by: Katelyn UngerOn September 22-24, a group of EBC students traveled to Sherkston Shores, Ontario. Leaving at approximately 6:00 pm, with twenty students and leaders Karen and Ron Cornies, we drove for a short jog of two hours. With three vehicles full of our luggage we finally arrived at our destination. Setting up tents in the dark with a lovely sprinkle of rain getting us muddy and wet, we managed to survive the duty of finding out which pole goes where. We set up a tarp over head for a reasonably sturdy roof. We then had worship in the dark with only flashlights, a candle and some amazing guitar playing.

Finally, going to bed at a somewhat respectable hour, we fell asleep to the patter of rain on our tents. After an interesting night of tents leaking, falling down, and a rodent trying to find protection, we set out for a church down the road called Grace Church, where our very own Jason Mills hails from. We then ate a scrumptious breakfast, and stayed in the church for the morning due to uncontrollable weather conditions, playing Mafia, and some “get to know you” games.

During the day we practiced a skit and a song we would be doing the following day at church. Dividing ourselves in small groups we drew pictures of God’s work in us, and our representation of Him. We told a bit of our lives and prayed over one another. This part of the day brought us closer together, and allowed the Lord to work in our hearts.

In the afternoon, the good Lord decided to let us and the sun out. Swimming in Lake Erie, playing some beach volleyball, walking on the beach, building sand turtles and marveling in God’s creation were the activities of the next few hours. Wave jumping and body surfing took its toll and left many of the students weary; however, a huge bar of chocolate revived them enough to play some volleyball. After a very close match, and some very bad acrobatics, everyone was ready for supper. We drove back to the church where a lovely meal awaited us. Working some more on our part in the church service took us till 8:00pm.

Arriving back at our campsite, we found some of our tents floating on a newly created lake. After debating what to do, we quickly moved some tents to higher ground. Once the rain stopped, and a fire started we sang some tunes, then slowly trickled off to bed. It was a night like no other, having two people sleep in the Jeep and the rest of us keeping the tents secured in the ground against the high winds. We awoke to the all too familiar sound of rain. After packing the tents and luggage we left to go to the Sunday morning service. It was a great service. We performed our drama and song, and Beth and Jim shared their testimonies. The pastor of the church did a short sermon and the musicians led a great worship time. After the service we split off into three different groups with the rest of the church’s community. I went to the Old Testament portion along with several others.

Once the service was done, we all went downstairs and had a potluck. Finally our goodbyes were said and we made our short trip back to Emmanuel with only one break and a short detour to an unknown destination.

Our adventurous journey had been amazing in its own way. It makes one look at our lives and see that our earthly possessions are nothing compared to the wonderful works of God. He showed us that all we need to do is believe in Him and He would help us through. I do find His sense of humor quite enjoyable and love His way of letting us find out about it.

I would like to thank all the people organized this retreat. Whether you worked behind the scenes or in front, it was an experience I am never going to forget. God showed us His awesome power and His gentle love. The meals were superb and the group times were incredible. Thank you on behalf of everyone that went. You got us there safely and let us have the time of our lives. God bless you all.

[See the Photo Gallery for pictures of this event.]