From October 9 -11, we had our Fall Retreat! Close to 200 students and staff from NYC and NJ gathered to seek Jesus’ face and wrestle through the theme of “community.” Our main speaker challenged us from the word to stay in community even if it’s messy. Students also engaged in breakout seminars on ethnicity, the Bible, prayer, homosexuality, the Holy Spirit, pop culture and more.

Jenn had the privilege of organizing and hosting the seminar on racial reconciliation (pictured), which I too participated in on a diverse staff panel. It was beautiful to see students captured by God’s vision for diversity, especially in a time when racial tensions have been reignited. The panel highlighted that diverse community is God’s idea, and this is something we should work towards, even if it takes time.

Students loved their time away with the Lord. Here’s what some of ours shared:

Tara from Hudson County Community College said, “When I first became a Christian about a year ago, it was all I thought about, I talked to God all day long and truly put Him first, but lately not so much… This weekend reminded me that I need to put God first in my life and really make Him my first priority time wise, without hesitation.”

Yessenia from New Jersey City University shared, “What I loved about the weekend was being away from the city to seek God with other believers. The workshop on pray was helpful too! It amazes me that how God just wants to hear from us.”

Isaac from NJCU also said, “Through interacting with people, particularly Cru staff, my faith has been challenged. It feels so good to know that there are people out there that love Jesus and are fighting the same fight of faith I am fighting.”

Finally, Jeffrey (left) from Montclair State University shared, “What I absolutely loved about the weekend was the constant community I had all three days. This weekend just reassured me I have been redeemed, justified by faith and am identified as a Saint. Knowing these things encourage me to move and to share Christ and my life with others.”

Our retreats and conferences are a powerful time away with the Lord, where we get to cast big vision for God’s plan in students’ lives. Pray that all our students would be ignited to love Christ and reach their schools! Thank you!

More photos from the retreat: