This past weekend the Religion department set out on the road to Alton Bay, NH for their second annual retreat September 27 through 29. This event was organized by Julene Tegerstand to prepare students for mission. Students had the opportunity to get acquainted with their professors, form relationships with other students, and connect with God. The retreat was a great time for faculty and students to share stories, laughs, and experiences.
Students and faculty spent a beautiful, sunny weekend in New Hampshire searching for a revival among the department. Students were able to enjoy meals and conversations with professors like Tegerstrand, John Nielson, and Phil LaFountain. Everyone joined together to hear from the student panel, consisting of Rebecca Hayner, Richie Gardenhire, Julia Cuthbert, and TJ Vonderchek. They answered questions like, “what would you tell your freshman self?” The students were also able to anonymously ask the professors burning questions like, “can we bring popcorn to class when we watch videos?” “Julene, why do you assign so much homework? Is there a purpose for it?”
Students were able to form closer relationships with peers and mentors in the Religion department, whether that was strengthening their current friendship or starting from scratch. Students engaged in deep, late-night conversations, worship sessions, and games in the youth center.
God was on the move in New Hampshire that weekend. He heard the countless prayers, the worshipping and praising of His name. God moved in the hearts of many; He showed up, spoke to us, and gave us the strength to get through the weekend and the semester ahead.