Coming to college, Rachel Ferchak aspired to bring herself fame through her many talents and writing. After getting involved with CRU at OU, Rachel’s dreams of bringing glory to her self began to change.
Instead of going into the workforce, Rachel says that she has been called to ministry work and bringing glory to God. A recent magazine journalism and Honors Tutorial College graduate, Rachel has been accepted to intern with CRU (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ) and is currently raising the funds that will support her next year.
Rachel said that she wants to work with students at Ohio University because she sees a great need on this campus. At a party school where students turn to alcohol, relationships and other temporary pleasures, she said that the only lasting satisfaction can be provided by God and placing faith in Jesus Christ. In her four years at OU, Rachel has seen lives changed by God, including her own.
(Above, Rachel (center) with her discipleship family)
Her freshman year, Rachel went on her first mission trip with CRU to a campus partnership in France. To go, Rachel had to raise support but she didn’t understand why her parents couldn’t pay her way. After another short-term mission trip, this one to a campus partnership in South Asia, Rachel said she began to understand the heart behind support raising.
CRU calls the process ministry partner development and it is a way for others to give money and partner with staff and interns, like Rachel, to send them to campuses around the world. CRU is in 191 countries and 1,140 campuses. Their mission: win students to Christ, build them in their faith, and send them to the nations to tell others about Christ.
“God wants us to be cheerful givers,” Rachel said. “Through financial support they are part of our ministry.”
CRU does not have central funds to support their staff, so the staff must raise their support to stay on campus. Rachel began support raising in April. She has 9% of her monthly support and13% of one time. She needs $2,800 monthly and $5,600 in one time support to intern.
Visit CRU at OU for more information on how to get involved. Visit Rachel’s giving page if you would like to know how to become a partner in her ministry.
Photos courtesy of Rachel Ferchak