The Finding Home Again welcome event was a wonderful family celebration!

We hosted 46 Ukrainian families including over 30 kids at Hill Country Bible Church.  These families enjoyed yummy Ukrainian and Texas food as well as music from different artists in Ukrainian and English.  The information tables provided essential tools and advice and the kids enjoyed fun crafts and an entertaining science show.  Each family received a welcome box with practical items, Texas and Ukrainian treats, and valuable resources to help navigate this difficult transition, addressing emotional, relational, and spiritual needs.

The Finding Home Event received news coverage from the Austin Statesman as well as KVUE news station.  Here is the KVUE link.

Our Cru City Austin team continues to explore ways to bless the Ukrainian refugees settling in our city. Our volunteers indicated different ways they might be willing to serve, and we plan to match them with the needs indicated by the Ukrainian families who attended the event.

Our key partner in these events helping Ukrainian refugees is Texas4Ukraine, of which our Cru staff, Brad & Anya Hopp are a part.  Check out the Texas4Ukraine website to get a taste of what they are doing to encourage and resource sponsorsorship and help Ukrainian families navigate this difficult journey of transition to their new home.

We are grateful to our ministry partners who have supported these efforts through giving financially, donating tea kettles, or volunteering their time and talents to bless our Ukrainian neighbors.

 

 

While most simply ignore the problem, one dynamic organization is doing everything possible to mitigate the problem of homelessness. If you’re not familiar with Mobile Loaves & Fishes and their development Community First! Village you will be fascinated to “meet” them and hear about the hope and transformation they are providing to those experiencing homelessness.

We interview Matt Freeman, the spiritual director Community First! Village, a development of tiny homes and trailers providing housing, work, and community to its residents lifted out of chronic homelessness. Matt has a compelling personal story and highlights the work of this vital, transformational community.

Struggling to keep up with life?

Watch this 1-hour video for practical tips and tools on Overcoming Stress.

You will learn to:

  • recognize stress-inducing habits,
  • apply principles for greater productivity, and
  • change and improve your home and work routine

 

Meet the Presenter

David Wright, CEO, Dale Carnegie Training of Austin, Houston, San Antonio.

Dave’s formal studies are in Business Management, Coaching, and Adult Education. He received his MA in Adult Education and Workplace Learning from Texas State University. Dave is a dynamic speaker, leader, and entrepreneur.

At the age of 22, Dave was the youngest Dale Carnegie® Instructor ever certified. Over the past 30 years, Dave has been the Dale Carnegie® Sales Manager for Vancouver, Canada; Regional Manager for Oregon/SW Washington; and he is currently the President of Dale Carnegie Training of Austin/Houston, Texas.

Since arriving in Texas, Dave Wright has led the organization to unprecedented growth, and he achieved the “Founders Club” award from Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. for the fastest growing office in North America. He received ongoing international growth awards resulting in a tenfold revenue increase since 2008.

During his time with Dale Carnegie®, Dave has received ongoing international recognition as a premier trainer, including the prestigious “Global Trainer of the Year” award (out of 3500 Dale Carnegie trainers worldwide).

Dave has conducted over 5000 sessions throughout North America, and has been a featured speaker at the Dale Carnegie® International Convention five times.

Dave’s clients include a variety of industries and organizations, with programs delivered to both the employees and management of numerous companies, including: Dell, Texas A&M, Crane, Marathon, CITGO, VMWare, & Electronic Arts (EA).

Dave also sits as a board member for Independent Petroleum Association of America as they continue to expand their
commitment of education outreach.

Craig and Jen Ferguson
Craig and Jen Ferguson

Cru City Austin interviewed an Austin couple, Craig and Jen Ferguson who have weathered the breakdown of trust and intimacy in their marriage due to the use of pornography. The Fergusons told their story in a live interview format of how they found hope and healing through biblical counsel and understanding the root of addiction. They have encouraged others as they provided practical tips to developed healthy and fulfilling relationships, experienced forgiveness, and rediscovered oneness and intimacy in their marriage. They even wrote a book on the subject entitled, “Pure Eyes, Clean Heart: a Couple’s Journey to Freedom from Pornography.”

Every parent’s worst nightmare. At 4 years old, Owen Coulter was brought to Dell Children’s after complaining of a headache and his body turning cold. His heart stopped in the ER where he underwent 90 minutes of CPR. If he miraculously survived, what damage might he have sustained? His parents, Kristin and Darin Coulter were told, “He may not know who you are; he may not be able to eat or walk.” The crisis the Coulter’s faced that day and the weeks following would require tremendous courage. How did they do it? What helped them endure such a terrifying experience?