Recently OU students were given the opportunity to escape.
A group of students held the faith based event, Escape in the Ottawa University Chapel on Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. and February 27 at 9 a.m. and lasted all day long Saturday.
The student leaders of Escape were Emily McAfoos, Linda Poe, Sandra Ingram, Caj Kueffer, Brian Hutton and Chase Schneider.
This year was the first year Escape was put on, but the leaders of the event hope it can happen every year from now on.
“This was the first year for it, but we would like to make it an annual event,” said Chase Schneider, junior.
The idea came from the OU annual event, Braving Discipleship.
“The high school and junior high camp went so well that we wanted to do it for the college students too,” Sophomore Caj Kueffer said.
The event was intended for OU students, as well as any of their college friends.
Escape was a weekend devoted to college students to grow in their understanding of
Christ through worship, a speaker, music and socializing with peers about numerous issues.
“I like that it was a time to get away from everyday things like homework and focus on our relationships with God,” Junior Rachel Zamaitis said.
There was a live band that led the students in worship songs.
The band and music they played was well received by students.
“I really enjoyed it, and I think those attending did as well,” said Schneider. “The band was great and brought a lot of energy which made me excited to be there.”
They watched a video series lead by speaker and pastor Louie Giglio.
The students had small group sessions led by Ottawa University alumni. They discussed the videos as well as issues dealing with their lives.
The students also gave back to the Ottawa community by doing community service at Hope House and First Baptist Church.
“I really enjoyed the community service,” Junior Brian Hutton said. “I think students needed a weekend to just get away. Just put everything on the backburner and focus on their relationship with God. It was a good way to escape.”