We’re already 7 weeks into this year – and for Summit that’s been enough time to start training up our 8 new Fellows, who joined the 19 of our team who are continuing on from last year. This week is also our 4^th week of camps for 2012; and by the end of the week, that’ll have been enough time to run 14 camps, for almost 1,500 campers. This also means we’ve had enough time for almost 100 meal times (or, more importantly, 70 morning & afternoon teas, with cakes, slice or scones), a similar number of activity sessions and a few dozen discussion group times, comprised of around 150 different discussion groups.

In one sense, when time flies like this, with so many camps, campers, meals, activities and groups, it feels like just another year, and we’re doing it all over again. But, in another sense, it still feels brand new. Each camp, campers and leaders meet each other for the first time. Each camp, campers do activities for the first time. Each camp, new conversations happen around the dinner table. And each camp, discussions in groups bring about new & fresh understanding.

While we may have done this all before, each moment is still unique. We’re up & running again for the year, and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store!

Follow the Summit camps for the year at: http://www.facebook.com/SummitFellows

• recognise that they are an essential part what we do, even if their particular role is not at the coalface
• start to build relationships with each other so that they want to pray for each other through the year
• feel empowered in their personal and professional life.

We want to use this time to reinforce our commitment to staff that, while employed by us they will:

• grow in their relationship with God
• grow in their skills and performance
• grow in their active support and encouragement of one another
• see God at work in and through the part they play in Crusaders’ ministry.

I’m pleased to report that the day was an outstanding success.

Karl Faase, our guest speaker, spoke with great relevance and insight. He provided some very practical perceptions into difficulties which we can face when working/living for a cause, along with how to recognise stress in our lives and deal with it in a healthy way (simply speaking, how to get things done and not kill yourself!). I also appreciated what he had to say about diversity in teams. Staff response on these two sessions was overwhelmingly positive and I’d encourage any organisation to consider Karl for your next event.

In addition, we held four electives following lunch (Managing personal finances, How to help your family thrive when you get home from work, Has Crusaders ever thought about….? and Help! I’m running Bible study next week). Having Jean Rixon share some of the history of Crusaders was really special and Santino Dimarco’s expertise in the finance elective was invaluable.

Here’s some of the feedback I’ve received about the day:

“Loved it! Thanks for the effort that goes into organising these days and the obvious thought and prayer that goes into what will help, bless, encourage and support the staff at Crusaders. It definitely does all these things for me.”

“I just wanted to say thank you for the awesome culture that has been cultivated at Crusaders. I feel like it is an incredibly healthy place to work which is grounded and revolving around God. This culture has been an encouragement and a support in times when I’ve definitely needed it, so thank you again.”

 “I loved the fact that the electives were designed to bless us in our personal life. It made me feel like Crusaders genuinely care about their staff, not just their performance.”

For instance this week I was encouraged to pray with a chaplain who is seeking to love like Jesus and teach about him clearly even when faced with hostility from some of those he is ministering to. I was excited to have the opportunity to be led in a Bible Study at a CRU Group by a young man who I met years ago while speaking on a CRU Camp. Over the years I have seen him mature in his faith, be trained as a leader and take the role of the sole leader of his CRU group at school. It was so good to see how God has been at work growing and training him over the time I have caught up with him on camps and at school.

I was encouraged by the opportunity to meet a young girl enthusiastically telling me about her up-coming camping adventures with Crusaders. I loved having a chance to chat with a School Principal on the phone about how encouraged he is by the Christian growth of his students. And I always love coming back after holidays to hear kids tell me about the fun and life-changing times. Not to mention that I’ve had to chance to speak to many young people about the hope we have in Jesus.

And all this is just in my first week of school visits for the year. I am so blessed to be able to see God at work through the ministry of chaplains, teachers, students and CRU in so many places. It’s going to be a good year because God is going to keep doing good work.

As I grew older, I learnt that I couldn’t grow my relationships if I was always demanding attention, but not giving it, breaking confidences and not being willing to compromise. Our families are more functional when we put others needs before our own.

That’s one of the reasons why I love holiday camps. While our families have to love us, no matter what (something I am ever so grateful for!), holiday camps throw us into a new, large, temporary family. Suddenly, on camp, we become part of a family where everyone has a different way of doing things. Added to that, the exhaustion that comes from all the crazy games and activities and the effort to just “get on” needs to be more intentional.  It’s a great opportunity for both leaders and campers to practise being gentle, compromising and loving.

Directing Aussie Adventure last week, I had to have a few conversations with some of the primary school girls about this very thing. As one cabin was arguing about whether or not to use a night light, I sat down with the girls and encouraged them to compromise and put each others needs before their own. They compromised, and in the end agreed to use a glow stick as their night light – bright enough for the girl who needed it, and soft enough not to bother the other girls as they slept. They were able to come to this decision because they put each others needs first.

It’s the same thing the apostle Paul talks about in his letter to the Philippians. Encouraging them to be like Christ, he tells them, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5)

Camps are so much more than a fun getaway for kids during the holidays. They help develops character, growing the children into people who care about others and striving to be more like Jesus in every way.

I’m excited to announce that tickets for the musical ‘Nicodemus’ are now on sale!

‘Nicodemus’ is a musical telling the story of Jesus through the eyes of Nicodemus and is a fantastic opportunity to present the Gospel to family and friends leading up to Easter.

I’m also performing in the cast and would love you to come and enjoy the show!

Performances are at Covenant Christian School, Belrose, on these dates:

• Wed 21-Mar-12 8pm-11pm – Opening Performance
• Fri 23-Mar-12 8pm-11pm – 2nd Performance
• Sat 24-Mar-12 2pm -5pm – Matinee – 3rd performance
• Sat 24-Mar-12 8pm-11pm – 4th Performance
• Fri 30-Mar-12 8pm-11pm – 5th Performance
• Sat 31-Mar-12 2pm -5pm – Matinee – 6th Performance
• Sat 31-Mar-12 8pm-11pm – 7th and Final Performance

Remember that when you book tickets, enter the promotional code for Crusaders – CRUSM12 – and receive a $1 discount on each ticket sold. A further $1 from your ticket will also be donated to Crusaders to support our ministry!

So get cracking and purchase tickets here.

I look forward to seeing you at the show!

Here’s my favourite moment so far…

Aaron had never been on a camp before, and I think life is sometimes pretty tough for him. While visiting Lake Mac, I took him sailing on a Hobie catamaran. It was a beautiful day with good wind conditions. The other boys on the boat were full of excitement, learning to skipper and control the jib at the same time as holding on to anything they could grab in the big swell. Aaron was tentative; this was his first time on a boat on camp, maybe his first time ever. His fingers grasped the hull and stuck like glue. His eyes focused on the bright blue trampoline connecting the hulls. He was silent. I asked him if he wanted to have a go at skippering and a slight shake of the head was his answer. Maybe an hour later and after some more reluctance, he shuffled toward the back of the boat, never once letting go of the hull. He grasped the main sheet and the tiller extension and for the first time looked up at the waves as he focused ahead and began steering. His eyes lit up and a wry smile appeared as he felt the power of the wind and his control over the boat through the rudders as we powered ahead. I asked how he felt, and a quiet ‘good’ was muffled by the gusty winds and crashing swell as the nose of the Hobie dived forward into and under the oncoming wave. Aaron suddenly looked up and quickly asked me to take over, that was enough for the day!

For Aaron, so much of this camp experience was new. I don’t think he has ever seen what he saw, both in terms of the activities in God’s creation, or the compassion and care of the leaders who have created an amazing sense of camp community for the campers. I hope that I can meet him again, see him tacking and balancing on a sailing boat, and holding onto God’s love like he held on to the boat that day!

When the brain needs a slow gear, I enjoy some crime fiction, but I thought I’d also share some of the other books which are lurking beside my desk/bed/lounge. These current favourites include:

• Jim Packer’s A Passion for Faithfulness: wisdom from the book of Nehemiah: an easy read with reminders on almost every page of the importance of prayer in serving a faithful God.
• Dale Ralph Davis’ The Word Became Fresh: how to preach from the Old Testament narrative texts: I was first drawn by the title, then Davis’ reputation, and have found this book to be really helpful. The gems start from the first chapter. Consider this excerpt:

“We may have a high view of the Bible; we may be distraught because large sectors of the church seem to ignore its authority. Yet in our own Scripture work we easily ignore its chief Interpreter. Professionalism rather than piety drives us. We needn’t be surprised by our own sterility and poverty if we refuse to be beggars for the Spirit’s help.” (p.2)

• Paul Kelly’s How to make gravy: Kelly has to be one of Australia’s greatest modern songwriters and his skill in weaving tales is evident in this book of the story behind his songs. It reveals much of the Australian spirit and the search for purpose in everyday life.
• Patrick Lencioni’s Silos, Politics and Turf Wars:  I first read Lencioni to prepare for some training I was running for another Christian organization. He uses fables to pinpoint core issues relating to teams, meetings, leadership styles and corporate cultures. His material is not taxing: the value comes from considering applications.
• John Stott’s The Living Church: convictions of a life long pastor: Just started this one, triggered by a desire to consider how Crusaders can build even stronger links with churches. I hope you’ll see some fruit in the months to come.

So that’s what I’m reading! I’d love to hear any comments if you’ve dipped into some of the above, or your suggestions about other books which should be added to the pile. Let me know what’s on your list!

Gary Hill

Whether it be the hours of assignment work, countless time practicing set ups, polishing their facilitation and group management skills or the time they spent developing relationships, each of the fellows were able to share their experiences and reflect on a busy but rewarding year.

It was particularly encouraging to see how far they have come over the past 12 months, one individual was hesitant to even get close to a cliff, but now is a fully confident (and competent) Abseiling guide. It is amazing to see how much one develops when slightly outside their comfort zone.

Each of the Fellows is now equipped with a Certificate II, III or IV in outdoor recreation which is a nationally recognised qualification. Even if the fellow decides to move on in the New Year, they have a solid qualification and work experience at a reputable organisation.

Even though it will be sad to see some of the fellows not continuing, it is encouraging to see so many of them moving on to God’s work in other places. It is great that Crusaders is able to act as a stepping stone into other ministries.

The New Year is just around the corner which means a whole new group of 1^st year fellows arriving on our door step. Please pray for them as they adapt to life in Summit, and for me as I train them.

- Davo

Plus we’ve found a great place to sing & dance – Covenant Christian School at Belrose!  They have a very large stage (we’ll need it) and the Covenant Dance Troupe will also be performing alongside us.

This will be an exciting opportunity to share the Easter story with family and friends in a creative and fun way.

7 shows will be performed from Wednesday 21^st March – Saturday 31^st March, 2012. Tickets go on sale in January.

Plus you’ll be supporting Crusaders at the same time! $1 from all ticket sales to the Crusader family will be donated to support the ministry of Crusaders. So start thinking about who you’d like to invite!

For more information, visit www.stmattsweb.org.au/nicodemus.

See you there!

Former Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable John Anderson AO, joined over 120 young business men and women on 23^rd November for Crusaders’ annual Business Breakfast at NSW Parliament House. Guests enjoyed a tasty breakfast and were encouraged to hear how God had been working through Crusaders.

John Anderson encouraged guests to focus on the bottom line of what really mattered – speaking out about the truth of the Gospel, allowing God to transform lives and therefore society as a whole.

Hayden Berrigan, a year 12 student from Sydney Grammar, also told his story and said:

“Crusaders changes lives through the word of God and getting involved with them has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life… CRU Camps have helped me find true home, life and love in Christ and I’m going to take my new found faith with me for the rest of my life – there is no turning back. I’m excited about what the future holds and I thank God, and all of you, for sustaining this awesome ministry for guys like me.”

Thanks to the amazing generosity of everyone there, the Breakfast raised over $54,000 to support Crusaders’ work, exceeding our target of $50,000 – praise God!!

To listen to John Anderson’s inspiring message please click here.
To listen to an encouraging message from Crusaders’ Executive Director, Gary Hill, please click here.
To listen to the testimony of student speaker Hayden Berrigan (Year 12, Sydney Grammar School) please click here.

To help continue transforming young lives for Christ, head to www.crusaders.edu.au/donate and donate online. Select ‘Other’ for where you want your donation to go and write ‘Breakfast’ for your reason for giving.

If you would like to attend next year’s Business Breakfast, or any other Crusaders event, please contact Anna Wood on annaw@crusaders.edu.au.

Out of personal interest I was trying to track down the whereabouts of a wooden sailing boat that my father built in our garage in the late 70’s and launched in the early 80’s – making it around 30 years old.

I found that the Sailing Association for the type of boat that dad built kept an historic and current register of boat owners. I eventually phoned the Association Registrar (volunteer of course) – an older gentleman by the name of Barrie. We chatted for a while about boats and sailing (of course) and Barrie promised to email me information on my dad’s old boat if he could find any.

I gave him my Crusader email address to which he immediately replied “I know where you are, you’re on the western side of the Gorge – first turn left after leaving the Gorge when coming from Hornsby”. It transpired that Barrie knew the location because he was one of the volunteers who helped build the original cabins on the site way back in the 50’s. Our conversation reminded me of how thankful I am to our God who builds current-day ministry on the building blocks of the faithfulness of previous generations.

On reflection it occurred to me that, while we at Crusaders are busy with our day-to-day ministry, God will hopefully also use our work as building blocks for future Crusader ministries. In twenty years’ when my time at Crusaders has long since been confined to the annals of history, wouldn’t it be both satisfying and humbling to observe that God is still using Crusaders to bring people into his Kingdom.

Most weeks of Term 4 there are two or three interviews, and they’re usually the highlight of my week.

It’s a great encouragement to talk with young adults who love Jesus and are keen to hang out with kids on camp. I love watching the way the current team makes each applicant feel so welcome when they come on their trial camp.

The most special thing though, is that all of our current Fellows & I still remember their trial camp, and when we first started talking about them joining us in this ministry. It’s wonderful to look back some years down the track and reflect on where their journey started. And it’s exciting to know that those journeys are just beginning now for our January intake.

Find out more about Summit or the Fellowship positions here!

• Sharing the gospel with thousands of teenagers
• Helping disciple young people in schools and on camps
• Being trained for a lifetime of faithful Bible teaching through Cornhill Sydney and at Crusaders
• Working alongside other passionate Christians in a dynamic, caring team

We have 2 exciting new positions starting in January 2012 & are looking for energetic young people for a 2 year paid Associate Program who are motivated to learn & serve.

• Download Full Position Description
• Fill in Application Form

Contact: Peter Crawford – 9874 8933 or peterc@crusaders.edu.au

Applications Close 30^th November

It was so good watching people enjoying themselves (and getting quite competitive) at the Lake Mac campsite the other day. I could just see that they were thinking about what they’d just heard in the Bible talk during their camp. Just seeing them hanging out around the freshly painted table tennis table was great. Some were discussing the talks they’d been hearing on camp, some were just chatting as they were attempting to hit the ball and some you could just tell were born for ‘table tennis’. “DO NOT say a word while the ball is in play!!!”

It’s always a great feeling when we see the fruit of something we’ve been working on. It’s another reminder that every little thing we do (even painting a table tennis table!) has some level of significance. I love seeing ways to make something better and watching the joy on people’s faces as it benefits them.

To find out more about the Lake Mac Outdoor Recreation Centre, click here.

Last Friday was no different, with many students from many schools making their way to Shore School. This year’s Inter-CRUs have been based around the theme ‘Join the Resistance’, and on Friday Ed Springer concluded that series by encouraging the students not to ‘conform to the crowd’. He reminded students that they have the great news of Jesus to share in their schools so not to remain silent, but rather to be a voice. The Shore students and staff did a wonderful job of hosting the event, and we had a great afternoon together.

We’re already planning next year’s Inter-CRU events. Please join with us in praying that God will continue to bless these meetings and use them grow and challenge students across Sydney and the ACT next year. If you haven’t been to one yet you are missing out on a great schools event. Why not aim to get to one in your local region in 2012.

And you’ll be supporting Crusaders at the same time! $1 from all ticket sales to the Crusader family will be donated to support the ministry of Crusaders. So start thinking about who you’d like to invite!

I’ll be there, in the cast, singing and dancing in front of lots of people. As it’s not something I do very often (in fact not since school), you coming along to lend your support and encouragement would be great! I look forward to seeing you there.

For more information about ‘Nicodemus’ visit www.stmattsweb.org.au/nicodemus

Tickets go on sale January 2012.

Long lazy days, trips to the beach, ice cream & mangoes, time with family & friends and 24 CRU Camps to choose from…there’s so much to love about the summer holidays!

This summer CRU Camps are giving YOU the chance to WIN 1 of 10 $50 iTunes Vouchers! Entering is easy. All you need to do is jump online and ‘like us’ on Facebook, then tell us in 25 words or less ‘Why I want to go on a summer CRU Camp’.

Is it the great activities you’ll experience? The new friends you’ll make? The legendary leaders you’ll meet? Let us know why your summer won’t be the same without a CRU Camp experience!

Enter now! Check out www.facebook.com/crucamps for details.

Did you know that 4 in 10 people do not have a valid Will?

Organising your Will can seem like hard work, so why not come and have your Will written for FREE at Crusaders’ Wills Day by a qualified solicitor! We have 2 convenient days for you to choose from:

• Friday 18^th November, 2011/Sydney CBD
• Saturday 19^th November/Crusaders’ Office Eastwood

This is a completely free service – we don’t even ask for a donation! The only thing we ask is that you consider leaving a Bequest to Crusaders in your Will. Of course there is no obligation to do so, and if you choose not to, you are still more than welcome to take advantage of this offer. Your Will is a personal matter and will be kept between yourself and the Solicitor.

For more information please email Linda Newman at lindan@crusaders.edu.au or call (02) 9874 8933 ext 315.

Max and Helen have faithfully managed Crusaders’ Lake Macquarie campsite for over a quarter of a century, and Max’s retirement has brought an end to a stage of ministry which has truly provided refreshment to the lives of thousands. There was much laughter and friendship as stories were shared and experiences remembered by many who have been impacted by the hospitality, service and friendship of Max & Helen over the years at Lake Mac.

Their involvement with Crusaders started in the early 1980s, and became more formalised when they moved onto the site in 1988. Through the decades they have wholeheartedly served everyone who has visited the site, praying for those in attendance, sharing a smile and a word, cooking, cleaning, maintaining equipment, providing security and ensuring that every aspect of the site is the best it can be.

Max was recently interviewed by Christian Venues Association. When asked what excited him about Christian camping, Max replied, “Serving God, helping kids to hear the Gospel, and seeing growth in those who return.” Crusaders’ Executive Director Gary Hill says, “I have been so thankful to both Max and Helen for showing true hospitality. I have valued their prayers, their wisdom, their teaching, their patience, their example, their labour, their perseverance and their love. I thank God for them and their years of service to God, through Crusaders ministry.”

The Holy Spirit can seem confusing and mysterious. Life Switched On (Primary) and Powered Up (Secondary) are brilliant resources delivering 9 engaging sessions that will help your students discover from the Bible who the Holy Spirit is and what He does.
Each series is designed to run for one school term and includes a specific week where students can invite their friends to hear the Gospel. The resources are able to be photocopied for use within the school.

Click here to view a sample of Life Switched On or Powered Up.

To purchase visit our online store or contact Tom French (Schools Ministry staff worker) on tomf@crusaders.edu.au or (02) 9874 8933 ext 309.