We recently had our Northeast Winter Retreat (2/17-19), Spring Boston Discipleship Retreat + Grad Retreat (3/17-18) AND International Retreat. What a wealth of retreats we’ve had so far! It’s tough to keep track, so here are some quick highlights of each!

Northeast Winter Retreat

Students from our Northeast schools gathered over Presidents’ Day Weekend at Harvey Cedars, New Jersey. This year’s theme was “Return” and we studied Luke 15, The Prodigal Son. Through messages, memorable illustrations, and thought-provoking questions, we were able to see God’s heart for us and the reminder that both the older and younger son were lost; that God’s love for us is extravagant, excessive, and reckless.

Boston Spring Discipleship Retreat

About a month later, we decided to make yet another weekend getaway to our New Hampshire House! We went through the entire book of Philippians in just three hours. It was an intense study, but it’s safe to say that it was a much needed time of refreshing and encouragement from God’s word. If you ever bump into anyone who went, ask them about Gospel Gators and how it relates to Paul in Philippians. We also got to play in the beautiful snow in New Hampshire: peep our snowman!

But wait, there’s more! At the same time, our Grad Group also went up to New Hampshire House and had their own little getaway where they studied 2 Timothy. What a full weekend! It’s times like these where we get to really appreciate all the God has given us as we take in His creation without the hustle and bustle of city life.

International Retreat

And finally, our International group flew to Chicago for their retreat, where they studied Joseph’s life. It’s a common experience for international students to seek significance and fulfillment through academic success and/or career achievement. Joseph was a true reminder of the fickle nature of those things and how we need to anchor our identities on the unchanging God and his sacrifice for us. It was a time where these students who usually would want to fill their time by studying or working were able to slow down and consider who God is to them.

We’re so thankful for opportunities to go to retreats. Though there may be hesitation, reluctance, or a strange tight feeling in your chest when you first sign up because of the time commitment, it’s undeniable that they are much needed times to wrestle with God and experience His word cutting through the noisiness of the world.