Twenty Indiana University (IUS) Christian Student Fellowship (CSF) students spent their fall break attending the Fall Retreat at Mt. St. Francis on October 17-18, 2022. The overall CSF theme of 2022-23 is “GO” based on Acts 1:8. The retreat was entitled “GO WITH THE GOSPEL” with an overall theme of evangelism.
Campus Ministers Chris and Shelia Gustafson instructed the students during the training sessions which included topics such as why we go, the theology of going, how we pack our suitcase to go, where we go, and who do we go to. Students learned how to share their testimonies, which was a highlight for many. They also spent time in groups praying for individuals to whom they need to go and share the gospel.
During the evening, there was a panel of adults who shared how they share the gospel in unique ways. Pastor Patrick Lynch and former State WMU Director Linda Clark shared their personal stories with the students alongside the Gustafsons.
One of the most exciting parts of the retreat was that a non-Christian student attended the retreat. She was very curious and asked lots of questions of the students throughout the retreat. Sharing their faith with this seeker allowed the students to put into action the very things they were learning on the retreat.
Alongside the training sessions, the students enjoyed mealtimes, as enjoying a hike in the woods and a bonfire in the evening allowing for friendship development.
Now that students have returned to campus and are more aware and equipped to share the gospel, many of them are finding opportunities to build relationships to lead other IUS students to Christ.