THE HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY OF CRU

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Sharing Your Personal Testimony

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WHAT IS A PERSONAL TESTIMONY?

A personal testimony is a prepared version of your coming to faith in Christ. It is designed to communicate – in a specific period of time (usually about 3 minutes) – what attracted a person to Christ, how that individual received Him, and the difference He has made in his/her life. A well-done personal testimony can be a powerful and effective tool in communicating the life changing reality of Jesus Christ. The dictionary defines testimony as “the statement or declaration of a witness under oath or affirmation, usually in court.” Another definition says “evidence in support of a fact or statement of proof.” When you give your testi- mony, you are giving witness of the difference Christ has made in your life.

Tips for Preparing Your Testimony

DON’T start with something like, “So…this is my testimony…” or end with something like, “And, that’s my testimony…”
DO have a clear, well prepared beginning and end.
DO have a theme that ties your story together. For example, “My life is a lot like the movie Braveheart…” or “I’ve always thought that a football game is a great illustration of some of the things that have happened in my life…”
DON’T use words that aren’t clear to non-Christians (Christianese). DO clarify terms like “saved,” “sin,” “Christian home,” etc.
DON’T name specific denominations or religions (especially in a negative way). This could offend someone who is of that denomination and prevent them from listening to your story.
DON’T ramble on forever.
DO keep it to around 3 minutes!
DON’T use vague terms like “peaceful,” “joyful,” or “happy.”
DO give details and include specific stories to clarify those adjectives.
DON’T give the false impression that Jesus makes all of life’s problems go away.
DO include a verse or short portion of Scripture that relates to your theme. DON’T use more than two Scripture passages. Keep it focused on how Christ changed your life.
DO be realistic – life is still hard, but a relationship with God is the key to living it.
DO communicate as clearly and truthfully as possible how you became a Christian. By the conclusion of your testimony, listeners should understand how they could also receive Christ. Make it very clear how a person receives Christ; share the words you used when you accepted Him.

Preparing Your Personal Testimony

  1. Memorize and practice your testimony orally. After editing and rewriting your testimony, you should memorize it. Memorization frees you to be natural and communicate clearly, rather than focusing on your next word. Practice giving your testimony to a small group or friend.
  2. Present your testimony to an audience.
  3. Evaluate your testimony with your Cru High School leader.

The testimony worksheet can be uses as a guide to help you think through and write down your Testimony story. Keep the following things in mind: Don’t be concerned if your testimony is not filled with bank robberies, murders, or drug selling. You are seeking to relate to your audience. Hopefully not many of their lives are filled with those things either. Choose a theme you think people will relate to, but it does not need to be sensational and dramatic.

If you became a Christian at an early age, share how Christ has led you over a period of years, or how you came to the point of surrendering your life totally to Christ.

Student Testimony Worksheet

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How to Apply for a Global Mission with Cru’s High School Ministry

Cru is a high school and middle school ministry (formerly known as Student Venture and Campus Crusade for Christ International). The application for a Global Mission uses an online system. Below are a few things you need to make sure to do.

1. IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD, DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE PARENT CONSENT PACKET.

Then give the packet to your parents. It includes a consent form that your parent must read, sign, and mail to our office. You will submit your application online but it will not be evaluated until the parent consent form is received.

DOWNLOAD PARENT CONSENT PACKET

2. IF YOU ARE OVER 18 AND OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL.

We are required by law to perform a background check on anyone over the age of 18 who is out of high school. After submitting your application you should receive an email for the background check.  At that time please submit a check for $20 to Cru and mail it to; 100 Lake Hart Drive MC3200  Orlando  FL  32832.  If you do not receive this email then please contact us at cruhs.globalmissions@cru.org

3. CLICK ON THE “APPLY ONLINE” LINK NEXT TO THE MISSION YOU WANT TO APPLY FOR.

These questions will help you determine if you are ready to apply for a mission:

Once you click on “apply online” you will have multiple options for signing in. Use the one that will work best for you. Or, you can click “Sign Up” to create a user name and password to access your application. If you went on a mission last year, you can enter the user name and password that you used last year. Read the instructions carefully. Fill out the application. You will not need to fill out the entire application in one sitting. You will have the option of saving your work and coming back to it later. Provide 2-3 references.

You will need to select three people and have their email addresses handy when you apply, including:

  1. A peer/friend who knows you well. (This is required for college students and optional for high school students.)
  2. A spiritual leader. (This is required for everyone; preferably this will be a Cru/Campus Crusade for Christ staff person, or you may ask a pastor/youth pastor or adult Bible Study leader – someone who knows you well.)
  3. A parent/guardian. (This is required only for high school students.) Pay the application fee. This may be done online with a credit or debit card. Also, you may mail a check or money order (made payable to “Cru”) to Cru – High School / Global Missions / 100 Lake Hart Dr., 3200 / Orlando, FL 32832. Please do not send cash.

4. ONCE ALL THE REQUIRED COMPONENTS OF YOUR APPLICATION ARE RECEIVED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE REVIEWED.

Your information will be reviewed carefully and held in the strictest confidence.

Subject to change. (Updated 12.15.13))

For additional information, please contact the Cru – High School Global Missions team at chs.globalmissions@cru.org.