Freshmen FAQ

First-Hand accounts of Freshman Year

(written by incoming sophomores)

Jake Wilson

I first became interested in Cru when my sister, who also went to JMU, told me about it. Coming into the first Cru night of my freshman year, I was nervous about meeting new people and finding where I fit in. When I walked through the doors to Cru, I was greeted by some of the friendliest people I had ever met, and saw the love that only comes from Christ in them. I joined a bible study, got to know some really cool guys, and immediately began learning so many things from my discipler. Come second semester, I began to see so many awesome things that God was doing through Cru, and decided to become more involved. I went to Big Break (the CRU spring break conference), and had the time of my life. I met so many people, acquired a real desire to tell others about Jesus, and was prepared for ministry back on campus.

Near the middle of second semester, my bible study leader started talking about Summer Projects. I was a hesitant about going away for a whole summer on a mission’s trip, because I needed to raise the money, I would be gone for most of the summer, and I was already stressed out with school. Despite this, I began to feel God pushing me to go, so I prayed about it, and ended up going on the Snowridge Summer Project. It was without a doubt the best summer of my life. I am blown away by how much God has taught me, how He has has and still is transforming me, and how much I want to tell others about Him! At this point in time, if I had never come to CRU, I would be a different person. I can’t wait for what God has in store for new upcoming freshman!

Megan Campbell

My freshmen year started a little earlier then most other freshman at JMU because I participated in the Marching Royal Dukes. I loved JMU, I loved the MRD’s, but I didn’t exactly know how I was supposed to fit into the JMU picture. As the semester continued I really got to know other people on the trumpet line, and these four guys were talking about Crusade. I wanted to know when and where Crusade met because I had heard about it, but I didn’t really know anyone who went. I brought my roommate along and we went to our first large group meeting about two weeks into the school year.

At my first large group meeting the emcee was talking about signing up for a bible study at the back after Cru. I signed up for the Chesapeake girls’ bible study and my life has been permanently changed as a result. My leaders were genuine in their walk with God, they were passionate about us, and they lived by the truth of the bible. It was such a great example for me because I had been a “Christian” for as long as I can remember, but I never knew what it looked like to live for Christ. Christ significantly used my bible study leaders, the people in the trumpet line, and Crusade itself to change my life, and I hope you give Cru a chance to change yours too.

Niko Stem

I wanted to remake myself when I began my freshman year, but I didn't know who I wanted to be. I was a Christian, so was I going to keep up the Christian thing from high school or was I going to start partying? In the end, I decided to at least test the waters in a Christian organization on campus at JMU. I had heard about Campus Crusade for Christ through a friend of mine and decided it was a good place to start.

I was craving a loving community and learning more about God, but I was completely unprepared for it. Even though a closer walk with God was not what I had in mind as I walked into my first large group meeting, my faith grew tremendously that year. I've been stretched and challenged and at the same time rewarded with amazing friendships. I now have brothers and sisters in Christ who won't leave my side as long as I need them. I've learned that although God doesn't confine His work to Campus Crusade, Cru has impacted my walk with God and my desire to see others come to Christ.

Grace Sharp

I came to college looking for a fresh start. The first few weeks of freshman year were rough because I didn’t feel like I fit in anywhere. When I came to school I started looking for campus ministries to get involved in, and I ended up going to Cru large group. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and it was amazing to worship with people who were truly seeking God. I signed up for a small group (having no idea what I was getting in to), and it was one of the best decisions I made that year.

Small group became a relief from a lot of the awkwardness I experienced. The girls were friendly and supportive, and we learned what it means to be the loving body of Christ. The friends I’ve met through Crusade keep me grounded and encourage me. Throughout that first year I grew more confident in my faith and myself. God used my freshman year to make my faith more personal. I have learned a lot about how to live out my faith instead of just talking about it. The fellowship I have in Cru has also demonstrated to me just how much God loves us. Cru has been a huge blessing in my life.