Having just celebrated Cru Philippines’ 60 years, we enter this year’s staff conference with gratitude, recognizing God’s mighty hand at work through every season. Looking back through the anniversary documentary and the heartfelt testimonies of staff, we are deeply reminded of how far God has brought our movement. The growth of our ministries and the development of more sustainable strategies reflect a clearer, stronger vision to unite believers in advancing God’s Kingdom.

The Lord has woven each part of this journey and called us into specific strategies to build up the body of Christ, strengthen this community, and mobilize more workers for the harvest. This story continues to inspire, particularly the younger Cru missionaries who stepped out in faith to serve full time - trusting God with their lives and calling.

StaffCon 2025 carries special significance as we welcome our new National Team Leader, Jomer Gallana, together with new Strategy Leaders for Student-Led Movement, Digital Strategy, Operations, and Leader Impact. Each one embraces their role with a deep sense of calling and a renewed commitment to God’s mission.

We had a refreshing and encouraging time reflecting on where we stand as a movement—united in purpose and moving forward together in collaboration, faith, and a shared vision. During one of the business meetings, former national leader Kuya Rey Ibasco described our movement as a fractal—a repeating pattern that looks different at every level yet follows the same design. This picture beautifully captures the strategy of the Crossroads ministry while aligning with all of Cru’s strategies. Whether on campus, in the workplace, or on global missions, our expressions may vary in form, but we share the same DNA and the same purpose: to help fulfillll the Great Commission wherever God places us. This illustration left a deep and lasting impact on us as one movement—Cru Philippines.

One of the most heartwarming highlights of the staff conference was the Family Circle. Singles from each team came in creative, themed costumes, while families joined with their kids also dressed up. Laughter filled the room during the ‘Human Bring Me’ game, but the most meaningful moment came when we created our family badge. On it, we drew what we’re thankful for, our dreams, our prayers, and a life verse at the bottom. It was a simple yet profound reminder that beyond all the work we do, we are also building something personal and lasting with the people God has placed in our lives.

In the Circle of Care, we were grouped with our batchmates—a space to pause, slow down, and reconnect with those who began the journey alongside us. A memorable moment came when we wrote on strips of paper what we could offer the group. Some wrote ‘prayer,’ others offered their home, and some simply wrote ‘a helping hand.’ We linked the strips into a paper chain and took a photo together—a small gesture that symbolized something much greater. We are more than coworkers; we are companions in this calling. And years from now, we will look back and remember how God has woven our lives together. 

What a wonderful Staff Conference 2025! Praise the Lord!

*Cypress Cabugnason is a Cru campus missionary with Student-led Movements assigned to Metro Manila