The “Way” at Shocco Springs
This past weekend, our students had the opportunity to get away together for our youth retreat at Shocco Springs. Our theme for the weekend was, “The Way,” drawn from John 14:6, where Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” As we spent time in worship, Scripture, and small groups, we talked about what it means to truly follow Jesus and how many things in our lives can knock us off the path and pull our attention away from Him.
In a world full of competing voices, pressures, and constant distractions, it can be difficult for students to stay focused on what matters most.This is one of the reasons we take time each year to get away together. By stepping away from some of those normal routines and distractions, our students have an opportunity to grow closer to God and learn how to spend time with Him. The retreat is also about growing closer to one another. We were made to live in community, and weekends like this help our students build Christian relationships with others who are walking the same path.
One of my favorite parts of the weekend was watching our students grow closer together. As the weekend went on, students who might normally be a little quieter began opening up and interacting with the rest of the group. Whether we were hanging out, eating together, or doing challenging activities, they encouraged one another, laughed together, and stepped outside of their comfort zones.
That is something we want to continue long after we leave Shocco. When our students face challenges at school or in their everyday lives, we want them to have Christian friends they can turn to. Friends who share their faith, encourage them, and walk alongside them as they follow Jesus. The retreat may only last a weekend, but our hope is that what began and grew at the retreat continues. As our students return to their normal routines, our prayer is that they will keep their eyes on Jesus, keep trusting Him, and keep following Him, together.