Students’ Mountain Retreat a Spiritual Refresher

For the first time since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic, students in Christian Life Community (CLC) were able to participate in the Encounter Retreat. About 25 students headed to Crestline, CA to spend time in community and deepen their faith.

Victoria Zobrist, the campus minister who oversees CLC, said that students processed what it was like to transition back to campus and social communities after virtual learning throughout the pandemic. “It was a perfect opportunity to re-encounter God in nature and with each other, and pray,” said Zobrist. “They were vulnerable and it helped students to reset in their spirituality so they can better integrate their faith practices into daily life.” 

Bradley Becker, a sophomore, said his faith was ignited from the experience. “I'm taking away from this retreat many things especially how to decompress more effectively and reflect more clearly on my life and relationship with God, it granted me great perspective and it was a lot of fun,” said Becker. Becker had attended one other retreat when he was sophomore in high school.

Junior Katie Inkrott, one of the student leaders on the retreat, said she enjoyed the connections she made with people. “I was able to be vulnerable with people I barely knew, and it has really enhanced my relationships with people I ordinarily wouldn't have been close with,” said Inkrott. “We also shared struggles with each other, and in turn, help others shoulder their own burdens,” said Inkrott. “Encounter emphasized us walking together through our lives, and this really reflects the university's mission to make ourselves people for others.”