Before departing for the historic streets of Italy, our Pleasant View students immersed themselves in a massive undertaking: tracing the global history of the Church from the 1st century A.D. to the present day. This season of preparation was defined by academic rigor, cultural discovery, and the strengthening of community bonds.
A Journey Through Time and Tradition
The cornerstone of this study was “Global History of the Church Presentation Week.” Students worked tirelessly to prepare 18-minute presentations covering the robust history of Christianity. By looking through the lenses of government, theology, and architecture, they discovered the vast array of creeds and councils that shaped the modern world. While the sheer volume of information was enough to “overload the brain,” it served as a humbling reminder of how much there is to discover about the world’s largest religion.
To ground this academic work, the students participated in experiential learning trips, visiting traditions that provided a beautiful contrast to their own familiar worship styles.
At St. Joseph Catholic Church, they explored a space filled with Renaissance-style artwork covering the walls and ceilings. At Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, the community attended a liturgical service, experiencing the reverence of lyrical liturgies chanted by priests and deacons. Father Paul shared the stories behind the Byzantine-style iconography and the impressive two-dimensional art that adorned the walls beneath the church’s massive dome.
The final visit was to St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church. For many students, this was a first introduction to the Egyptian Coptic tradition. Father Moses shared his deep passion for Coptic history, offering a window into a branch of the Church that remains both ancient and vibrant.
Community, “Side Quests,” and Surprises
Between the hours of research, the Pleasant View community found time for rest and celebration. The men and leaders orchestrated a surprise “Galentines” dinner for the ladies, serving a traditional Italian meal—effectively “bringing Rome to campus” before the actual flights took off. It provided a much-needed “brain break” and a moment of genuine appreciation within the cohort.
The week also included “side quests” and fitness highlights, such as a pool night featuring relay races and volleyball. In their Discipleship Groups (D-Groups), students went deep into biblical word studies—exploring the definitions of sin, evil, and holy. These sessions fueled profound conversations and group prayer, anchoring their historical studies in personal spiritual growth.
The Foundation for Italy
As the presentations concluded, the energy shifted toward the horizon. Students received their final instructions, room assignments, and travel groups. The community also had the joy of welcoming some additional OneLife staff members, who joined the cohort for the journey abroad.
The successful completion of these presentations—marked by high marks and insightful feedback—served as the final “green light” for the trip. The celebratory mood led to final supply runs and shared bowls of ice cream, marking the end of their stateside preparations.
As Pleasant View students now walk the historic sites of Rome, they do so with more than just excitement; they carry a newfound appreciation for the global, complex, and beautiful history of the Church. Their time in the classroom and their visits to local cathedrals have prepared them to see the “Eternal City” not just as tourists, but as students of a living history.