Spiritual Emphasis Retreat

Every Fall we have a Spiritual Emphasis Retreat at Pacific Islands University. Traditionally it was the weekend before Thanksgiving. However, this year we moved it to a Thursday and Friday in mid-October. It was the perfect time for a mid semester break and the students didn't mind not having to go to classes for 2 days.

We made many plans before the event occurred but had to quickly revise them due to rain and an impending tropical storm. So instead of going to Bayview Baptist Church we moved our games and lunch inside on campus. Finally after lunch things looked clear enough to move.
Subway and Spam and rice.... a little something for everybody.
Ceci and Jayleen are ready to have fun.
Melody Plaxton enjoyed getting to spend some quality time with Giftleen.
Gladness and Merlyn get ready for the games while Jonie and Sophie wait their turn.
It is a race to find the gummy candies in the flour.
Moving to our final destination.
Due to the weather most everything was moved into the sanctuary area.
Jake and Justin trying to see if their pictures fit together to form a story.
KeKe, Giftleen, her cousin, and Me. (That's her name.... It is not really me. )
Marisol and Amelia are having fun.
Ned catches up with Erik...
Everyone is hanging out as the students are doing other activities.
The speaker used a head of cabbage to illustrate all the layers that we have in our lives that cover up our heart....just like the cabbage. Too bad Bunny was not with us. She would have eaten that application up.
Everyone really listened well and learned a lot.
Because we believe every thing we do should be done for the glory of God and all things in life have a spiritual component. We all enjoyed our team's effort and win at the weekly basketball game.
Everyone was so excited and the cheering was deafening.
Charles on the foul line.... Nothin' but net.
A sun rise service to start the second day.
Bayviews beautiful ampitheather was the perfect place to have it except the sun rose from behind us.
Rob Watt led us in worship.
Merlyn along with others as they finished up their quiet time were helping to prepare breakfast.
The students also enjoyed Foose Ball and Ping Pong in the Bayview Center.
Erten has a huge smile. Wait no.... just a banana in his mouth.
Scrambled eggs! A Micronesian favorite.
Some people never like to get up..... Those are the students I relate most too. Unfortunately my job doesn't let me sleep too long.
Matt Augee gave the students many activities which demonstrated biblical principles. These activities really helped the students remember his different points. Many felt this was one of the best Spiritual Emphasis retreats that they experienced.
During free time Jayleen and Jaynee had fun with some spontaneous worship.
Of course it is important to thank your guests. Dan Fields shows his painting from a local artist.
In the end..... I think most people had a great time but were very tired.... Good thing we had the weekend to recover.