Light of the World Retreat
for Christ-following college students
May 29-June 2, 2024
Be Real: How authentic relationships make an eternal impact.
The idea of sharing our faith can bring feelings of fear, doubt, even dread. Sometimes we barely know the person. Other times it feels risky to bring religion into a conversation. Maybe we will be rejected. Maybe we’ll say something wrong. Maybe we’ll sound judgmental. Maybe we’ll lose the relationship completely. If God tells us to share our faith, why does it feel so scary, or risky, or even stupid?
In our keynote sessions, “Be Real: How authentic relationships can make an eternal impact,” Aaron Wakeman will lead us in a discussion about how we can talk about our faith in an authentic, relational, and natural way. Aaron will walk us through three deceptively simple but profoundly impactful steps to guide our relationships, share our faith, and build eternal friendships. We’ll spend time in break-out discussions and activities and have lots of opportunities to connect with each other during the process. You’ll leave encouraged, equipped, and ready to go.
Cost of registration is $150
Includes all meals, materials, and accommodations.
Meet this year’s speaker
Aaron Wakeman
In 2004, Aaron Wakeman and his wife Cora graduated from college, got married, and moved to Wuhan, China to be missionaries. They had no idea what they were getting themselves into.
This experience kick-started a career in non-profit ministry and missions. Aaron earned a master’s degree in Non-Profit Management from Hamline University, and has worked with a variety of ministries over the years, including Camp Phillip and Camp Croix. In 2018, Aaron moved into his current role as the Executive Director of Friends Network, a mission organization based out of St Paul, MN that has trained, sent, and supported more than 340 lay missionaries in Asia over the past twenty years. Aaron has been privileged to lead evangelism seminars and workshops for churches, colleges, and schools around the country.
Aaron and Cora live in White Bear Lake, MN with their three kids, Will (16), Andy (14), and Anna (12), and their little dog Nugget. They are members at Christ Lutheran Church in Hugo, and they love mango sticky rice with all their heart.
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Wednesday (Arrival Day)
7-9 pm - Arrival, dinner as you arrive.
9 pm - Devotion & Weekend Overview
10 pm - Bonfire / Meet & GreetThursday (Full Day #1)
8 am - Morning Solitude Time
8:30 am - Breakfast
9:15 am - Devotion
9:30 am - Keynote Session
11:15 am - Solo Reflection + Down Time
12:15 pm - Lunch
1 pm - Keynote Session
2:45 pm - Beach Time + Activity
5:15 pm - Shower / Clean up
5:45 pm - Dinner
6:45 pm - Small Groups
7:45 pm - Free Time
9 pm - Late Night Snack
9:30 pm - Bonfire/Worship/Devotion
10:30 pm - Night GamesFriday (Full Day #2)
8 am - Morning Solitude Time
8:30 am - Breakfast
9:15 am - Devotion
9:30 am - Keynote Session
11:15 am - Solo Reflection + Down Time
12:15 pm - Lunch
1 pm - Keynote Session
2:45 pm - Beach Time + Activity
5:15 pm - Shower / Clean up
5:45 pm - Dinner
6:45 pm - Small Groups
7:45 pm - Free Time
9 pm - Late Night Snack
9:30 pm - Bonfire/Worship/Devotion
10:30 pm - Night GamesSaturday (Full Day #3)
8 am - Morning Solitude Time
8:30 am - Breakfast
9:15 am - Devotion
9:30 am - Keynote Session
11:15 am - Solo Reflection + Down Time
12:15 pm - Lunch
1 pm - Q&A with Pastor Ben
2:45 pm - Beach Time + Activity
5:15 pm - Shower / Clean up
5:45 pm - Dinner
6:45 pm - Small Groups
7:45 pm - Free Time
9 pm - Late Night Snack
9:30 pm - Bonfire/Worship/Devotion
10:30 pm - Free Time / Last Night SocializationSunday (Departure Day)
9 am - Breakfast
9:45 am - Sunday Worship
11:15 am - Ending Presentation / Thank you's / Group Prayer
11:45 am - Clean-up / Departure / Socialize -
Supported by WELS churches, surrounded by 160 acres of forest, and boasting 2,100 feet of lakeshore along Lake Rooney, Camp Croix hosts four weeks of youth Bible camp, plus family camp, retreats, conferences, and other events throughout the year.
Sleeping accommodations include the lodge and four-bunk cabins. There are also camp sites for tent camping with water and electric service at each site. Plan to bring your own bedding.
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