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How to Know God

Do you ever wonder what Christians believe? Who Jesus is, what he did and why it matters? Get answers to these questions and more.

Spiritual Growth

Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth.

Life & Relationships

Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God.

Bible Studies

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Share the Gospel

Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus.

Help Others Grow

Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring.

Leadership Training

Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are.

Video

Browse videos designed to help you grow spiritually, share your faith, and lead others well.

Language Resources

View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages.

Quizzes & Assessments

Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others.

Campus

Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others.

City

Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city.

Inner City

Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs.

Athletes

Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation.

Families

Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage.

High School

Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school.

Military

Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide.

Locate Cru Near You

Explore Cru's global presence and discover how you can get involved in communities worldwide.

Mission Trips

Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world.

1-Year Full-Time Internships

Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries.

Careers

If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals.

Go International

Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact.

Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? We need you.

Events

Find a Cru event near you.

Explore Your Interests

Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve.

What We Do

How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus.

Donor Relations

Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Cru’s annual report and more.

Our Leadership

Learn about Cru's global leadership team.

Cru Partnerships

When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen.

Storylines

Showing God in action in and through His people.

Press

Access Cru's latest news releases, media contacts, and background information on our global ministries and leadership.

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Walking Wounded

If you are interested in learning more about placing your value in things that are truly satisfying, sign up for the email series at the bottom of the page.

My childhood was storybook perfect. I projected confidence. Curly blond hair framed a smiling face full of adventure. But I didn’t stay that way.

As I got older, I was picked on more and more. By the sixth grade, I was the kid everyone criticized. By high school, people were reminding me daily of how stupid and ugly I was.

I withdrew into myself, stopped talking and stopped smiling. Instead of seeking adventure, I tried to disappear.

There was no one to tell. I was close to my parents, but I was afraid to share my feelings with them.

According to Dr. David Conroy, people often begin to consider suicide “when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain.” For me, the pain blocked out everything else — even the people who loved me.

I had the details planned out. I was ready.

Then I had a dream.

In this dream, I could see myself and — at the same time — I could see my mom. She was pounding on the other side of a locked door, weeping. Then I heard a voice that simply said, “It’s too late.”

When I woke up, suicide no longer felt like an option. But the pain remained.

Soon after, I transferred to a different school. The insults stopped, but I still had to face my insecurities.

Something Changed …

I had the opportunity to attend a conference with other high schoolers from my church. It was there that I came to realize that God loves me very, very much. I actually matter to God. He is in the details of my life even when I try to hide.

I began to understand that God is always there for me and He wants to have a personal relationship with me. My pain started to heal, little by little. It grew easier to see the ways my family and friends really do love me.

“ … I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:9-10, New International Version).

We are all walking wounded; some scars are just easier to see. It wasn’t an easy thing to admit that I needed help, but I did. I still do.

Even though I still struggle, I smile a lot more these days — perhaps I’m making up for the years I forgot how. My mom tells me that I remind her of this little girl she used to know with curly blond hair, a quick smile and a glint of adventure in her eyes.

I know I’m not alone now. And the stories of others, like Jeff, Taylor and Fernanda, encourage me to keep reaching out.

Do you want to learn about starting a personal relationship with Jesus?

Are you struggling with suicidal thoughts? Call the confidential, 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK).

Where Do You Find Your Value?

Feeling valuable can influence your emotions, decisions and mental well being, so finding your value in things that last is important. Are the things you find your worth in satisfying you?

Sign up for our email series to learn more about placing your value in things that are truly satisfying.

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Since 1951, Cru has helped individuals who grapple with integrating faith into daily life by offering practical steps and community support. As a result, countless people in over 190 countries have been empowered to move from passive belief to active faith.