One Spirit, One Purpose

The 9th-grade class took part in one of ICSB’s most meaningful traditions: the Freshman Challenge. Held at a Christian retreat center near Visegrád, Hungary, this annual retreat is more than a getaway—it’s a powerful launchpad for spiritual growth, lasting friendships, and class unity.

 

 

Rooted in Philippians, this year’s theme, “One Spirit, One Purpose,” guided students through a series of Bible-centered sessions, worship times, and personal devotional reflections. Each day centered around a key truth from Philippians, helping students explore how to live in humility, show genuine interest in others, practice forgiveness, and choose joy through Christ.

 

 

 

The sessions focused on topics like humility, where students were invited to consider how Jesus modeled true humility, and were reminded that true humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less and others more. In the next session, School Chaplain and Freshman Challenge Speaker Mr. Paul Reed encouraged students to be genuinely curious about others, not only looking to their own interests but also to the interests of others. They explored how easy it is to compare or elevate ourselves, but how Christ, who is greater than all, humbled Himself to serve. The penultimate session focused on the weighty, yet crucial topic of forgiveness, centered on the Apostle Paul’s story—how someone with a past as broken as his could become a messenger of God’s grace. Students reflected on the gift of forgiveness from Christ, both for themselves and for others, and the importance of letting go of the past to "press on toward what lies ahead." The final session on the topic of peace and joy was based on Philippians 4, where Paul urges believers to settle disagreements, rejoice in the Lord, and fix their thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right. Students were challenged to examine their thought patterns—about themselves and others—and to choose joy not based on circumstances but rooted in Christ.

 

 

Worship was also led by Mr. Reed along with Mrs. Luiza Strellman. Due to the technology-free focus of the retreat, students joined in worship with printed song sheets in hand. Each day also included personal devotional time, where students could journal, read Scripture, and pray—either going off in quiet solitude or staying together in silent reflection. 

 

 

Beyond the sessions, the retreat was packed with many fun outdoor and physical activities that created memories and strengthened a sense of community. The 9km hike—a total of 3.5 hours round-trip—was led by Mr. Petr Eding. For some, it was a tough stretch; for others, a highlight, but all agreed on the ice cream afterwards being a high point. 

 

 

Two memorable campfires included a time for s’mores, banana boats, laughter, and thoughtful conversations. At one point, Mr. Eding also led a walkout to an open field where they played games, and he shared a testimony and reminded students that even disagreements can strengthen the body of Christ when we remember we are one. Other organized adventures, like ziplining and group games, paired with free time in the afternoons and late-night dorm-room conversations, made space for students to connect and build a sense of belonging.

 

 

A big thank you goes to Ms. Bekka Olandt, who organized the devotional booklets and resources that guided the group through each day’s reflections and activities. Alongside Ms. Olandt, Mrs. Strellman, Mr. Eding, and Mr. Reed formed a caring and committed team who were fully present with the students throughout the retreat.

Our freshmen returned to campus Friday afternoon—tired yet joyful, and filled with memories and a sense of unity and belonging that they have the opportunity to carry into the rest of their Upper School Experience. It was a weekend of connection, reflection, and growth, and a reminder of the power of stepping away to focus on what truly matters. 

 

 

Thank you to all the parents and staff who supported this year’s Freshman Challenge. Your partnership makes experiences like this possible, and we are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside your children as they grow in character, faith, and community. May we all be reminded of Christ's humility, and together with every grade and ICSB department grow to be more and more "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."