September 2005

God’s Movement in Michigan

Western Michigan—Nate was able to go for the first two days as we launched our ministry. There were 3600 students who filled out surveys. Nate had a number of good conversations with students from the surveys, including one guy who indicated a desire to place his faith in Christ! 65 students were at the first meeting and 85 at the second. What a way to start our first year of ministry there! We are partnering with a local church to reach the students on that campus.

Adrian—The most encouraging thing that has happened is that we received permission to follow up for the entire year students in the dorms who filled out spiritual interest surveys. Prior to this we were only allowed to meet with them the day that we passed out the surveys.

Albion—1/3 of the campus filled out surveys. There were 70 students at the first meeting, and they have had a number of men get involved which was one of their greatest needs this year.

Eastern Michigan—1500 surveys were completed. There were 4 Bible studies the first day, up from one Bible study the first day last year. About 55 people attended those four studies.

Hillsdale—Our staff were able to meet with three of the athletic teams, more than they were able to do all of last year. We are operating as Athletes in Action there, so we are restricted to meeting with athletes at this time.

University of Michigan—5000 spiritual interest surveys were filled out. About 350 students were in Bible studies the first day—over 200 of them were freshmen.

Some pioneering movements at U-M this fall:

¨ ROTC (Valor)—Nate is connecting with a student who will help us find Cadets and Midshipmen who are interested in small group Bible study. God has been moving greatly in the military over the past few years and reaching up-and-coming officers on campus is a strategic aspect to the international Military Ministry of Campus Crusade.

¨ International students (Bridges)—45 students have expressed an interest in being involved.

¨ Music school—40-50 music students indicated that they would be interested in a Bible study meeting in the music school.

¨ Greek system—3 students are heading up our new ministry there. They have spoken with presidents of 3 houses and gotten permission to talk to the students at their chapter meetings.

Nick Willis, Olympic athlete and Michigan student, shares his testimony at our first ever outdoor “Cru” weekly meeting

Please pray…

¨ That our student leaders would be faithful to follow up interested students and that through those new relationships we would see students come to know Christ.

¨ That we would be depending on God to move on all our campuses, not just on our methods and experience.

A New Addition!

See the exclusive interview below.

Kids' Column

I started kindergarten last week. Math is still my favorite subject. Mommy added spelling and science so I have a little more to do than last year. We went to the library before school started and I got my own library card! I get to check out books that I can read all by myself.

Well, I have been talking about my birthday all year and it has finally come! I am now 4 years old. I have a new bike with training wheels that Daddy and Mommy got for me. It is fun to ride it while Andrew rides his scooter. I had to postpone my party with my friends because one friend got the chicken pox and only 1 other friend was going to be able to come. I also got to start school. I am doing preschool things. I get to do puzzles and play with my Leap Pad and color. It is fun!

While my brother and sister are excited about school, I can’t say that I like it one bit. Both of my playmates are busy and I have to play all by myself. Even Mommy won’t play with me. She says some day I’ll get to do school too. For now I’ll just see how many naughty things I can do while Mommy’s attention is on school!

I already know that I am well-loved. My big brother and sisters keep talking to me through Mommy’s belly button. I have no idea what they are saying, although Lindsey I can almost understand. I think they all will be very excited to see me in March. The doctor said they should see me around the 15th, but we’ll see what I decide!                                         

Baby Ardle

Andrew and Lauren at school.

After a dinner at Steak ‘n Shake the kids played with the hats for days.