MINISTRY PROFILE: CRU
VIVIAN PHUNG
Brown University CRU is a chapter of an international Christian non-profit dedicated to cultivating spiritual conversations
around the world. The etymology of the word CRU means “growth” which is central to CRU’s vision of encouraging spiritual
maturity and understanding among believers and non-believers. Brown University CRU is a community of people with
changed lives, seeking to have relationships that matter, and offering uncommon opportunities to discover Jesus and connect
others to Him. In the past few years at Brown, CRU has developed a specific vision to provide a caring community for
international students who want to become more acclimated to the American culture. The organization strives to bolster the
Brown University spirit of charity and diversity and seeks to exist as an open environment where anyone can experience what
it means to practically follow Jesus.
During my freshman year at Brown, I was drawn to CRU because of its diversity in faith background (believers, non-believers,
seekers, etc.), cultural background, and outreach approaches. Originally from a predominately Asian church community, I
saw CRU as an opportunity to grow and understand God through different cultural and spiritual lenses. International students
who make up a significant percentage of our core group have been the underlying reason why CRU is so interesting to
me. Watching them gain a better understanding of their American brothers and sisters in Christ and bringing their own
perspectives of faith to the table enhances spiritual discussions not only within CRU, but also around campus and back home
as they return to their friends and family as stronger spiritual influences. CRU encourages students to openly share their faith
and preach the good news to others in a variety of outreach methods such as engaging in spiritual surveys, participating in
community service events, or getting a meal with a person of a different faith. Every Thursday, Brown CRU leaders are trained
in outreach and go out to different parts of the campus to talk with students and faculty about faith-- being a light to our
beloved Brown community. Brown CRU gathers together every Tuesday 6PM-7:30PM for Life Group and opportunities to
learn more about the amazing love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Sujay Natson ‘16 Footsteps in the snow