How to Experience the Power of Community
“I met Jesus a few days before I came to the university,” says Richard Katembo, a student at the University of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the second-largest country in Africa. “In high school,” he explains, “I was living my life as I wanted, thinking I was a Christian. But I wasn’t. But before I came to university, God met me, and He transformed my life.”
Growing in Faith Through Community
During his first few weeks at school, Richard was looking for other Christians whom he could relate with and who could help him mature in his faith as he learned about Jesus. “God drew me to Cru at my university,” he recalls.
“It was really delightful when I met young people who really loved Jesus Christ and who were really committed to follow Jesus Christ,” he says. Not only were the students involved with Cru a positive influence on Richard, but he was impressed because of the way they lived out their faith even though they were surrounded by temptation and by classmates who didn’t follow Christ.
There were people who impacted his life by standing firm in their faith and acting as positive examples to him. The Cru community helped him take the next steps in his faith; one young person even went so far as to skip class and come meet with him to help him understand his new faith in Christ. “That showed me real love,” Richard says.
Learning to Lead Through Community
As he grew in his faith through Bible reading, prayer and Cru’s training tools, Richard began talking with peers about his faith using the Four Spiritual Laws booklet. “It’s helped me to grow and really experience the Christian life,” he says. Eventually, Richard began to train and encourage other young people using the tools that helped him.
When Richard became a student leader on campus, he continued to trust God as he meets with young Christians, encouraging them in their walks with Jesus. “It’s exciting to see how God is really fulfilling His plan for my life,” he says.
Next Steps:
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How can you grow in your faith and find community?
- Read more about “Why Community Is Important for Spiritual Growth.”
- Read about what true biblical community looks like.
- Find a Cru community near you.
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How can you help new Christians grow in their faith?
- Check out our “Help Others Grow” section for information on how to mentor or disciple others, lead a small group, and more.
- Want to become a spiritual mentor? Learn about how to start a discipleship relationship.
