On January 10-14, students returned to Camp Kulaqua Florida, for the 2024 prayer conference. This year 93 students from Collegedale Academy went to Prayer Conference, which is the most students to ever attend. Prayer Conference is a trip where students from different Adventist schools in the Southern Union come together to bond and strengthen their spiritual lives. For a lot of the students they go to grow closer to God and to know Him better through others.
The student leaders went a day earlier on Tuesday. Student leaders were students from each grade that were chosen to lead in the “family groups.” Family group time is when two student group leaders lead a group of peers in games and Bible studies. Family group times gave people an opportunity to make friends with other students from all different Adventist schools.
Students would start their daily sessions with short sermons by Pastor Bryan Stewart.
Pastor Stewart’s theme for the week was Deeply Rooted, as in being deeply rooted in Jesus. Students enjoyed how engaging Pastor Stewart’s sermons were, and how relatable he was. Later on they got some freetime where students got to go to the zoo, zip lining, go-karting, rock climbing, horseback riding, and playing sports. Lastly, they would end their days going to the chapel for a final worship.
On Friday night there was a special program in the gym for opening the Sabbath and communion. Lots of students learned what foot washing was and what the cracker/bread and grape juice really represent. Students sat with their family groups during the special service, as they communed together. During the altar call 12 students from CA went up to get baptized or have Bible studies. After communion, all the family groups went upstairs to do the towel tradition. As family groups settled in their stations they all talked about what they would like to have the towel to remind them of for the year ahead of them as a commitment. Each student got to keep their towel as a reminder to them of this special night and their commitment to Jesus. Afterwards, students called their parents to come all the way down to Florida to watch them get baptized on early Sabbath morning. 10 students from CA got baptized, and so many parents watched as their kids left their old lives for their new life with God.
Students went home touched with the Holy Spirit and with a feeling of newness. This experience was very powerful in all the students’ lives, and was much appreciated by everyone who attended. Thank you to all the teachers and parents who made this possible for all the students that were able to attend this life changing event.
Seniors Alex Coronado, Emily Moffit, and Ryan Williamson help lead out music.
Senior Chandler Coleman and Junior Jacob Petersen help lead out.
Garrett Arner prays with fellow classmates.
Students worship together through song.
Pastor Geoff Starr baptizes Senior Morgan Klasing.
Mr. Hodges baptizes Sophomore Ben Zepeda
