Back in the spring when Covid was young, we really didn’t expect that this battle against the disease would carry on so long or interrupt so many lives. We stepped into this new season praying for protection and for what God would do with the disruption.
In March, our sending team helped hundreds of Cru missionary staff return to the U.S. to wait out this time with family at home. Many of them stepped directly into online ministry to connect with disciples and students they left overseas. Others have used the time to connect with partners or pursue further seminary level classes through Cru’s Institute of Biblical Studies.
While all this was happening, God was still raising up new college graduates who were applying in March to be interns overseas or in the US with Cru starting in the fall! What would happen? Would they be able to serve God as missionaries in the midst of a pandemic?
Well, God has not been stopped! He has done what only He is capable of, leading 446 new workers to step out into his harvest fields. In April our team began accepting those interns, providing training for them, and sending them out to trust God to raise their support and God did it! What a crucial time to send out new workers when students and people generally are struggling with questions, fears, and loneliness, and they need to be reminded that God is with them!
However, our team working with interns dealt with many challenges over the summer. The intern coordinators have had to make many changes as some countries will not let Americans enter because of our high Covid rates. Some interns’ assignments have had to be changed from one country overseas to another one or to US campuses to reach international students there. Some are doing online discipleship while waiting for their country to open its doors.
Three of these interns who have trusted God during this time are Kelly, Scott and Sherell, pictured here. They were all planning to go to a country whose doors are still closed, so in the meantime they are working with internationals and helping build disciples from their assigned country online. Sherell says that she is passionate about sharing the salvation of Jesus with people who have never heard and reaching the unreached. Scott shares that he is excited to help bring the gospel to the people of the country he is going to. He wants to help other men experience true community that glorifies God and brings hope to many. Kelly saw the Lord grow her heart for people this last year and she’s very excited to get to share Christ and build meaningful relationships through ministry.
Rejoice with us for these interns God raised up for this pandemic year! Please pray that God would use each one in a special way to reach those who have never heard of God’s love for them! Thank you for being part of sending these laborers to their fields! We pray for you and thank God for you always!