410 Forum — News
CRU Student Leader Gives His All To UNC Students
By Trent Gillespie
At six in the morning the weight room is empty,
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Pat Deal, student leader for Campus Crusade for Christ, competes in a UNC strongman competition. Deal won the event. Photo by Trent Gillespie. |
the benches are cold and Patrick Deal is about to start his day, 45 pounds at a time. Five days a week you’ll find him in the gym grunting, grumbling and strengthening his muscles. One repetition at a time he defies the weight of raw iron. His muscles soak up every last gram of protein in his body.
While many of us try to shed calories, Deal can’t consume enough. Five meals throughout the day are just enough to keep him at a constant 192 pounds. Deal isn’t a college athlete or a professional body builder. He is a student leader for Campus Crusade for Christ at UNC.
“This body isn’t mine. It’s a temple of the Holy Spirit’s. That’s why I eat right and lift weights,” Deal said. The Holy Spirit isn’t the only one who he serves.
Deal has been involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, also known as CRU, for over two years now. During these two years, he has become an example of how students can make a difference on campus. CRU’s weekly meetings, community outreach events and mission trips would overload anyone’s day planner, but for Deal, they serve as an opportunity to reach out and teach.
His desire to teach and to share his passions with others expands beyond CRU. During a freebording trip with him I experienced these qualities first hand. More concerned with my wellbeing than his own, he spent two hours shouting words of encouragement as I ate pavement.
There was no monetary reward or prize to be gained from our time together, just his overall love for helping others. The same goes for his involvement with CRU. Deal likes helping students get acquainted with religious groups on campus. So much that he volunteers hours of his time every week.
“Work in which money or a promotion isn’t the primary objective often requires a very dedicated individual,” said the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zeller, a professor at Sangre de Cristo Seminary and School for Biblical Studies in Westcliffe, Colo.
That’s not to say his work for the organization comes at no reward. His dedication and commitment is valued.
“We love the work Pat does for CRU, and I know the students appreciate him even more than we do,” said Leah Zevenbergen, Campus Crusade for Christ technology coordinator at UNC.
On campus, the organization attracts 120 students during its weekly meetings. Nationally, the organization spans 1,029 campuses and reaches over 12 million students, according to the Campus Crusade for Christ Web site. It’s people like Deal who help make 12 million a possibility. It’s people like Deal who make CRU successful at UNC.
With his day planner chock-full of places to be and things to do, does Deal ever stop?
“There are days he doesn’t get home till 9 p.m. and he still asks me if I want to go play racquetball or freebord,” said Johnny Steven, a senior at UNC.
Friend or reporter, Deal is ready to go. However, you might have a hard time finding him. Whether it’s in the gym, classes, at CRU or doing homework he’s always willing to help someone in need.
Pat Deal's Day
• Lifting weights: 10 percent
• School: 30
• Homework: 20
• Leadership: 15
• Fun: 15
• Friends and CRU students: 10
More Information
Name: Patrick Dea.
Born: Dec. 7, 1986
Major: Sport and Exercise Science
Expected graduation: Summer 2009
