From March 14–18, 16 students from WELS campus ministries at South Dakota State University, University of Wisconsin (UW)–La Crosse, UW–Stevens Point, and UW–Stout spent their spring breaks serving in southern California through Mission Journeys. Their volunteering concluded with a retreat.

From Saturday to Wednesday, students split into three groups, serving alongside members at Reformation, San Diego; Beautiful Saviour, Carlsbad; and Ascension, Escondido.

The Ascension team served in a variety of hands-on ways. They collected food for a local drive, invited neighbors to Easter services, completed landscaping projects, and connected with the community by handing out free dog treats at a nearby park.

Amelia Koch, a junior at UW–La Crosse, spent her week serving at Ascension on her first spring break mission trip. “This trip reminded me of the importance of God and faith in my life,” she says. “I stepped out of my comfort zone, made amazing new Christian friends, and renewed my excitement to lead and be more present in my own church and campus ministry.”

Six UW–Stout students supported Beautiful Saviour’s ministry by volunteering in the school, distributing Easter invitations, and promoting a food drive. At Reformation, four UW–Stevens Point students served the congregation through hands-on service and community outreach.

“My favorite memories over spring break came from meeting so many awesome people at the congregation we were able to help,” says Nick Spott, a junior and student leader at UW–Stout. “I’ve also gotten to see how the Lord has blessed our campus ministry with so many gifted people and how he uses our unique gifts in different ways to further his gospel.”

Following their service opportunities, all three groups met in San Diego for a three-day retreat sponsored by WELS Campus Ministry. Centered on the theme “In the World, but Not of the World,” the retreat provided time for students to reflect, grow, and recharge spiritually as well as build new Christian friendships and have fun.

“My faith grew so much by being pushed to trust God in new situations,” says Malia Erickson, a freshman from UW–Stout. “Going on this trip strengthened so many of my friendships and gave me memories that I will forever be thankful for. This experience gave me confidence to step out of my comfort zone and grow into a stronger Christian leader.”