By Stephanie Medina Elizondo
Cru has been a mission that the Lord has been planting into the hearts of leaders like Krista Bethea and Cami Villanueva at the University of the Incarnate Word. I was honored to be able to meet Krista and interview three students that shared testimonies of what Jesus has been doing for them at Cru. My purpose for writing this article amongst Cru is to share with everyone at UIW how this community is truly seeking Jesus in their life. You are not alone in your walk with Jesus, as the Lord tells us that “Two are better than one”.
1 Corinthians 1:10 “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought”.
Firstly, I want to share my testimony of what Cru is to me. This Spring semester, I started studying here at the University of the Incarnate Word. As I was writing up my big project at the Student Engagement Center, I noticed this table in front of me that immediately caught my attention. The logo was a cross, and it read Cru. Before going up and introducing myself, I went online to search for their ministry. I was looking through the website and noticed that it is a fast-growing ministry that shares values, missions, and visions that are all for the purpose and glory of Jesus. From looking at the analytics, I was shocked to see how much growth is happening in this ministry around the world. From this, I decided to introduce myself to Krista.
After introducing myself to Krista, we got along very well! I was able to share my testimony with her and explain what Jesus is currently doing this season for me. Krista is someone to lean on whenever there are trials and tribulations. She is a good listener and someone who has been impactful to all the students at Cru. Bethea is very gifted.
After witnessing Krista’s revelation, my husband and I attended worship night at Cru and it was such a great experience! It truly was the Holy Spirit leading the whole entire night within the students. This would lead me to share with more students all over UIW, who are seeking counseling, and a community of Jesus.
Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”.
Abby’s Testimony
Provision
Abby Villafranca has grown from the roots of Christianity in her household. This led her to desire more community outside of her family. Abby started going to Cru with an invitation from one of her good friends, Ryan. At first sight, Villafranca was nervous about going to their ministry just because she was new to UIW at the time. After going to the first Thursday night at Cru, she instantly fell in love with the community.
Abby’s passion was to get closer to Jesus and to walk in continuous provision of the plans of the Lord. Once Abby decided to get plugged into Cru, it completely changed her lifestyle with the Lord.
Villafranca learned that this season of her life in being a part of Cru points her into the right direction as she continues walking with Jesus. Abby stated, “Cru may not always give me the direct answer of what I need to know but they will always direct me to get to the answers.” Villafranca’s provision with God is to continue to chase Jesus no matter how confusing life can seem and no matter what the world has to say about her. The one and only judgment that matters the most to Villafranca is the judgement of Jesus. Her provision lies in the hands and feet of the Lord. Her community of Cru has reminded Abby to please Jesus, not the world.
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Viviana’s Testimony
Prospering Plans
Viviana Garcia is from Houston, Texas. She recently moved to San Antonio to start her college journey at UIW. Viviana found out about Cru through a group of people who are a part of the ministry. James, Krista, and Fred were promoting Cru at UIW. Viviana was interested in getting plugged into this ministry that Garcia started to attend Thursday nights at Cru. This led her closer to growing relationships with students and leaders that are a part of the ministry. Garcia went on to say how Krista contributed to growing a closer relationship with Jesus and how much Bethea helped her along the way.
Viviana openly admitted to one of her struggles which was wanting to be in control of God’s plan for herself. Garcia struggled with facing a worldly control over her own purpose with the Lord. She always wanted everything her way but, in this season, she was able to face humility by not having everything her way. Eventually, she came to a revelation from the Lord that she needs more quality time with Jesus. This would essentially lead her to first date God before dating someone else.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Ryan’s Testimony
A Man’s Search for the Roots of Jesus
Ryan Muniz was just a freshman in college that faced a season of feeling lost with his faith in Jesus. Little did Ryan know things were about to take a complete turn on his spiritual life with the Lord. Muniz was able to find his own brotherhood through Cru. This companionship truly impacted him by the countless blessings he was receiving from mentors and brothers just like him who were hungry for Jesus.
One thing that resonates with Ryan is “The more you read the word, the more the word reads you.” Muniz has been experiencing true and intimate moments with Jesus by having God communicate with Ryan through scripture. While being in God’s word every single day can be challenging, God’s word has changed Muniz’s discernment.
The purpose is to understand when to have strength when trials and tribulations can occur in a certain season in his own life. To acknowledge the true creator of our universe. Reading the word of God causes Ryan to let the Holy Spirit enter his heart. This creates an understanding of how to pray, how to flee away from the things of the world, and to have stronger faith with Jesus. Ryan continues to have those around him to keep him accountable in training, to become the athlete that God needs Ryan to be as a kingdom worker.
1 Corinthians 9:14 “In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it”.
Ryan, Viviana, and Abby are students who hunger for Jesus every single day. Even though Cru has had a significant influence on these students, they nevertheless live out their faith. Cru is the place to be at UIW if you want to discover community and become involved in ministry.
