True community is rarely built on a single event. Instead, it is constructed through a series of intentional moments—some profound and theological, others simple and lighthearted. The past week served as a vivid illustration of this balance, as our Sakanaga students transitioned back into the rhythms of shared life, academic rigor, and spiritual depth.
From the quiet sanctity of a renovated chapel to the high-energy competition of the athletic field, the experience was a testament to what it means for these students to live “All In” for Christ and for one another.
A Sanctuary for Formation
The heart of the week’s gathering took place within the freshly renovated Sakanaga Chapel. There is something uniquely grounding about a community returning to a space dedicated to the Lord, especially one that has been renewed for a new generation. It provided the perfect backdrop for a week with guest speaker Mitch Jaeger, who led students through an in-depth exploration of Spiritual Formation.
Mitch, known for his keen intellect and engaging storytelling, guided our Sakanaga students through the history of Christian spiritual disciplines. He framed these practices not as rigid rules, but as “means of grace”—the practical tools the Lord uses to sanctify believers in their discipleship to Jesus.
The teaching was rigorous, requiring students to “flip all over their Bibles” to see the scriptural foundations of their faith. By the end of the sessions, three clear pillars emerged for their collective journey:
- Read the Word: Engaging the text with consistency.
- Meditate on the Word: Allowing Truth to take root in the soul.
- Pray the Word: Turning divine revelation into personal dialogue.
The Liturgy of Brotherly Love
While the formal teaching shaped minds, the informal moments shaped hearts. In a beautiful display of the “family of God” dynamic, the men of the program orchestrated a surprise for their sisters in Christ. Following a trip to Clarkston, and inspired by a tradition passed down from student leaders, the guys organized an early Valentine’s Day breakfast.
It was an exercise in “running around” and secret planning, but the goal was simple: to show genuine appreciation and love. This gesture underscored a core value for our students—that spiritual formation is not just an individual pursuit, but something expressed through acts of service and kindness.
Life in Motion: Sports and Spirit
As the weather turned refreshing after “Winter Break Part 2,” students took full advantage of the outdoors. The launch of the spring pickleball league, brought a new wave of excitement to campus, while the Fitness Community hour saw everyone give their maximum effort in games of ultimate frisbee. Whether on the court or the field, the energy reflected the joy found in a community that plays as hard as it prays.
This spirit of unity carried directly into worship. The community was honored to welcome back two former students who returned to lead Worship Community. Seeing alumni share their musical talents and lead the current cohort in praising the Lord was a powerful reminder of the lasting bond formed here.
A Lasting Impression
As we look back on the past week, the “normalcy” of campus life proved to be a profound gift. It was a week defined by the integration of the sacred and the ordinary. We invite parents and friends to engage with their students and ask them about their personal takeaways; the stories they tell will likely be a mix of deep theological shifts and the simple joy of a surprise breakfast or a well-played game.
We remain grateful for the guest speakers, the student leaders, and the quiet moments in Sakanaga Chapel that continue to form these students into the likeness of Christ.