As we near the end of another month, I'm delighted to continue with the rhythm of letting you hear some other voices from the ACSD community in this space. Last week was the high school retreat at Camp Calvary, and I thought it might be neat for you to hear a little about that experience. So I reached out to our two student council presidents, Dan and Kendra, to ask if they'd be willing to answer a few questions about the retreat. They were happy to share, and below you will find both the questions I asked them along with their responses. I hope these words can provide some insight and encouragement for you. May we continue to be faithful in praying for our high school students, that they would "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and forever! Amen." (2 Peter 3:18).
1. What did you learn at the retreat?
Dan: Through the two days on the senior/high school retreat, I learned that if we want to become connected with God we need to seek him out and put our trust in His plan.
Kendra: During the first two sessions, I learned that if we want to follow and know God, we have to mean it. I also learned that for our relationships to thrive and work, all individuals should both give effort, time, and love to it. It shouldn't be one-sided.
2. What are you thankful for from the retreat?
Dan: I am thankful for the speakers who came out, and all the teachers and staff members who put their time and effort in to make the retreat possible.
Kendra: I am very thankful for being able to spend time with my friends from both campuses. I am also very thankful that I got to spend time with my class.
3. Are there any ways you can think of that you saw God at work during the retreat?
Dan: I saw God at work through the lessons, reflection times, and worship.
Kendra: I specifically saw God at work when I was running my station for our third session. The station I was working at was to write a letter to God, where you would ask Him questions, get things off your chest, be reflective, or anything else you’d want to write. After, we would collect the letters or let them keep them, and during the bonfire, the students would throw their letter in the fire as a symbol of letting go and putting it in God’s hands. I saw many students taking this seriously, sitting in silence, and many students writing so much that they reached the end of the back of the paper. I could tell after that many students were still reflecting.
4. If people wanted to pray for our high school students, what would you ask them to pray for?
Dan: I would ask them to pray for God to give us wisdom and guidance as we do our best for the rest of the school year we have ahead of us.
Kendra: They can pray for wisdom and guidance during school and in our school work. They can also pray for the courage to help and be kind to others, and that we become an example of Christ-like living. Also, that God would help those who have things weighing heavy on their hearts.
5. Anything else you'd like to add?
Kendra: I would encourage everyone to go to the retreats because it is an amazing, exciting, and insightful experience.
Thanks for taking the time to read this blog and pray for Alliance Christian School District! Lord willing, I plan to publish a new blog post weekly on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Feel free to subscribe (at the bottom of this page) if you'd like to be notified each time a new blog post has been published. We also have a prayer team that is always open for new pray-ers to join. If you'd like to learn more, email me at cwarner@alliancechristian.org.
~ Carrie Warner, ACSD Prayer Team Coordinator
Soli Deo Gloria
To God alone be the glory
What a great idea to interview Dan and Kendra! Love it!