Listen Here
By Libby Sapp, SappL@Findlay.edu
As spring approaches, students involved in Campus Ministry at the University of Findlay are gearing up for an enriching experience during the spring break retreat, scheduled for March. This year’s retreat will foster community and spiritual growth through service and shared learning, with participants scattered across several states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Indiana.
Paige Walters, a sophomore and first-time retreat attendee, is particularly excited about her upcoming journey.
“I’m from Indiana and I’d love to go to Maryland for a new place to serve, but I’m pretty excited about wherever I get placed,” Walters said.
With a fee of $25 to participate, Walters sees this retreat as a calling to serve.
“As Christians, I believe we are all called to serve in one way or another,” Walters said. “I felt the tug on my heart to go.”
The retreat focuses on spiritual growth through community service. Participants engage in various activities designed to deepen their faith and commitment to service.
“We will be reading a book as a group and having devotional time, “Walters said. “Our main goal is to serve in the environment we’re in.”
Lola Thompson, a senior and four-time retreat attendee, shares this sentiment.
“A big focus of the spring break retreat is all about service,” Thompson said. “Sacrificing a week to get to know different people, especially, is a transformative experience.”
This year’s retreat includes reading the book Severe Mercy, which Thompson describes as a powerful resource that challenges participants to confront obstacles in their relationship with Jesus.
Thompson also highlighted the significance of applying lessons learned during the retreat to everyday life.
“When you find yourself in situations where you must work and interact with one another, it fosters a sense of community,” Thompson said. “For example, last year, we spent hours spreading wood chips — it’s not glamorous work, but doing it together makes it special.”
Pastor Matt Ginter, who oversees the campus ministry and will lead the retreat, hopes to encourage students to leave their comfort zones.
“Spring break is often viewed as a time for self-care, but we want to marry that with self-sacrifice,” Pastor Ginter said. “We believe that even students unfamiliar with faith-based retreats can benefit immensely from this experience.”
The retreat is designed to accommodate various students, with no strict limit on attendance.
“We typically aim for a work camp of about six people, but we always welcome more,” Pastor Ginter said. “Closer to spring break, we often get last-minute participants who may not have other plans.”
For those who wish to stay connected with the retreat experience, the campus ministry plans to share insights through social media and campus events.
“We will publish pictures and videos during the trip and discuss our experiences at Revive (weekly campus worship), encouraging more students to join in future retreats,” Thompson said.
