Retreats
Middle & High School
Purpose
There is something special about taking 2-3 days to focus on God, His Word, and responding to Him in worship. We have had the privilege of seeing God use these focused times to ignite a passion for Jesus in students. It is amazing how we can change by simply seeing God displayed in His Word and responding in worship and prayer with close friends.
"Retreats allowed for me to have a unique, intimate and genuine space to come to the end of myself without the fear of judgement, and allow God to minister to me in ways that ordinary life does not allow for."
Matthew (Class of 2019)
Details
Retreats are optional but highly encouraged for all secondary students. Ascent Christian traditionally offers 2-3 retreats a year for 7th-12th grade. These retreats take place at local Christian camps such as Camp Elim.
All in together
For everyone who has given to our campaign, I’d like to show you what your money has bought. I could show you a beautiful building with tall ceilings. I could show you a state of the art chemistry lab or big windows.
But, I think that I’d rather show you something else: This is Davey. As a 9th grader, Davey was winsome and powerful. He was gifted at sports and able to win an entire crowd when he wanted to. He was also particularly good at getting into trouble when he wanted to. In fact, maybe that was Davey’s superpower, he was good at doing what he wanted to do.
The staff at Ascent encouraged Davey. They prayed for him behind closed doors, but it was clear, Davey wanted what he wanted, and he didn't want Jesus.
It was time for the fall retreat at Ponderosa. Jake and Kacie Busby were preparing for the retreat when Jake asked, “Kacie, who is one student that you want to fall in love with Jesus at this retreat?” Kacie answered and posed the question back at Jake. Jake responded without missing a beat, “Davey.”
Later that night, the students listened to a sermon and were invited into a time of extended worship. As Jake looked around the room, he was taken aback. Davey was emphatically worshipping. His hands raised high, his voice loud, his heart moved. As the night progressed, Davey moved around the room engaging with his peers. His voice carried a new strength as he prayed with power and conviction.
In one night, our community watched as Davey was completely transformed. The next few years brought some highs and some lows as Davey worked out his faith with the Lord. Today, Davey’s in college and he still comes back to help lead our adventure trips. More importantly, today, Davey is still doing what he wants, but now, he wants Jesus.
Stories like Davey’s happen on our campus. No - not every day, or even every other - yet, when they do, it is a reminder that our mission is worthy. It is worthy because God is worthy.
When you gave to our campaign, you did not buy us a window; you bought us an opportunity to introduce another student to the Lord.
So, today we sit at $1,455,203. We are in mile 26 of this race with .2 left to go. If you’ve already given, we hope that you don’t feel pressured beyond what the Lord has called you to. If anything, we hope that you are encouraged that you have given to a worthy cause.
And, if you feel moved to help us finish this race, click below. As you click, pray with us for more stories like Davey’s. Pray with us for our worthy mission to be realized in the lives of the students in this building and in the next.
