“I actually just dedicated my life to Jesus on March 26” Carl told me (Jeff) a few weeks ago as I met him for the time.

Carl was raised in a Jewish home.  He went to religious school and temple, but faith played less and less of a role in his life after he graduated from religious school.  This was especially true when he went off to college.

Yet, Carl felt like there was something missing in his life.  Even though he did well in sports and academics, Carl never felt fulfilled.

Carl’s girlfriend started taking him to church in his hometown.  As he was exposed to Jesus and the gospel, Carl began to sense that he had found the thing that was missing in his life.  In the meantime, during winter quarter of his sophomore year (this past January through March), Carl started attending weekly Cru meetings, where he was further exposed to the gospel, and also suddenly had an amazing community of people his own age who could encourage him.

While at home during spring break in March, Carl met with his pastor and decided to dedicate his life to Jesus.

Since coming to know Jesus, Carl has seen immediate changes in his life. “I feel like the burden of my imperfections is lifted, which has done wonders for my day to day attitude and overall happiness.”  Indeed, as I’ve met with Carl over the past four weeks, my observation is that he seems to be a very joyful person.

Carl’s family has noticed those same changes and is thrilled for him.  However, they don’t know why those changes are taking place.  Carl is very fearful that his family will reject him.  Please keep Carl in your prayers as he discerns how to tell his family about Jesus.

I was actually able to be with Carl as he shared his faith in Jesus for the first time during our Easter outreach.  And, wouldn’t you know it?  The first people we talked to were a pair of Jewish guys, one of whom is currently going to Jewish religious school.  Carl was able to lovingly and boldly share about his experiences and how Jesus has changed his life.  It was so cool!

I’m meeting up regularly with Carl to go over the basic truths of the Christian faith.  It has repeatedly been one of the highlights of my week.

Thank you for helping make it possible for students like Carl to be exposed to the gospel and grow in their newfound faith!

Prayer Requests

Praise God that he brought Carl to Jesus!  Pray that Carl would continue to grow in knowledge and wisdom, and also intimacy with the Lord.  Pray that God would be working in the lives of his family members.

Pray that staff and students would finish the year well, including us as we prepare to lead a trip in Santa Monica this summer.