Meet one of the next generation of seed-planters and see God the gardener at work
Meet Jared Mills. He’s 24 and in his first year of teaching at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School in Perth. He studied Political Science, International Relations and History at UWA before completing a Masters of Secondary Teaching. He enjoys playing sports, following Chelsea Football Club in the English Premier League (soccer), leading Years 7-9 youth at his church, and hanging out with friends and his border collie, Eko.
Jared has been involved with CRU West over the last 10 years and counting — attending his school CRU Group as a student, as a camper and then leader on CRU Camps, and now also as a teacher helping run his school’s CRU Group.
We caught up with Jared to find out more about his history with CRU West, it’s impact on his faith journey and how he’s inspiring the next generation.
Camper
Jared grew up in Indonesia and Malaysia with his family before finishing high school in Perth. He attended some of the early CRU West camps in the holidays including Spring Leadership Camp (now called CrossTrain) in 2017 and 2018.
“CRU Camps helped me feel like I had a place where I belonged when I moved back from overseas. It helped me build friendships where Jesus was at the centre — super important for me as a Year 9-12 student looking for meaning and purpose. The leaders always made me feel valued and noticed, something I didn’t always feel at school at that time.”
Leader
At the end of high school, Jared started leading on CRU West Camps, firstly as an Assistant Leader on CRU Quest and CRU West Study Camp, and subsequently on many, many CRU Camps as a fully qualified leader.
“I lead on CRU Camps because I’m convinced Jesus is worth living for. Spending a week encouraging and teaching kids about Jesus and that He’s worth entrusting their lives to sounds like a pretty good use of time (and they’re fun)! I hope to replicate the experience I had as a camper, with great leaders as role models, to the campers under my care now.”
Leading on CRU Camps has also helped Jared to hone a range of skills which he has been able to use in other areas of life.
“CRU helps me develop practical skills which I use as a youth group leader at church or in my work as a teacher — writing a Bible study, writing and delivering talks, public speaking, working with high-school aged youth, and running games. It also helps shape the way I approach everyday conversations and encourages me to live openly and intentionally for Jesus wherever God places me.”
Teacher
In Years 10 to 12, Jared attended his lunchtime CRU Group at school and found it very encouraging, especially as a new student in a new place.
Along with his experiences on CRU West Camps, Jared recognises the role CRU West played in him becoming a teacher. “I think CRU subtly pushed me in that direction! I had a constant stream of great role models on camp, many of whom happened to be teachers. CRU was one of those things that slowly led me to become a teacher.”
Now, Jared helps run the CRU Group at Peter Moyes, alongside the School Chaplain and some other teachers.
“CRU Groups at school provide an opportunity to reach more kids with the gospel. Here, the Holy Spirit is helping kids grow in their knowledge of God, their love for Him, and their desire to follow Him. You can also continue discussions from Religious Education classes or answer questions they have.
“I see CRU Groups as a catalyst to encourage students to get involved in holiday camps or their local church or talk to their non-believing family or friends about Jesus.”
Reflections on Growth
Jared is reminded of 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” He is encouraged to see kids being reached who haven’t heard about Jesus yet and thankful for the role he plays in sharing the gospel with them. “CRU West provides safe spaces, away from distractions, where kids can hear God’s Word, ask questions and find out about Jesus for the first time. What a great opportunity to plant Gospel seeds which God can grow.”