Spring Break Missions Trip sees 66 New Believers!
Holly spent Spring Break in Panama City Beach, Florida, with 180 college students from five states. The mornings were training on how to share the gospel. In the evenings, Holly talked about how the Holy Spirit helps us purge sin out of our lives, helps us know how to engage with others in spiritual conversations, and our need to live surrendered lives. We had 1,149 spiritual conversations, 226 gospel conversations and saw 66 people accept Christ!
One evening, the Cru students were on the beach and other students joined them. When they learned that it was a Christian group, the students mocked Christianity. The question was asked, “Where does truth come from?” A discussion began between Jacob and Elliot. Elliot claimed to be atheist, but as the conversation continued, he said he now felt more agnostic. He asked, “Why do I need Jesus to get to God?” This gave Jacob an opportunity to share the entire gospel, his testimony, and answer many of his questions and doubts. Elliot was completely focused. He said, “My heart wants this so bad!” Jacob asked if Elliot would be willing to give God a chance, and he said, “Absolutely!” After they prayed, Elliot couldn’t get the smile off his face and said, “I feel different! So what’s next?” They sang “Amazing Grace,” and Jacob gave him a Bible, explaining to him the book of John. (Jacob is holding the Bible in the pic above.) The crazy thing was Elliot was wearing a hat that night (as an atheist) that said, “Getting closer to God,” which is exactly what happened that night!
Holly also had a “God moment” when a young man on the trip, Ethan, asked to go for a walk with her. He said he wanted to share his story. He has Aspergers. It was challenging for him to make friends growing up. He joined community college at age 16 and found Cru. He felt loved by the people and went to the fall retreat in Virginia two years ago. Holly was the speaker and taught how people need to cry out to the Lord. He immediately felt like he was one of those people. He went to his room in tears and gave his life to Christ that night. Now, two years later, he’s on this mission trip sharing Jesus with others. He said he now has a purpose in his life and joy in Christ! Praise God for his changed life and his desire to share Jesus with others!
Thank you for investing in us so that we can invest in this next generation. Lives are being transformed by the gospel and you are a part of it!
PERSONAL UPDATE
Briella turned 7 years old on March 23rd. She is a true extrovert, spending all of her free Eme playing with friends. She loves gymnastics and is into Barbies. She is full of joy and empathy for others. Though she’s still the size of a 5-year-old, her personality makes up for her height (She takes after her mama!)