From March 14 to March 18, 2026, 16 college students from WELS Campus Ministries at South Dakota State University (SDSU), University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and University of Wisconsin-Stout spent their spring breaks serving in Southern California through Mission Journeys. Their week of volunteering concluded with a Campus Ministry retreat.
From Saturday to Wednesday, students split into three Mission Journeys groups. They served alongside WELS congregations like Reformation in San Diego, Beautiful Saviour in Carlsbad, and Ascension in Escondido.
Mission Journeys team at Ascension in Escondido, Calif.
For many students, this trip was both a step of faith and a chance to grow in community. For Amelia Koch, a junior at UW-La Crosse, this was her first spring break mission trip, and she spent her week serving at Ascension. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “This trip reminded me of the importance of God and faith in my life. I stepped out of my comfort zone, made amazing new Christian friends, and renewed my excitement to lead and be more present in my own church and campus ministry.”
The Ascension team—made up of six students from UW-La Crosse, SDSU, and UW-Stout—served in a variety of hands-on ways. They collected food for a local drive, invited neighbors to Easter services, completed landscaping projects, and even connected with the community by handing out free dog treats at a nearby park.
Beautiful Saviour group in Carlsbad, Calif.
For others, the trip was an opportunity to return and lead. Nick Spott, a junior and student leader at UW-Stout, participated in his second spring break mission trip, this time serving with the group at Beautiful Saviour in Carlsbad. He reflected, “My favorite memories over spring break came from meeting so many awesome people at the congregation we were able to help. I’ve also gotten to see how the Lord has blessed our campus ministry with so many gifted people and how he uses our unique gifts in different ways to further his gospel.”
Six UW-Stout students supported the Beautiful Saviour’s ministry by volunteering in the school, distributing Easter invitations, and promoting a local food drive. At Reformation, four UW-Stevens Point students partnered in similar efforts, supporting the congregation through hands-on service and community outreach.
All three Mission Journeys groups reunited midweek in San Diego for the WELS Campus Ministry retreat, “Called, Not Conformed.” Centered on the theme “In the World, but Not of the World,” the three-day retreat provided time for students to reflect, grow, and recharge spiritually. Keynote speaker, Bill Monday, pastor at St. Peter, Freedom, Wis., led two sessions while local pastors shared devotionals that encouraged students to live out their faith boldly in their everyday lives.
The retreat gave students opportunities to deepen their faith, build new Christian friendships, have fun, and explore Old Town San Diego—even going on a scavenger hunt!
Malia Erickson, a freshman from UW-Stout, reflected on how the trip shaped her faith: “My faith grew so much by being pushed to trust God in new situations. Going on this trip strengthened so many of my friendships and gave me memories that I will forever be thankful for. This experience gave me confidence to step out of my comfort zone and grow into a stronger Christian leader.”
The retreat concluded on Friday as students began their journeys home—grateful for a week filled with service, growth, and God’s blessings. We thank God for the many people who supported this trip through prayers, encouragement, and service, making this impactful experience possible.
Written by Megan Juckett, campus ministry student at UW-Stout
View additional photos from the WELS Campus Ministry retreat.
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