In the life of a disciple, preparation is never wasted time. Last week, the Three Springs campus was a hub of intentional activity as our students prepared for one of the most physically demanding weeks of the year: Trek. While they are currently out in the wilderness putting their skills to the test, the week leading up to their departure was a powerful lesson in what it means to be a faithful steward of both physical and spiritual resources.
Technical Stewardship: The Mechanics of the Trail
The transition from a classroom setting to the rugged outdoors requires more than just enthusiasm; it requires precision. The students spent their time immersed in the logistics of the backcountry, turning the “Meeting Barn” into a staging area. They mastered the nuances of outdoor stoves and the ethics of “Leave No Trace” principles, ensuring they leave the wilderness exactly as they found it.
Logistics are often where leadership and teamwork are truly tested. Students worked in food group teams to plan and budget every meal they would carry. This involved equal parts math and collaboration, ensuring their groups would be fueled for the miles ahead without exceeding their resources. To cap off the technical training, “FitCo” led the students on a 4-mile preparatory hike with full packs. Seeing them march through the spring sunshine was a testament to their readiness—moving from students of the trail to capable inhabitants of the wilderness.
Spiritual Stewardship: Preparing for the Transition
While the mornings were dedicated to gear, the afternoons were dedicated to the “long game.” We were privileged to have Dr. Dave Hockman join the community to lead a series of sessions on the looming transition out of the program.
With only a few weeks left in the semester, the focus has shifted toward the “launch.” Dr. Hockman challenged the students to think critically about how they will maintain the growth they’ve experienced here once they return to their home environments. The conversations centered on three key pillars:
- The Local Church: Moving from a curated student community to the vital, multi-generational life of a local congregation.
- Habit Continuation: Moving from program-mandated rhythms to personal, self-led disciplines regarding time, technology, and prayer.
- Mentorship: Utilizing 1-on-1 sessions to talk through career paths, college transitions, and identifying the mentors who will help them stay the course.
The Bridge to the Backcountry
Last week’s preparation was a vital bridge in the OneLife journey. The students learned that being a servant leader means being prepared—whether that’s knowing how to use an ATC device on a climbing wall or knowing how to discern a healthy church community.
As the students navigate the wilderness this week, we are reminded that the Lord is the one who truly molds and shapes them. The “slowly warming temperatures” and sunny days they enjoyed during prep were a gift, but the true growth often happens in the challenge of the hike. They are currently putting their training into practice, imaging Christ’s character one mile at a time.
We wait with high expectations to hear the stories they bring back from the trail, and even higher expectations for how they will carry these lessons into the world when they eventually depart from this community in a few weeks. Until then, we continue to pray for their safety, their endurance, and their hearts.