The Macbeth family’s deep roots in CRU and the ministry that continues to inspire.
My dad was part of Crusaders in the thirties and he was deeply shaped by it. In some ways, it feels like a part of our family inheritance,” shares Rev. James Macbeth, Assistant Minister at Naremburn-Cammeray Anglican Church.
James’ wife, Michelle, also has a long history with CRU. Back in 1997, she joined the CRU Educational Camps team as a Summit Trainee (then called the Ian Holt Memorial Fellowship), a two-year training program for young people to lead school camps.
Their two eldest children, Angus (19) and Darcy (18), are now part of the same program, while their youngest, Robbie (16), is still in school.
It’s clear that camps and ministry have become prominent in their family story. You could say they are following in the footsteps of a family legacy.
“It feels like a part of our family inheritance.”
Michelle became a Christian in 1993 and first heard about Summit through friends. “I was nannying at the time, and a friend mentioned there was a need for leaders. I thought, what a great way to spend time—sharing the gospel with kids.”
She recalls those early days fondly, though they weren’t easy. “There were only seven of us. Sometimes we’d run three camps in one week! It was a steep learning curve. Occasionally, we’d even sleep in tents on the oval when cabins were full, and the kids were so excited they’d be up at five in the morning.”
Her kids laugh - some things haven’t changed.
Michelle continues, “I was grateful for Gary Hill’s leadership too. When you were tired and on your third camp for the week, it was nice to have someone like Gary around. He is clearly a man who trusts in the Lord.”
“What a great way to spend time - sharing the gospel with kids.”
James remembers his first CRU Camp, a canoeing camp at Colo when he was around 9 or 10. He grew up in a Christian home, but it wasn’t until a minibike camp at age 13 that his faith really took root. “CRU Camps were really important for my beginnings with the Lord.”
Now, as parents, James and Michelle are grateful to see their children growing through similar experiences. “We’re watching them learn to share the gospel, work in a team, and serving even when they’re tired. Those are lessons in ministry which will help them, whatever they do in the future. We’re really thankful for that.”
The Summit Program has grown since Michelle’s time, with over 20 young adults joining each year.
Angus, their eldest, joined last year. “I wanted to see what full-time ministry looked like in a camp setting. I love teaching kids about Jesus effectively and having fun on camps while doing it. What I’m doing here is all for Jesus and it’s the best thing ever.”
He shares a highlight, “Praying with kids who are taking their first steps of faith in Jesus is really exciting. You get to walk alongside them and encourage them as they make big life decisions—it’s a privilege.”
Looking ahead, Angus says, “I love guiding younger ones, teaching them new skills and helping them grow in faith. I’m passionate about ministry, though I’m not sure what that might look like yet.”
Darcy, too, found Summit to be a natural next step after school. “I saw how much Angus was growing through it and saw it as a hands-on, practical way to share the gospel with kids.”
She adds, “The best part about school camps is just doing life with the kids—laughing with them, enjoying fun activities with them, having real conversations and experiencing camp with them. It’s such a joy.”
Robbie, currently in Year 11, hasn’t made any firm decisions about life after school yet. “Summit is definitely a possibility. From what I’ve seen it looks like fun and a good use of time—spreading the gospel.”
James reflects, “Back in the nineties, it was hard to imagine what our kids’ experiences would be like now. But we did pray for it. We prayed for growth, not just survival. And that’s exactly what happened. We’re very thankful to God. It’s so encouraging to see our kids as part of something bigger, reaching more kids than we could ever imagine.”
For more information about the Summit Program, visit summitprogram.com.au