Adventist Christian Fellowship Hosts Spring Retreat
JEFFERSON, TEX. – The Arkansas-Louisiana Conference brought together about 40 students from various Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF) chapters—including Louisiana State University (LSU), Southern University, Nicholls State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Grambling State University—for a spring retreat over the Easter weekend. Students traveled to Jefferson Christian Academy (JCA), where they camped together. Including JCA students, total attendance exceeded 65.
The ACF chapters had gathered last year in Houston for FUSE 2.0, where each chapter participated in a Shark Tank-style event to receive funding for local initiatives. Naomi Green of LSU secured funding for what expanded from an ACF-LSU camping retreat into a Louisiana-wide chapter event.
Organizers faced challenges finding a campsite with lodging for a large group in April before connecting with Jefferson Christian Academy, which hosted the retreat.
Vice Principal Pila Telefoni and his wife, Litea, welcomed the group and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve. Litea Telefoni said, “It was a blessing to serve the ACF crew. God is coming soon, and we are to join forces in finishing His work.”
We appreciated JCA for their warm welcome and hospitality.
The retreat opened Friday evening with vespers at a nearby church, featuring music and a message from Winn Morris of the Baton Rouge Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Sabbath morning included breakfast followed by Sabbath School and the worship service in the school gym. Special music was provided by the JCA student choir and Amiyah Johnson of Louisiana State University, who sang “Flowers.”
Morris continued his message, focusing on being rooted in Christ and the importance of a committed relationship with Him.
Rain persisted throughout much of Sabbath, but activities continued. After lunch, some participants hiked despite the weather while others gathered indoors for board games.
The group reconvened for evening vespers, where pianist Austin Harris of Louisiana State University performed his original song, “Lord You Are.” Students from Nicholls State University representing Papua New Guinea also sang in their native language. The evening devotional, led by Alex Menson-Johnson of Louisiana State University, focused on sanctification.
The day concluded with a sports night in the gym.
Sunday morning began with breakfast followed by a final devotional in the cafeteria. Participants shared highlights from the weekend, reflecting on the music, fellowship and activities.
Green said, “The Rooted and Risen retreat was impactful, insightful and so much fun. The amount of joy from that weekend was infectious.”
By Fletcher Broussard
