September 26, 2003

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We, the directional team of Christians United (CU), are writing this letter, asking your support of the tremendous movement towards Christian cooperation in unity here on the campus of the University of Michigan.

In particular, we're asking that you join the UMCU email list today, to stay up-to-date with the latest Christians United efforts.

As you may already know, Christians United has sponsored a joint worship service at the Power Center for the last 3 years. The first one in 2001 was historic in many ways, not the least of which is that we haven't seen 1,200+ students gather for a joint worship on campus for a long time.

We have also collaborated in regular small group prayer among students and leaders, an outreach in Spring '03 featuring Ravi Zacharias and William Lane Craig, the ongoing Good Friday Rallies on the Diag, leadership potlucks, "Scott Week", and other joint events.

God is moving powerfully as He is placing an enormous burden for unity amongst the campus ministries. There is a sense of a greater openness to work together to reach our campus for the Lord.

We realize fully that we cannot stand by ourselves but we need each other. The need is so great that no one church or ministry can do it alone. Just look at the stats - it is estimated that we have around 2,000 Christians (a generous estimation) involved in Christian ministries in a university boasting 37,000-38,000 students. We have our work cut out for us as a Christian community.

Due to the fact that each has his own ministry, it is harder to keep something like CU going for more than a year. In the past, the turnover rate has been so great that many things often fall through the cracks. It is in this year that a directional team was formed and now we have a clear mission and a vision.

We at Christians United desire "to be a catalyst uniting Christian groups to transform the university by lifting up the name of Jesus."

Some of the guiding principles are (it is in the acronym of TRUST):

1) Teamwork

2) Relationship

3) United Voice

4) Supportive Community

5) Transformation.

The formation of the vision and values statements have helped us to stay on track. Also, the renewed interest to work together to make a bigger splash in the spiritual realm has propelled us to make a difference.

We are inviting you to pray about joining us in this work of unity here on campus. We have been asking campus groups to support in whatever way they can - some financially, some through publication, and others through people resources and spiritual gifts. We believe that many more groups and people catch onto the vision of uniting Christians together and reaching the campus for Christ in our generation.

We appreciate your partnership in the gospel. Please continue to pray for the University of Michigan. The eyes of the nations are upon us, and we pray that they will see and hear the glory of God being manifested in a powerful way.

Again, this directional team particularly invites you today to join the UMCU email list. This email list is a forum for discussing ideas and coordinating efforts for the purpose outlined in the email above. Being on the email list will help ensure that you can stay current with the efforts already in motion, and be linked with other groups to help new efforts take shape.

In Christ,

Christians United Directional Team:

Tom Elenbaas, University Reformed Church

Jonathan Fellows, former student, Chi Alpha participant, & member A2 Assemblies of God

Seth Sung Kim, Harvest Mission Community Church

Brian LaLonde, University Christian Outreach

Kevin Richardson, Christian Challenge