Twelve Columbia Adventist Academy (CAA) students set out for coastal Manzanita, Ore., on Feb. 20 for a spiritual retreat to plan and prepare for the spring student week of prayer.
During the weekend students chose the week of prayer theme and daily topics. The chosen speakers began writing their individual speeches. The students also enjoyed spending time at the beach, getting to know each other better and playing in the waves.
The group stayed with their sponsors in an open and roomy two-story house overlooking the beach. Prayer was a priority before discussions and brainstorming began.
"When we were brainstorming at the retreat, it was really cool how everybody really felt like the same things were important. We weren’t really divided," April Rogers, a CAA senior, explained. "God was there, helping us know what was important to talk about."
Nick Will, a CAA sophomore, said, "The retreat was an awesome experience. It really helped me get back in touch with God."
None of the students will ever forget this experience. It gave them all a chance to appreciate each other more, as well as an opportunity to get to know God better. All of them gave excellent speeches during week of prayer, and they have had a positive effect on the entire student body.
CAA student week of prayer speakers and their sponsors, from left: (front) Tom Wilson, Kielo Aaltonen, April Rogers, Nick Will; (middle) Nickele Prahl, Danielle Bickford, Natalie Gladden, Jessy Spreadborough, Amista Kinney, Crystal Turner; (back) Verna Ames, Kody Hendrickson, Reggie Benson, and David and Ginny Allen.
April Rogers, Kielo Aaltonen, Amista Kinney and Danielle Bickford relaxed on the beach after hours of planning and study.
