DAVIS—On the weekend of April 10-12, nearly 700 people attended the annual Falls Creek Spring Retreat. This event brings together collegiate and young adult groups from church and campus-based ministries across the state for a weekend of worship and fellowship.

Each year, the Spring Retreat hosts speakers from across the country. This year’s featured speakers were Ryan Santling, pastor of Eastside Baptist Church, Fort Smith, Ark.; Tom Elliff, former president of the International Mission Board; and Trey Hedrick, Baptist Collegiate Ministry director at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Praise was led by Common Worship.

These main sessions and smaller breakout sessions allowed students to recharge their spiritual battery while enjoying all Falls Creek has to offer on the campgrounds. Other activities included a trivia night, silent disco, tournaments for volleyball, 3-on-3 basketball, and soccer. Spring Retreat attendees also had the opportunity to be the first to experience Falls Creek’s new Adventure Park ropes course elements.

Falls Creek Spring Retreat provides focused, intentional discipleship partnered with solid biblical teaching in a casual and fun environment. The event continues a longstanding tradition of equipping young adults to grow in their faith as they prepare to be sent out.

“This retreat offered a great opportunity to challenge students as they scatter for the summer across the United States and around the world,” said Chad Coleman, State Director for Oklahoma Baptist Collegiate Ministries. “Whether serving on mission trips, working summer jobs, or returning home, students were encouraged to see themselves as sent to share the gospel wherever they go.”

This year featured a commissioning service on Saturday night. After Elliff brought an excellent message from Matt. 9:35-38, Coleman told the story of Andrew Fuller vowing to “hold the rope” for William Carey when he moved to India and kicked off the modern missions movement.

Each student and leader received a piece of rope as a reminder to hold the rope for those who are going with prayer and support. Coleman then called everyone who would be doing missions to stand. Representatives from each mission team came forward, and the group collectively prayed over them. It was a powerful visual as hundreds stood and were sent out by their peers.