This Is Our Story: A Spiritual Retreat Experience

Story by Elisa Maragoto, Superintendent of Schools

Earlier this year, 120 high school students from the New Jersey Conference gathered at Tranquility Camp in Andover for a transformative spiritual retreat centered on the theme, “This Is Our Story.” The retreat intertwined the overarching narrative of the “great controversy” within the students’ individual journeys. Guest speaker Michelle Odinma, a pastor in the Greater New York Conference, gave them an opportunity to connect and reflect.

The retreat featured engaging group activities, breakout sessions and social time. A key highlight was the Friday night agape feast and communion, intended for the students to further deepen their experience through worship and fellowship.

During Sabbath School, led by Webster Sterling, Lake Nelson Adventist Academy chaplain and Academy church pastor, the students broke into small groups, shared, discussed and reflected on the question, “Is being an Adventist Christian worth it?” Students further connected while reflecting and strengthening their foundation on their own spiritual journey.

Organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to the New Jersey Conference administration for their unwavering support in making this meaningful experience possible. As students return to their daily lives, the hope is that they internalize their experience and the messages they heard and continue to place Jesus at the center of their individual stories.