knowing Him personally and trusting Him with her life.

She also learned how to share her newfound faith with others at the FastBreak. She said, "I wanted to learn because sharing the gospel is the absolute best news you could ever give someone. With the tools I was given to share my faith, I want to reach out to everyone I can in hopes of changing people's lives so that they can find the happiness that everyone is searching for."

When she got back home, she continued to be involved with her small group Bible study. Her leader, Becca, was a good friend and mentor and helped answer her questions and get her established in her faith. She began to feel connected to God rather than viewing Him as distant and uninterested. She began to spend time with Him every day reading His word and praying. Naturally, Kat wanted to go to the Getaway conference this summer.

At the Getaway, Kat was given more training in how to grow personally in her relationship with God and in how to effectively share her faith with others. She developed a stronger conviction of her need to share the Gospel with others back home as she shared with people on the beach. The first week that she was home from the Getaway, she shared the Gospel at an outreach with 60-70 high school students. Immediately afterwards, one of her friends came up and wanted to talk because she had questions about what Kat had said. Kat told her more about how she could have a relationship with God through Jesus and that night, her friend placed her faith in Christ. Of course Kat was thrilled. She said, "There is no greater feeling than the one you get after you help someone come to Christ. No greater feeling. I hope to continue to share my faith with others, especially my brother."

In Student Venture we believe that students can make an enormous difference for Christ on their campus and among their peers if they are simply challenged and equipped to do so. Just imagine how many other "Kats" are out there who could be reached for Christ and then challenged and equipped to reach others. What a difference that could make!

Sudden Death of HS Sophomore

2005-05-10T16:10:00.000-05:00

Mark Zeiler, an SV staff member in Orlando, FL, shares the story of Staci Stephens, a student that was involved with his ministry.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." John 12:24.

Such was literally true of Staci Stephens, a sophomore at Timber Creek High School in Orlando, FL, and Student Venture leader on her campus. She died suddenly on March 13, 2005, from a virus that caused her heart to become enlarged. As her boyfriend Luis said, "Staci died of a heart that was too big."

She loved lost things and wanted to rescue them. Around campus she was known for her love of God and her love of people. In her journal for school she defined tragedy as someone dying without knowing Christ; she wanted to see all her peers saved.

A recent journal entry explains Staci's heart to go beyond herself. She asked God for a unique ministry on campus. Little did she or any of us know what God had in store. When we heard Staci passed away, we decided to plan a memorial service for her in place of our regular Student Venture meeting. The handful of students I invited over to my apartment to pray for the memorial had by nightfall turned into a crowd of around 200 students. They told stories about Staci, cried, laughed, and let everyone know that if Staci could say one thing to them, it would be to leave that night with Jesus Christ. When word got out at school the next day that Staci died, hundreds gathered in the library to grieve. Students and teachers broke into singing I Can Only Imagine, Staci's favorite song. Teachers and students led times of prayer. One Jewish girl, who didn't even know Staci but who was gripped by
a fear of death, eagerly listened and then surrendered her life to Christ as two Student Venture students she once persecuted explained the Gospel. Another friend of Staci's gave his life to Christ, stating that it was sad that Staci had to die in order for him to believe the truth.

That night at the memorial service over 800 students, teachers, and members of the community gathered in the school auditorium as six of her friends spoke and testified to Staci's life and faith in Jesus Christ. At the close of the evening, teachers came forward to rededicate their lives. Prodigal students returned to God. One of the speakers led five of her friends to Christ. At least 50 indicated receiving Christ that night with more to follow.

Two days after the memorial, two cheerleaders surrendered their lives and put their trust in Christ. Their friends had been praying for them for a year, because they were the most persecuting and least likely to believe. Even the night of Staci's funeral, one of Staci's friends introduced four girls to Christ just before the service. Finally on the following Sunday, a call came that the cheer coach, one of the most resistant to Christ, attended Staci's church and became a believer.

Martin and Chris, two senior students were standing around after the funeral. I approached them and asked them how all this has impacted them. Martin replied, "I received Christ Monday night." So I gave him a big high five and asked Chris, "What about you, man?" He responded, "I received Christ Monday in the library." We just met for our first Bible study this past Wednesday; I could barely keep my jaw up hearing how their desires, hopes, and joy had so drastically changed in such a short amount of time. Chris kept saying, "I am just a happier person and smile a whole lot more now."

Staci and her friends in Student Venture had prayed all year for revival to break out, and even dreamed of a day when the auditorium on campus would be filled with people hearing about Jesus. They prayed all year for their "Most Wanted" lists of people to know Christ. In one week, through the life and death of Staci Stephens, their prayers were answered.

The last passage Staci studied and had written in her journal before she passed away was Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Cuba Mission Trip - 400+ Trusted Christ!

2005-04-29T15:21:00.000-05:00

I went to Cuba with a group of 12 business men to do lots of personal evangelism. We partnered with a Cuban church and translators to go door to door explaining how they could come to know Christ. It was unbelievable! As you probably know, Cuba's communist government is against organized religion and is not very friendly to Americans. Once I was even interigated by police officials when out sharing our faith. The openness of the Cuban people was a breath of fresh air. Our schedule was simple: eat breakfast, go out with your translator to 4-6 homes to share the gospel, come back for lunch, go out again to 4-6 more homes to share the gospel, come back for dinner, and share with teammates of the miraclous stories of new Believers that came to Christ that day! The next days were basically the same. In total we saw over 400 Cubans begin a new relationship with the God they've been restricted from hearing about for years. The church is now following up these new contacts. Please pray for their discipleship and for the pastor's wife (28 years old) who is recovering from brain surgery.

www.StudentVenture.com/JoinUs

2005-03-14T14:42:00.000-05:00

After about a year of work, it’s finally here! -> www.StudentVenture.com/JoinUs
We have finally launched our website designed completely for casting vision of Student Venture to potential candidates and sharing what vocational ministry opportunities we can provide. This has been a mammoth undertaking. It has already had a tremendous impact. Daily I get inquiries from people, from all over the place asking about our ministry positions. Our website can now do a more thorough job of filtering out those who would not fit in Student Venture, while speeding up the process for those who are qualified. The site has everything from online videos, frequently asked questions, job openings, qualifications, applications, an article on “Discerning God’s Will” (the best article I’ve ever seen on the topic - it was the tool that led me into fulltime ministry), and much much more. PLEASE DO ME A FAVOR AND VISIT THE SITE. I could really use your honest feedback. We’re making tweaks all the time, so your input would be greatly appreciated! It has been said, “you never get a second chance at making a first impression.” This website will be the first impression that many will have of our ministry nationally. Please pray God will draw thousands of college students and graduates to studentventure.com/joinus that will “JoinUs” as staff or interns around the country.

So what’s it gonna be... A BOY? or A GIRL?

2005-03-14T13:46:00.000-05:00

I remember looking at our summer plans... directing Myrtle Beach Summer Project again, summer Getaway conference
in Panama City, FL, and our National Staff Training in Colorado... a pretty packed summer, and who wants to be pregnant during the summer anyway? I remember telling Laura, why don’t we not make a concerted effort at getting pregnant until after our rigid schedule slows a bit. I think the Lord laughed and may have said “you’re schedule will never slow down, so I’ll just alter a few of your plans!” So that’s when it happened. After three years of trying to get pregnant, we decided to temporarily stop trying so hard, and then we got pregnant!So, alter our plans, He did! Our plans for the summer are now up in the air. And we are eager to jump into the new world of parenthood! We are so excited. Our next ultrasound is in two weeks. I think we’ll find out then if it’s a boy or a girl...Last weekend, we celebrated our five year anniversary at a nearby Bed and Breakfast. We laughed a lot about this being one of the last quiet anniversaries in the years ahead! Laura has been a trooper in the midst of it all! She is just now starting to show. Our due date is around August 6, 2005.

Why Daniel McKee joined staff with Student Venture

2005-02-24T17:15:00.001-05:00

This month I've asked Daniel McKee, a recent graduate and brand new staff member with Student Venture, to share his story about why he joined our ministry and to offer any advice he would have for those still considering what to do when they graduate.

>>> It was halfway through my senior year of college and God had not made it clear where he wanted me to serve in ministry. I had known my calling to student ministry for years, but there was this thought of a ministry in my mind that I had never heard of or found within any organization. My fiancÈ (now my wife) was very involved in Campus Crusade at her college and asked me to come with her to Christmas Conference. At that conference I heard about Student Venture for the first time. As one of the Student Venture staff described the ministry to me, it was as if God said, "You know that ministry that has been in your mind for so long. I put that there. By the way, here it is."

I was blown away at the freedom within Student Venture to do student ministry and meet those kids who have never even heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is obvious within our schools that the majority of kids are on a downward spiral to further impact our immoral nation. I believe God will bring a radical revival within this generation, but it will require more laborers to reach them. In addition to God working in my heart, my fiancÈ was blown away when I asked her about going on staff. It has been an awesome ride since that day and we have truly enjoyed our journey into the Campus Crusade family.

If you are thinking about going on staff with Student Venture, I have one piece of advice: DO IT! What higher calling could there be in life, but to be a full-time minister? And what better audience to have than young people who are asking spiritual questions and waiting to be challenged? I mean our JOB is to hang out with high school students and share Christ with them all the time, while growing deeper and deeper in our own walk with Christ. What an awesome privilege! If you are concerned about raising support, let me be the first to tell you that God will meet your needs. He has blessed us and taught us to trust Him more than ever, and throughout this process we have been able to minister to so many members of our family, friends, and local community. I could tell you countless stories of God's faithfulness in meeting our needs, stories that would not have happened with any
other vocation.

I am certain that I will never regret using all of my time, energy, and talents to serve the God who entrusted me with all of those in my life. Please don't miss out on this opportunity; you can touch a high school student's life that no one else can.

Click http://www.StudentVenture.com/apply if you'd like to find out more about the application process to become a staff member or intern. Maybe the Lord would have you join us!

Courage to Share (FastBreak Conference)

2005-01-08T17:28:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!! We hope that you had a great Christmas break and found some time to recover from the stress of school and exams. In Student Venture we had 7 FastBreak conferences right after Christmas and they went great! The story below is about a girl who attended our FastBreak in San Diego and felt God leading her to share with her friends how they could know Him. One of the most exciting things for me is to see teenagers take a stand for Christ among their friends and use their influence to lead others to Him.

>>> Mandi Grant, an intern with Student Venture in San Diego, CA, shares about what the Lord did in the life of a girl she's been working with while at Fastbreak this winter.

Having worked as an intern with Student Venture for a year and a half, one of my favorite parts of the ministry are our winter and summer conferences. I have just returned from our Fastbreak conference in Big Bear, CA, and I am once again thankful for the work the Lord did in and through the students that attended our conference. I had ten students attend Fastbreak from my ministry- half of the students who have been involved in the ministry all year, and the other half were friends of these students.

Emily was of the girls who attended the conference. She has been involved in a small group since her freshmen year and is currently leading a Bible study of freshmen girls. The conference was a great time for her to get away from the busy-ness of life and take time to listen to what the Lord has been saying to her.

One thing Emily has been learning is how to share her faith with her friends. She has invited friends to Student Venture outreach events, but has never personally shared what God has done in her life. The second night of the conference she shared how God once again told her she needed to share Christ with her friends, and gave her specific names of her friends she needed to pray for and share with once she returned back to school.

The next day at the conference the students went out into the town and took surveys, sharing Christ with those they could. Emily was very afraid to do this, but she went out anyway with the Lord's strength. She had the blessing and privilege of leading two teenage girls to the Lord right on the streets of Big Bear! Emily was so excited and has more courage to now go back to her campus and share with her friends.

Nate's 1st Real Christmas

2004-12-11T17:33:00.000-05:00

I've included a story this month about a young man who is experiencing his first "real" Christmas this year. That's what Student Venture is all about . . . helping teenagers begin a personal relationship with Christ, helping them grow in their faith and then helping them make a difference for Christ in the lives of the people around them.

>>> Nate grew up in a pretty typical home these days, a broken one. He and his mom traveled the country stopping here and there for a year or two at a time. Finding himself in Boston at the age of about 13, Nate began seeking answers to the questions he kept hearing about the meaning of life and what this religion stuff was all about. As he looked, the pressures of early adolescence broke him down and he found himself making choices that left him unsatisfied. Just when he met a man who had a few answers, true to fashion, he moved again, this time to Atlanta, starting over again with his dad and new step mom.

Meanwhile, Courtney, a junior at Chattahoochee high school just outside Atlanta, was busy inviting friends to the new Student Venture ministry at her school. She invited Yan who eventually invited Chase. Chase gave his life to Christ and as it turns out, met this new kid, Nate, in chorus class. Chase invited Nate to have dinner with the local Student Venture staff where he was given a clear presentation of God's plan of forgiveness and grace. Three weeks later, at a Student Venture meeting, Nate heard the gospel again and this time was ready to make a commitment to place his faith in Christ.

But wait, it gets better! Just this week, Nate, excited about his newfound meaning and purpose, stood up at this year's Student Venture Community Celebration and shared his story with over two hundred people. The coolest part? Two of those people were his dad and step mom who had no idea what it means to have a relationship with a God who loves them. Nate is experiencing his first "real" Christmas this year, understanding the meaning of the birth of Christ in a totally new way and is already excitedly sharing it with others.

A Glimpse From Around The Country

2004-11-29T17:37:00.000-05:00

It's been a great fall in Student Venture with lots of teenagers hearing about how they can begin a personal relationship with God. Fall is always a crazy busy, but really fun, time of the year because there is so much going on. New kids are getting involved, many are hearing the Gospel for the first time, and lives are being changed right before your eyes. It's an exciting time. Below, I've highlighted five stories from around the country that will give you a feel for what we get to see on a regular basis. I'm sure you'll be encouraged as you get a glimpse of what God is doing.

>>>
Phoenix:
Eli Gomez is senior involved with Student Venture at Greenway High School in Phoenix, AZ. This year, he has taken on a great challenge from the Lord! Eli has begun to rally students to pray every morning before school for the purpose of sharing the Gospel with every student at Greenway before the end of this school year! His plan includes praying for opportunities with specific individuals and then in September, he and the other students from SV small groups began to share their faith with those students they have been praying for. Since school began in August, more than 50 young people have received Christ!

Chattanooga:
Through Student Venture football team outreaches at four high schools, 67 teenagers have received Christ, and at an ROTC outreach 12 young men trusted Christ. At Brainerd High, three Christian students are leading Bible studies at lunch with 25-40 students attending each study.

Houston:
During drill team practice at Katy High School last month, a teenage girl collapsed and died of an enlarged heart. The next day, the drill team teacher asked if anyone had anything to share. One of the senior girls involved in Student Venture shared her testimony of knowing Christ, then another leader shared the gospel and invited them to receive Christ. Sixteen girls raised their hands indicating they did so. At this school in the last year and a half, over 300 teenagers have indicated decisions for Christ.

Atlanta:
In the last two weeks of September, there were three group outreaches at Marietta High School. In all, over 80 students heard about how they could begin a relationship with Jesus Christ. For each of these groups (band, volleyball and cheerleaders), we shared a motivational talk about unity and the need for our attitudes, actions, and hearts to be changed. At the end of our talks, we invited students who were interested in hearing more about how God could change their hearts to an outreach the following day. More than 20 of these students indicated they wanted to learn more about a relationship with God!

New York City:
Outside FDR high school in New York City, intern Johnny Lopez and I, (staff member, Kevin Young) were hanging out with a gang of tough-looking guys and girls. They were curious about us, and wanted to know if we were cops. When they found out we were youth ministers, they drew near and began to listen. Johnny brings street language and street toughness to his gospel presentation that penetrates where kids feel. Over the course of an hour, I watched as the Spirit opened their eyes to the truth. Before we parted, Johnny had all eight hold hands in a circle and pray to receive Christ in unison. Their first question was, "Are you coming back?" "Absolutely!"

The 30 Football Guys Who Trusted Christ

2004-10-19T16:43:00.001-05:00

In Student Venture we're all about evangelism and discipleship. We want to share with students how they can know Christ personally and how they can grow in their faith. Then we want to equip them to reach out to others, to use their natural sphere of influence to have a personal ministry while they're still in high school. Many students make a very significant impact on their campus before they graduate.

In this process of evangelism and discipleship, one of the distinctives of our ministry is that we go to the students, to their world. We don't wait for them to come to us. Many times we approach this through group outreaches. In the fall, there are lots of large, responsive groups to reach into. The band, the cheerleaders and the football team are three prime groups that we try to reach this time of year. The story below is an exciting look at what can happen when we go to the students. These are some of my former disciples in Carrollton, Texas.

>>>Jared Lyons is a senior on the football team at Newman Smith High School. Although he became a Christian at a young age, in the fall of his freshman year he took the first steps in growing in his faith when he attended a freshmen football team meeting hosted by Student Venture. That summer, he rededicated his life to Christ at the Student Venture Getaway. For the last few years he has been involved in Student Venture in weekly Bible studies, winter and summer conferences, and a summer missions trip.

After the last SV conference in December, he felt the Lord placing it on his heart to have an outreach for the freshman football team at his school in the spring. In April, Jared invited the entire freshmen team to an Iron Stomach contest similar to the one he attended as a freshman 2 years ago.

Twenty-five freshman football players and one coach showed up. A JV football player, who became a Christian through Student Venture his freshman year, also came and shared his testimony about the difference that Christ had made in his life. After the testimony, Jared explained the Gospel and extended an invitation to trust Christ. Five players indicated a decision to place their faith in Christ that day! In addition, ten JV football players agreed to attend the weekly freshmen follow up Bible study to help disciple one of the younger players. (Many of these JV players have become Christians in the last 12 months and have been discipled by one of the SV staff.)

Although Jared was excited about seeing several of the freshmen respond to Christ, there was still 30 other freshmen players who did not attend the outreach. So Jared had another outreach for the freshmen team! Twenty more players came out and five more placed their faith in Christ!

A follow up Bible study started up and one of the JV players, Matt Rucker, led one of the freshmen players, Robert, to Christ during the study. Several new guys came to the study and Robert, who had been a Christian for one week, led his friend to Christ using the Connecting With God booklet that Matt had used to lead him to Christ the week before.

In the last two years, 30 guys from the JV football team have come to Christ through a SV staff member or student sharing the Connecting With God booklet with them. Most of them have been regularly attending a Bible study group at Matt Rucker's home. They want to see the same thing happen with the freshmen football team, who they hope will catch the same vision and reach out to the incoming freshmen football team this fall.

Matt and Jared continue to lead the freshmen group in the study and have included the varsity football players in the bible study this fall. They are currently recruiting all of them to attend this years' Student Venture Fastbreak (our winter conference) in Austin, TX. They hope that their disciples will continue to reach out to incoming freshmen football teams, and leave a legacy for Christ at their high school.

Howard & Laura Crutsinger

My Dad's (Gerald Crutsinger) Dying Moments

IAmSecond Book Gifted to My Dad

Obituary :: Gerald Glynn Crutsinger

LOVE death LIFE - a short film - trailer

Changed Lives :: Chattanooga

2011-07 Update - Campus Crusade for Christ's Name Change to Cru

We Just Returned from All Campus Crusade Staff Training

Campus Crusade for Christ is BECOMING... CRU

Complete Letter

2011-05 Ministry Update

Two Significant Advances:

Transitioning Volunteer Training to VIDEO

Going Mobile! -- iPhone & Android

Web Evangelism Statistics

THE HOME FRONT:

Two Major Surgeries - On Same Day...

Family Watched Final Launch of the Endeavor Space Shuttle

Going Bass Fishing

Cooper Lost His First Tooth

Cooper and Ben Playing T-Ball

Residential Burglaries

Family Pics

Grateful for your Partnership,Thank you for undergirding our family and our ministry in your prayers.

Thank you for undergirding our family and our ministry in your prayers.

Complete Letter

2011-03 Ministry Update

9 Student Winter Conferences

Video Gospel Presentation

Family Pics

Complete Letter

Video I Created of Japan Devastation to Lead Viewers to Biblical Perspectives

I'm embedding the video here in our blog:

Changed Lives :: New York City, Just Not Into Church

Just Not Into Church

Changed Lives :: Plano, A Student Experiences God at Work

A Student Experiences God at Work

Changed Lives :: Indianapolis, Students Reaching Their Friends

From High School to College

Changed Lives :: Northern Michigan, The Influence of Sisters

The Influence of Sisters

How to Join our Support Team

Changed Lives :: So. Idaho, From High School To College

From High School to College

2010-11 Ministry Update

Side 1

Side 2

Cooper Was Baptized By His Daddy At The Beach (with NBA Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard)

NBA All star, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic got Baptized, too

Howard Turning 40, Laura 35!

67,000 schools, 25 million students...

Appreciating Your Partnership

It is a joy for us to serve along side you,

Changed Lives :: Carrollton Discipleship Chain Continues

Changed Lives :: Coaching Center

Changed Lives :: Indianapolis

Changed Lives :: Lake Tahoe Summer project

Changed Lives :: exchange students

Crutsinger 2009_05 Prayer Letter

Changed Lives :: Carrollton

Changed Lives :: Venezuela

Changed Lives :: Cincinnati

Changed Lives :: XBox

Changed Lives :: NY Giants, David Tyree wide receiver :: New York

Changed Life Story :: 31 years later

Urban Changed Life Story :: Indianapolis

Music Video of Family

Changed Life Story :: Kalamazoo

Changed Life Stories :: Dallas

Changed Life Stories :: San Diego

Chain of Discipleship - December, Prayer Letter Update

November, Prayer Letter Update - Page 1 & 2

April, Prayer Letter Update - Page 1 & 2

November, Prayer Letter Update - Page 1 & 2

August 3, Prayer Letter Update - Page 1 & 2

March, Prayer Letter Update - Page 1 & 2

Benjamin is 3 weeks old!

Student Venture promotional video

An incredible Super Bowl website

New arrival - Benjamin Walker Crutsinger

Grateful for your Partnership,
Thank you for undergirding our family and our ministry in your prayers.