CRU at IUS, a campus group that’s founded in the worldwide Christian organization, lives out its mission as a caring community and passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ and telling His story. CRU was previously known as Campus Crusade for Christ. 

Through hosting events, posting on social media, and welcoming students, CRU has formed a community and empowered Christian believers, as well as fostered a family of friends. 

IUS junior Sadie Roll said CRU “is like a second family.” To her, this club is “like a home away from home.” 

I, too, felt CRU was like my home away from home when I joined in Fall 2019. I became its president in Fall 2021. The group welcomed me with open arms. I felt included and loved by the members, and I also aligned with their purpose of why they were a club. 

Carrying Out the Mission Despite Leadership Shifts 

The husband-wife team of Eric and Ashley Fults founded IUS’s CRU group around 2017. 

After last semester, the Fultses and I stepped down from our leadership positions. But, in the midst of role shifting and change, the group continues to be active and live out its mission. 

This semester, CRU has Tuesday weekly meetings, as well as lunch community groups and men and women community groups on Thursdays. The community get-togethers usually include Bible study. CRU keeps reaching out and inviting anyone that’s interested in joining or checking the group out.  

Currently, Logan Ecken, sophomore at IUS, is the President of CRU, and senior Lori Burke is the Vice President for the group. 

The Heart Behind the Mission 

Ecken said if someone is uncertain or scared about checking out CRU to ask questions and take things slow. Students have come to CRU who are unsure about religion but are curious about what the atmosphere is like. That doesn’t impede the community aspect of CRU.  

“Everyone is kind and everyone accepts anyone with open arms,” Ecken said. “It’s a loving community.” 

When I was President, I also made that my focus: Making CRU a safe environment for everyone to share their beliefs (or lack thereof) and ask questions. 

I aimed for CRU to avoid cliques, cliches, and to include everyone. I personally have known and experienced many groups appearing fake and excluding those that aren’t in their “in” group. 

That angers me as I know that is not what the Bible teaches. I wanted CRU to genuinely and authentically live out what the Bible proclaims to teach. 

From his experience and emphasis on inclusivity and care, Ecken has seen students grow in their faith and at times, seen other students come to faith through CRU.  

“It’s for everybody, no matter who you are, whether you want a community out of it or you want to grow in your experience with religion,” Ecken said. “You can get something either way no matter where you are at in your spiritual journey. 

New with No Time: Is It for Me? 

Some students may not have time for CRU due to busy schedules. Savannah Houle, a freshman new to IUS, is not able to go to many CRU events. However, she still feels wanted and cared for. 

“I feel like people actually care about you. They’re not concerned about numbers; it’s not like a club where they want to get bigger and bigger,” Houle said. “They are actually interested in you as a person, and they actually care about what’s going on in your life, and they understand that you can’t make it.” 

The Magnitude of their Message 

I, along with members like Burke, see CRU not just as a community, but something that has deep-rooted meaning and purpose for people’s lives.  

“Life is short. You want to figure out where your faith is at because you don’t know if you’ll have tomorrow,” Burke said. “It’s time to figure out your career and your goals, so you might as well come to CRU and find people that truly care and that want to walk with you to figure out where your faith is at.” 

For more information, DM CRU or keep up to date with their events at @iuscru on Instagram, or contact Logan Ecken at loganecken@live.com.