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How to cuss your way through Campus Crusade for Christ.

I dare you to find someone who has a better story of their first Campus Crusade for Christ [CCC] meeting than the one I’m about to tell you.

My first encounter with CCC was 11 years ago at Fall getaway [a weekend retreat for students] and I‘m still embarrassed just thinking about it.

I am an extrovert but I barely knew anyone so when the staff asked the freshman to do a skit, I figured this was my shot to ‘shine’.

I had one line but by golly I was gonna make it count.

Long story short, I ended up cussing on stage.... at a Christian retreat. I called some guy a donkey!

The whole room crowd gasped while a few leaders soiled themselves.

After about 10 people passed me the memo that this normal everyday word in Africa was a cuss word in the states, I literally wanted crawl up in a cave and never come out.

I went from vowing never to return to another event to going on 3 summer projects and over 5 Christmas Conferences.

Why?

Because this ministry is just too compelling. I could write a book about what I love about CCC. but I’ll stick to...

Four reasons you can't ignore CCC:

1. Acceptance:

I once led a CCC bible study with about 6 guys who weren’t Christians. The irony is I had to constantly keep from laughing as these guys always cussed during prayer.

“Dear Jesus, I F-ing need you to help me pass this test. Sorry I said ‘F’. Amen!”.

I remember thinking, if Jesus led a bible study, this is what it would look like. These are the kind of people that would be in it.
Its astounding to think a campus organization with ‘Christ’ in its name can attract and accept any and every kind of person...

from a culturally insensitive African to party-hard college freshman.

2. Leadership:

I’ve led a college ministry for the last 4 years. During that span, I’ve been asked to speak 2-3 times at our local CCC meeting.

Its a long way to come from calling someone a donkey on stage.

Let me ask you, when was the last time your pastor asked another pastor in the same neighborhood to come speak at your church? Never? Yea, thats right. Nobody does that. Ever. Nobody except for Brad Dukes [current CCC Toledo director].

Campus Crusade leaders = heart of gold/not about them/Kingdom minded.

3. Presence:

Love ‘em or Hate ‘em but you can’t ignore ‘em. CCC has a tremendous presence on college campuses and I love it.

I’m pretty sure the squirrels on our campus have heard the name of Jesus because of CCC.

And the best part is their longevity.
CCC is not a fad or another ‘thing’ on campus that makes a big wave and then disappears. No.
They were there before you were a freshman and if you’re like my buddy Royce, they’ll still be there after you graduate with your made up major 8 years later.

Nothing lasts that long on a college campuses unless God is obviously breathing in it.

4. Community:

The first guy that ever saw more in me than I saw in myself was my CCC bible study leader Chad Bahl.
I met almost all the guys in my wedding at CCC.
When I’m old, fat and wrinkly, the guys I’ll be playing bingo with are gonna be people I met at CCC.

I honestly can’t say enough about this ministry.

I’m not saying its perfect, just that its changed my life and a million others.

I wouldn’t be where I am today but for CCC’s expression at the University of Toledo.

I’m forever indebted to this ministry.

No man is an island. You are not who are you today independent of God using people to influence you. So tell me...

Who are some people, ministries or churches that God has used to help you grow?
Its 'show off' time friends [the good kind of 'show off'].

I'd love for you to 'testify' about how God uses your favorite people and ministries.
If you share, I'll send a 'thank you' encouragement email to that ministry or church for investing in you.

[Special thanks to Whipples, Nancy B., Tirey's., Smith's, Chad B., Mark N., Brad D., & Scott D for investing in me and giving me opportunities to love Jesus and people when I didn't deserve it]

Please share this post, especially with anyone who is involved with CCC. And don't forget to let me know who has invested in your life. Your encouragement might be what they just need to hear right now.