College students opened up October with their bi-annual Rest & Relaxation (R&R)

weekend retreat at Monterey Bay Academy. Dr. Phodidas Ndamyumugabe, our newest
Theology professor, shared his testimony of how God miraculously preserved his life
during the Rwandan genocide of 1994, leaving students riveted. During the worships,
students alike were able to share their personal testimonies, setting the tone for the
weekend.

The weekend was seasoned with various activities such as a cook off challenge,
sandcastle crusades, and the much-anticipated Weimic, featuring many of the students’
original music and poetry. Students returned to campus having grown closer to each
other and realizing afresh the faithfulness of God.

Written by: Hannah Cassagneres

Over the weekend, Dr. Phodidas Ndamyumugabe shared his moving testimony of how
he survived the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)

Students listen to Dr. Phodidas share his testimony. (Photo: Joletta Redd)

Dr. Phodidas’ children listen intently as their father shares his testimony. (Photo: Joletta
Redd)

Renan shares his testimony with students (Photo: Joletta Redd)

Students singing during worship. (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)

Students assemble outside to play darebase (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez).

A student enjoying a game (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)

Students waiting to play darebase on the field. (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)

Students on the beach are separated into their majors and go to work building sand
castles during the “Sand Castle Crusade.” (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)

Students and Staff alike enjoy beach activities. (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez).

The “Sand Castle Crusade” continues (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)

Judges take a bite of student sandwiches. L to R: Pastor Donn Mackintosh, Erwin

Nanasi, Dorling Cullinane and Nicole Ramos. (Photo: Joletta Redd)

Students wait in anticipation for the judges remarks. (Photo: Joletta Redd)

Judges give their final verdict to student sandwhiches L to R: Pastor Don Mackintosh,
Erwin Nanasi, Dorling Cullinane and Nicole Ramos. (Photo: Joletta Redd)

Gabriel shares his testimony on Saturday afternoon in front of students. (Photo: Rodolfo
Ramirez)

A Student shares an original song during Weimic. (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)

Students share musical pieces and poetry during Weimic. (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)

A student shares a song during Weimic (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)

Dr. Phodidas Ndamyumugabe shares the last part of his testimony on Sunday. (Photo:
Rodolfo Ramirez)

Song service (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)

Students listening to the speaker testimonies. (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)

Song service (Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez)