College is a melting pot of cultures and beliefs, offering students a wide array of new ideas. One organization is hoping to bring students together.
The University of Memphis’ Campus Outreach Organization aims to engage with students about Christianity by hosting their 2nd annual retreat. The All In ‘901’ Retreat will take place Oct. 24 through Oct. 26 at Service over Self at 2505 Poplar Ave.
“Refuel and investigate” are the premises of the weekend long retreat. Along with the understanding of Christ and where you stand as a believer, the Christian withdraw will include group activities, meals, lodging, worship rallies, a concert and breakout sessions on topics relevant to college students.
William Ross is a U of M student who attends retreats regularly. “Its not all Jesus, Jesus in your face it more relational. We [retreaters] can hang out and see what's going on,” Ross said.
The retreat is reaching out to U of M students but all college students are welcome to attend.
“We have students from University of North Texas that come, Middle Tennessee State, and Arkansas State … But students from Southwest [Community College] and Lemoyne Owen should all come,” Ross said.
This weekend Christian Mingle presents many social games and icebreakers but some view it as a life changing experience.
Jordan Owens, a U of M sophomore, explained her first year at the retreat as transformative. She said on the last night of the retreat one of the speakers was going down a list of ‘The five characteristics of a Christian,’ at the time she met none of the criteria. She said she felt embarrassed.
“I started crying my eyes out and after that I started making some changes,” Owens said.
Ross, one of the leaders of the retreat, views this gathering as a time to reflect and review on yourself as a person of Christ.
“Many people may think they're Christians because they go to church or live in the Bible Belt, but don't have a relationship with Christ,” Ross said.
According to the official 901 Retreat website activities such as dodge ball, basketball, a 901 Blowout Party, and even speed dating will be just some of the things to do while coming closer to Christ.
Owens recommends that all students come to this event. She sees it as a tool to grow closer with her religion.
“If they're serious about getting right with God [they should come]... A lot of college campuses don’t have this type of stuff. I feel like this is a really good thing to push you forward to Christ. It’s not monotonous where you're just reading a bible, its interactive … You may even find a ‘bae’ in speed dating. ” Owens said.
The cost of the retreat is $25, the cost even remains the same if you bring a friend. Parking is available at the retreat location for the entire time. After “refueling” on the Christian endeavor the Memphis Campus Outreach ask for attendees to keep the facilities clean and maintaining the integrity of the grounds.
