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Thoughts on Fall Retreat: 2019
October 31, 2019
A couple of weeks ago 185 San Diego college students packed up and headed out to Idyllwild Pines Camp in Idyllwild, California for the Fall Retreat.
(And yes, I am spelling that correctly. I'm as surprised as you are!)The 2019 Cru San Diego Fall Retreat was just what these students needed to break from their daily school and work routines to get some R&R, fresh air, time with friends, and, most importantly, to draw closer to God. Here are some highlights.
Setting Up
Setting Up
We knew we only had a few days, so we wanted to make sure it was perfect. The team spent hours setting up to create a space for worship. We even had a prayer wall!
Worship Time
Worship Time
The worship was amazing. We had a great band join us for the weekend to lead us in music.
Twinning
Twinning
Fake Twins
Fake Twins
You know you're on the right team when you roll up in the same hoodie. This is Jeff, one of the Cru staff I'll be working with. He and his wife, Jessie, drove me to the retreat. They're really awesome and I'm excited to be on such an amazing team.
Real Twins
Real Twins
Meet my new friends!
Daniel and Gustavo are international students from Brazil studying in San Diego for a short time.
They spent this weekend thinking about who God is and how they can be in a closer relationship with Him. They had some great questions concerning loving other people as well.
Please pray for Daniel and Gustavo to grow in their walk with Jesus and in how they relate to others.
A Lesson In Love
A Lesson In Love
Jimmy McGee was our Fall Retreat speaker. Jimmy is the Founder and President of the Impact Movement.
Our speaker, Jimmy McGee, led us all into contemplating Jesus' love and our reaction to it. He led us through Luke 7:36-48 where the "sinful woman" was wiping Jesus' feet with her tears and Jesus forgave her of her sins.
Jimmy reminded us of something these students need to hear, especially as college can be a lonely, isolating time: Jesus knows you and He loves you.
Jesus knows all of the good, all of the bad, the best, the worst, the embarrassing, the shameful, the wins and the losses; and He loves you. There is nothing you can hide from Jesus, so why try to hide from Him?
But knowing that isn't enough, Jimmy tells us. Jesus wants us to know how He loves us so we can act. As John 13:34 tells us.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
John 13:34
(NIV)Challenge
Challenge
&
&
Encouragement
Encouragement
Jimmy challenged and encouraged these students by asking:
How is this love displayed on your campus?
Where is your loved displayed? Do we only practice this in Christian circles or do we extend that Jesus-type love everywhere?
None of what we do matters if we don't love one another the way Jesus loves us.
PRAYer
PRAYer
Praise God for this weekend away with these students.
Praise God for everything going smoothly.
Praise God for the great conversations that were had.
Pray for Daniel and Gustavo to grow in their walk with Jesus and in how they relate to others.
Pray for this lesson and the others taught during this weekend away to sink deep into the hearts and minds of these students.
Pray that they will dwell on this and for it to lead to grow in their relationship with Jesus and to love others well.
Pray for a dramatic, positive change for the Kingdom throughout San Diego.
Sam Davis has focused on international student ministry since 2010 and is on staff with Cru and Bridges International in San Diego, CA. His passion for leading others into a close relationship with Jesus is shown in his general love for people and focus on discipleship.
Sam and his wife, Gloria, love to travel, meet people, eat great food, and hike.
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