By Melody Levesque
University—a world full of new experiences, discoveries, and most importantly, community.
Well, at least for some. Finding a community that reflects your values on a university campus can be difficult as a young Seventh-day Adventist student. When the social activities offered by my faculty’s student association consist mainly of going to bars or partying, it’s easy to feel alone in the crowd.
Indeed, there are the famous orientation weeks for first-year students, advertised as fun-filled events with great opportunities to meet others. However, I quickly realized that my idea of fun wasn’t the same as everyone else’s and that once again, I was the outsider in the crowd. That’s when the question hit me: Where are the Adventist youth? Where are the young people of faith on university campuses?
When my youth leader shared the announcement for the spiritual retreat organized by MCP-ACF Ministry, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to meet other Adventist students who might share my reality. It was a golden opportunity for me, and I absolutely have no regrets.
Once I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the organizers and assigned to a room shared with other young people I had the pleasure of getting to know. Our small group of 31 people created a warm and intimate atmosphere. It was beautiful to see such a diverse group—students and young adults from various backgrounds—coming together and sharing one important thing in common: faith.
The program was captivating. The moment that impacted me most was the Saturday afternoon workshop, where we were shown how to engage in public campus ministry and make a difference on our respective campuses.
All in all, it was a blessed weekend filled with uplifting messages and joyful moments shared while playing games and getting to know one another. I came away changed and motivated to be part of this lesser-known ministry, one that can truly make a difference in the student community.
Here are a few testimonies from other young people who attended and participated in the retreat:
“I attended the ACF/MCP retreat and honestly really enjoyed the time we spent together. We are a loving family that wants to grow.”
William
“It was so enriching—both socially and spiritually. I met young people my age who share the same love I have for Jesus. We talked, played games, had fun, shared our spiritual experiences, exchanged ideas, and worshipped God together.
The sermons and messages spoke to me personally; it was exactly what I needed to hear. I feel like God is watching over my life, He knows what I’m going through, He knows my heart, and He speaks to me through His word. In short, I’m so grateful to have had this experience—and all thanks to God.”
Fanoitra
“As a student, the 2025 MCP-ACF spiritual retreat at Camp Sion gave me a true moment of pause and renewal. Between times of worship, deep conversations with other young believers living their faith on campus, and healthy meals shared in a warm and respectful atmosphere, I was able to fully recharge. This experience gave me strength and motivation to continue living out my faith daily on campus.”
Elizabeth
“The spiritual retreat was something I absolutely needed. It allowed me to meet young people of my age who share the same faith. I really appreciated the sermons from Pastors Akhil and Pedro, as well as the worship moments. I would definitely attend this activity again if I get the chance.”
Gloria
“The spiritual retreat ACF/MCP really inspired me to engage more in the ministry. I heard of this concept while studying at McGill and I really appreciated the Bible study and prayer sessions being hosted throughout the year. Now, I am willing to participate in more events on campus that can be hosted by ACF McGill. It offers a place for students to worship, meditate and express themselves. With the workshop that we had during the weekend, I am more equipped to help in building and promoting the ACF chapter at McGill with the resources from the Quebec Conference and in association with different universities in Quebec. I met extraordinary people with the same vision and zeal to serve God on campus. As Akehil Johnson, one of the inspiring presentators during the retreat said, we should aim more than simply success in our grades as we are “MISSIONARIES disguised as students!”.
Doris Larah
“This retreat was a deeply enriching spiritual experience for me. It helped me better understand what it means to be an ambassador for Christ on campus.
One sentence that especially stayed with me was, *‘Don’t be students disguised as missionaries, but missionaries who are also students.’”
Enrica
“This spiritual retreat was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had.
God’s presence, nature, and the friendships made were the key elements that made this experience truly special in my heart. I want to thank all the retreat organizers—amazing work, and thank you again!”
Naomie
” Throughout the weekend of June 27th, I had a wonderful time at the Youth Spiritual Retreat. The weekend was great and I had a lovely and spirit filled experience. Some of my highlights were: The sermons that were presented. They were very informative and so much wisdom was given and received.
I enjoyed participating in the praise team, singing and giving praises with everyone both as Francophones and Anglophones.
I enjoy the fellowship after Sabbath, where we went outside and created a bonfire, played games, sang songs danced together and had different conversations with each other.
Another highlight was a game called “Uno” that we played that saturday night and the conversations I had with other members from different churches about my faith.
I had fun going on a nature walk with my friends Symphony and Jaydana. We went on a trail, took pictures and videos and we so happen to even make TikTok‘s with our pastor; Pastor Bernard⛪️, which was very fun and interactive. We took group pictures outside by the cross. We received shirts, bags, notepads, and pens prior to our Sabbath Service on Friday night.
I enjoyed the workshop we did on Saturday where we had a presentation about building a ACF/MPC chapter on campuses. We brainstormed ideas on ways we can create these fellowship groups in colleges and universities.”
Tahira