More than 100,000 believers stepped into this moment, hosting watch parties around the world that sparked meaningful conversations, deepened relationships, and had lasting Kingdom impact.
Victory Beyond the Cup
Victory Beyond the Cup is Cru’s initiative to unite and rally believers around the World Cup. Cru desired to mobilize 100,000 believers and 10,000 churches—providing free resources that equip them to open their homes, activate their churches, bring their communities together, and spark meaningful conversations. Having the world here was an amazing opportunity to unite people from all nations and share more about God’s love for all people through World Cup gatherings!
Joseph was helping to mobilize people and churches as a part of his role as the National Field Director. Doug and Amy live in Kansas City and recently were excited to host the World Cup with those around them in Kansas City to share more about the Lord. Amy is also on the national team with Joseph.
Doug and Amy spent 7 months planning and partnering with churches and ministries across Kansas City in preparation for the city hosting 4 World Cup teams and 6 matches! While it was impossible to track every prayer gathering, step of faith, and gospel conversation, we do know that God used the body of Christ in significant ways during the World Cup. As a local newspaper, Unite KC, said “The Summer Sports Event brings the world to Kansas City. We bring the Kingdom.”
Some highlights that Doug and Amy recently shared with Joseph were that they saw:
- 120 believers trained in Cru’s CoJourners training – to join others on their spiritual journey.
- They helped see 60 events hosted across the city during World Cup
- 17 people said yes to following Jesus!
Another Regional Director that Joseph has been working with is Tommy. Tommy is located in the Northeast region of the US. Tommy coaches church planters in evangelism, discipleship and spiritual multiplication. One church planter Tommy has been coaching is Pastor Steven.
Steven is a church planter in Burlington, VT and he recently shared how God has been at work in the midst of deep hardship. Steven’s journey to Vermont began with intense persecution in Uganda, where his faith and leadership led him to endure violent persecution including abduction, torture, and the loss of two fingers. God used this to bring him to a new mission field here in the United States in 2019.
Steven faced another unexpected trial this past February; he was detained and sent to local prison. While in custody, Steven met a father and son in the neighboring cell who were overwhelmed and weeping. God opened a door for Steven to share the hope of Christ with them, and both made the decision to place their trust in Jesus!
Meanwhile, outside the detention center, hundreds of people (believers and non-believers alike) began rallying around Steven. The crowds were made up of his neighbors, coworkers and friends whose lives had been touched by his radical love and faithful presence in the community. After two weeks, the judge concluded he had done nothing wrong and ordered his release!
As his story spread throughout the community and beyond, he consistently used every conversation and interview to point people to Christ. Three new Bible Studies have begun, bringing the total to six gospel-centered gatherings in one of the most spiritually resistant regions in our country!
Summer has ended and we are continuing to transition to new normals. Jessica is all moved back into college and working as a Resident Advisor caring for 38 new freshman girls! She thrives in this community, building relationships with freshman, discipling and showing God’s love to everyone she meets. Please pray for her as she is in her Senior year and applying for grad school next to continue to pursue her plans to become a child therapist.
Aleeya is now a Freshman in High School, and it is a whole new reality for Michelle to have completed 22 years of homeschooling and no longer teaching every day. Michelle is continuing to partner with EveryOne Free working as the case manager and serving over 150 women as they begin new lives after being trafficked – so the days are full!
Cru City Los Angeles 