Students turned out in large numbers for the third annual Campus Ministries retreat. The event took place Sept.10-12. Patrick Sehl is currently the director of Campus Ministries. He reported there were 85 students in attendance, making the retreat the largest thus far.

“This retreat fulfilled all of my expectations and more,” said Sehl.

This year’s theme was “Your Identity in Christ.”  Students participated in events all weekend geared toward strengthening their faith. Freshman Katrina Jamis feels she benefited spiritually from the whole experience.

“It gave me a chance to grow in Christ and put the semester in perspective,” said Jamis.

This was the first year Sehl allowed a student to facilitate in the directing of the retreat. Junior David Evenden felt honored to be given such a responsibility. Evenden was able to take a hands-on approach to the entire process.

“I was really pumped up about how things went. I’ve attended the retreat for two years, but this is the first year I got to help organize it,” said Evenden.

There are ten points which will be covered in correlation with this year’s theme. Six of those points were discussed at the recent retreat. The other four will be introduced next semester.

“The neat thing is we are only finished with part A,” said Sehl. “Part B will take place this winter.”

Another advantage to attending the retreat was the opportunity participants received to build relationships with other students.

“This was a good chance to meet new people and get involved with a Christian organization,” Jamis said.

Sehl is excited about the bonds that were formed among the students. He feels the second part of the retreat this winter will prove to be just as successful.

“The community and friendships students built with each other in their down time is one of many reasons we will continue to see interest in the retreats,” Sehl said.