Originally planned for the weekend of September 30th, the anticipation of the Ignite College Ministry’s Fall Retreat was at its highest when Hurricane Ian made landfall on Florida just days before — ultimately forcing it to be cancelled. The retreat was rescheduled for the weekend of December 9th and as we waited, it became all too easy at times for me to question God’s plan in all of this. But God's good purpose was quickly revealed as over 120 of us packed into our cars and headed towards this long-awaited weekend in Sarasota.
Pastor Ike Todd of New Creation Fellowship, opened the retreat teaching that the power of God’s presence brings renewal. This was the theme for this year's retreat, renewal. For many students, renewal came in the form of gathering and spending time with other believers. For some it came simply by getting a chance to rest at the end of a long and tiring semester. And still for others, the power of God’s word brought spiritual renewal they didn't realize they needed. It was on our second night, that Pastor Ike, read from Matthew 7 and challenged us with a question that pierced into the hearts of many. "It's all about Jesus. Will you place your faith in him or will you merely be fascinated by him?". It was these words that caused many students to re-evaluate their position with God. That some are in love not with Christ, but with the idea of him.
On Sunday morning, we celebrated as nineteen students were baptized, two of which gave their lives to Christ for the first time! We even got to hear one individuals’ grace story of "returning home" after a difficult season in their walk with God. Please pray that this experience would not merely bring us a weekend of renewal in His presence but a lifetime of it!
Written by Michael Lee
“Fall Retreat taught me that true growth in your life comes from growing in your intimacy with God. This weekend was a reminder that it is better to live a day in his courts than a thousand living in the world. We’ve got it made!”
“Before this trip I knew what I believed but was always scared to step into the fullness that is Christ. My fears definitely held me back in many ways and I only trusted Him with certain parts of my life. Throughout this weekend, I learned about the confidence that we have in the Lord and how present He is in our lives. That He is not only worthy to be praised but worthy to be trusted.”
“Renewal, the theme of Fall Retreat was evident throughout the weekend and obviously ordained by God. Multiple students surrendered their lives to Jesus for the first time, being born again, and many others declared their faith in Jesus through baptism. The response to the Spirit among our students was a blessing to witness and a encouragement that the Lord is still renewing souls!”
“This year was my last fall retreat but I wouldn’t have wanted to end it any other way. Being able to see friends I have walked alongside for years renew their walks with Christ and commit their lives fully to Him was so sweet to witness. It personally convicted me to step into callings the Lord has put on my life for quite some time. I’m so thankful for this ministry and how it serves our great God and pushes us to consistently pursue Him and the glory of His will for our lives.”
