You Should Go to Fall Rally Next Year!
As we get further into the school year it seems everyone’s life is becoming a little more filled with stress. Whether it’s completing assignments or trying to study for upcoming tests, I think we can all agree it is hard not to get caught up in school work. However, this past weekend we were able to get away from the pressure of everyday life for 24 hours to grow connections with others across three college campuses and study the life of Peter in the Bible.
Fall Rally may have only lasted from Friday night to Saturday night, but so much happened! We had fun hanging out with one another through class and school competitions against Indiana University and Purdue, canoeing, exploring the camp, and even archery. This time allowed for getting to know new people and expanding current relationships. In our walk with God it is important to remain connected and build these friendships. People are made for connection, and it wasn’t only through the fun activities that we were able to see this.
We were also able to engage in deep conversations while hearing from the Bible. As we went through the life of Peter we learned about both his faith and doubt. We saw his incredible faith when he dropped everything to follow Jesus or when he trusted Jesus and stepped out onto the water. We also got to see his fear and doubt when he questioned the crucifixion, sank into the water, and denied knowing Jesus. Through this we got to hear the story of a man that kept being called back to Jesus even though he failed several times. This is relatable to us as there may be points in our lives where we are filled with doubt or may not understand, but God invites us to follow Him. We can also see that He is always there and will never turn us away for messing up. Peter was not a perfect person, yet Jesus kept calling Peter to follow Him despite all his mistakes. We may try to even avoid our imperfections or sins, but God knows who we truly are and still loves us. Because of this love it is important for us to remain obedient to God, trust in Him, and allow Him control over our lives. We were posed questions like who are you letting call the shots of your life, and are you putting God at the center?
During the Fall Rally I learned that I needed to make more of an effort to put God at the center of my whole life and not just make Him one part of it. It is hard not to become distracted by the different parts of my life; such as, school or relationships, but in order to be obedient to God I must put Him at the center and allow Him control over all aspects of my life. Instead of just thinking about God during church or Bible study, I need to glorify Him at all times. I need to remain obedient to Him and live out my faith by following Him not just when it's comfortable, but also when it requires me to step outside of the boat like Peter.
Here are several student testimonials of their Fall Rally experience:
Joyce: “Coming into Fall Rally, I wanted to find more motivation to read the Bible, and I found that through Peter’s story. I was really moved by it, because in a way, he reflected me and my sins. Even though he wasn’t perfect, and he denied Jesus three times, Jesus knew, yet still chose him and entrusted him to spread the Word. Sometimes, I would wonder whether I’m good enough to pursue God because of my sins, and feel discouraged. However, Peter’s story reminds me of how God chooses anyone to follow him, and I feel called to do just that by first pursuing his Word!”
Karla: “Going into it I was so excited to go kayaking and the different amount of activities we were going to do. But after reading into Peter's story, there were a couple verses that stood out to me. Specifically, Luke 5:1-11. These verses show Peter's willingness to do as Jesus says and it shows how being a Christian means obedience. Especially when we don’t want to do what God tells us. When our life is a pie that contains slices of different areas of our life (money, career, etc.), the question asked is “will God be just a slice or your Lord and Savior?” This really helped me see that I need to be prioritizing him in all areas of my life, not just certain areas. I came out with a refreshed perspective and wanted to really prioritize my relationship with God more.”
Sophia: “I was a little hesitant to go to fall rally because I wasn’t ready to give up my weekend, but the retreat ended up being really good! Through our sessions we had the chance to look at Peter’s life, and I was reminded of God’s faithful character through the highs and lows of our lives. God already knows that we will inevitably turn away from Him at some point in our walk but instead of shaming us or holding a grudge, He waits for us to return with open arms and a mission for us. When we turn away from God, the most important thing is to turn back to Him— not avoid Him— and take steps of obedience to turn away from our mistakes and follow Him.”
At the end of camp, we got to write down a commitment. If you attended the Fall Rally, I encourage you not to forget about this commitment or push it to the back of your mind. I challenge you to follow through and make this effort to be obedient to God. And even if you did not attend you can make a commitment today on how you will grow closer to God.
