We recently had our first guys retreat for the students here in Auckland. (In the past we’ve had a leader’s retreat for the guys, this year we opened it up to all). The retreat was three days, and a great opportunity to connect with those who have got involved more recently. Specifically we:

• Had four talks given. I spoke on “What it Means to be a Hero”, a study on the character of Daniel.
• Spent time getting to know others over meals (we ate plenty) and games.
• Challenged the guys to grow in their walk with the Lord, and build good community to support each other in doing so.

The retreat was a success, and looks like it’ll be something we’ll do again in the future.

Auckland Student Life’s Download is a weekend retreat held every year at the end of the first term, and it’s coming up this weekend! Download has two purposes:

1. To provide an opportunity for students to get to know each other better. Often students who have just got involved with Student Life have only met the students in their Action Group (bible study), and perhaps a few others. This gives them a chance to see a piece of the wider movement!
2. We get a chance to communicate the vision of Student Life to those who are thinking about being involved, or who have been hanging around the fringes somewhat. We’ll challenge them to be involved!

Please pray that the weekend goes well. Specifically, pray that we can get a good amount of students along, that they have fun, and feel both challenged and welcomed! Please pray for me as I prepare to give a talk about the vision of Student Life. Pray that I can challenge students effectively!