We have been married for six years and have had a great adventure along the way. Everyday we see God working in our lives, within our ministry relationships and with each other, bringing us close together and to Him.

While students at Northern Illinois University, we lived in the same building, only two floors away from each other. We became friends quickly, and after a couple months, began a dating relationship. As a result of what God was doing in our lives, we were married on May 31, 2003 and joined the staff of Campus Crusade the summer of 2004. We saw how God was using Campus Crusade for Christ to reach not only college students but also people all over the world. Our desire is to be available and ready to be used by God wherever He may lead, doing what He’s asking us to do.

To read more about our current ministries, visit our Ministry Page.
You can also download a PDF Brochure about us and our minsitry.

About :: Ryan

I spent my childhood growing up in Elmhurst Illinois. I accepted Christ into my life at the early age of seven. I do not think I gave it a second thought until I got to high school.

I still had problems in my life and never really let God take control of it entirely. I had parts of my life I wanted to grab and not let go. Not having too many friends in high school, I dove into learning all that I could about my love for design and being creative with a computer.

I always enjoyed graphic design. God used my studies at Northern Illinois University and several of the internships I had in the field to tell me something. That I was suppose to use my creative skills to effect Christ’s kingdom.

My vision and goal is to use my graphic design skills to develop creative solutions that staff members in our region can use to effectively share the gospel and minister in every aspect of their ministry.

Striving to contextualize the message of Jesus Christ in a relevant way through a language students understand. Weather using Print, Video, or the Internet, my desire is to increase awareness through engaging the senses.

To see some of my work, take a look at my Portfolio.
drop me an email: ryan.strandt@uscm.org

About :: Rachel

Ever since I was seven years old, I knew that the only reason why I would ever go to heaven was that Jesus died for me. However, I did not know how to have a relationship with Him, or even that it was possible.

Once I prayed to receive Christ, I began to make changes in my life, my priorities, and my relationships. As I matured in my faith, my desire to help other students walk with the Lord grew. Although I was not interested in going on staff with Campus Crusade, I submitted to the fact that if God wanted Ryan and me to go into ministry, He would change my heart.

After Ryan and I got married, I started working weekend night shifts at a hospital not too far from DeKalb. This allowed me to get involved with Campus Crusade during the week. I led a Bible Study and discipled a few girls throughout the year.

The opportunity to get involved with other students’ lives was life altering. I saw the impact that I had on these girls’ lives and I was just amazed. I was able to give back what I had received as a freshman.

By springtime, I felt that the Lord had truly changed my heart and was calling me to join staff with Campus Crusade for Christ.

I would love to hear from you: rachel.strandt@uscm.org