Photo by Madi Frink.
Joseph Na’answan had driven for more than 24 hours to Lagos, Nigeria, just to see what God would do.
He was attending the Pamoja Africa (“Together Africa”) conference with his friend Paul Ajiji, and they were both about to begin their first year at Plateau State University in Nigeria.
They wanted to tell other students about Christ but were unsure of how to begin.
Perhaps you’re in the same place. Maybe you’re wondering if you’re the only Christian on your campus.
No matter where you are in the world, you’re probably thinking, I have the desire for my campus to be reached, but is it even possible for me to do this? Or, The task seems overwhelming. I’m just one person. I have no idea where to even begin.
Joseph and Paul turned to Pamoja Africa, organized by Cru (as Cru is known internationally), to help them start a ministry on their campus.
The goal was big: encouraging Christ-centered young adults to lead the charge to transform Africa socially, economically and spiritually.
Surrounded by others, Joseph learned how to grow in his own relationship with God, tell others about Jesus, and prepare them to tell still others.
“I was really excited to see young people coming to love God and be committed to go,” Joseph said. “That was my heart, to help others to get to know God.”
This inspired Joseph to move from the sidelines to launching a movement on his campus.
After Pamoja Africa, Joseph and Paul prayed and strategized about where to begin. They decided to start by talking with their roommates. Every morning, they prayed and read the Bible together. Receiving distance coaching from staff members, Joseph and Paul helped their friends grow in their faith and communicate the gospel.
Joseph and Paul welcome new members to the movement they helped launch on their campus.
The ministry then expanded to their dorms, then to their majors of study, then to different faculties.
Now, less than 3 years later, this student-led movement has more than 70 students excited about making Jesus known.
“We all have a duty of reaching out to every person around us,” Joseph said. “I was so excited to see God use me.”
Like Joseph and Paul, you could be the catalyst.
And Cru wants to help you.
To get more information about Cru/Cru in your country, click on the “Global” button in the upper right hand corner of your screen.
If you’re in the U.S., you can find out more about college or high school ministries. If there are no staff or volunteers near your campus, we can help you create a ministry.
Watch “Nick’s Story” and then click “Get Started Now.” From there, someone will coach you and walk through a series of articles about defining your vision, empowerment and growth in your walk with God, and equipping a team.
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