Life Pacific University students recently had the privilege of attending and representing the university at Arise Camp 2024, a gathering aimed at empowering Native American young adults to grow in their faith and leadership. Hosted annually by Arise Native American Ministries, this unique camp fosters spiritual growth, healing, and leadership development through deep encounters with God and cross-cultural engagement.

The tie-in for LPU’s Office of Career & Global Engagement is clear: at LPU, we are dedicated to offering our students enriching experiences that direct them toward growth and service in God’s kingdom. Our partnership with organizations like Arise Camp reflects our shared commitment to raising purpose-driven, godly leaders who impact their communities. This year, the involvement of our students at the camp went beyond mere attendance—they actively contributed to the success of the event and, in turn, experienced their own spiritual growth.

Partnering for Transformation

Kristina Stover, who oversees many of LPU’s external partnerships, shared the deep connection between LPU and Arise Ministries, saying, “The Handalls are partners to the university and are committed, alongside us at LPU, to see young adults transform into purpose-driven, godly leaders in their communities. They have been called to help tribal Native American leaders become who God created them to be and set on mission for God’s Kingdom. They are godly, wise, generous, loving, and compassionate leaders who care deeply about seeing God’s best in each one they serve. We love partnering with the work they are doing at the Young Adult Arise Camp each year, as they are seeing lives transformed by the gospel, baptisms, healings, authentic worship, and breakthroughs at these camps.”

LPU Students’ Impact and Testimonies

The experience of LPU students at Arise Camp was nothing short of transformational. Yaseer Handall, one of the camp’s leaders, expressed his gratitude for LPU’s support, saying, “Thank you so much for your support and for allowing us to invite students to our Arise Camp. It was a pleasure and a true blessing to have them all with us. They not only attended but helped out. Many of them have great testimonies to tell.”

Indeed, those testimonies came pouring in from students, each one reflecting how the camp touched their lives in profound ways:

• Gadiel Riativa shared, “Arise Camp was the greatest experience of the week. I was able to see how other cultures worship God in their own way… I was struggling with some personal issues and emotional problems, but God used one of my peers, and I received freedom and peace. God moves through places and people we don’t expect.”
• Micah Standridge spoke of the deep spiritual connection, saying, “It was a ginormous blessing because I got in touch with the Pentecostal movement like never before. I got filled with the Holy Spirit over and over again. Everyone there felt completely sold out for Jesus and submitted to the Holy Spirit. It was the best part about it!”
• Isabella Dishaw recalled a life-changing moment during a prophetic experience at the camp, “I was hesitant at first because I didn’t know what to expect, but I am so thankful. The man reassured me that I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now and that the Lord has something big for me. He told me that I am currently doing everything right, just to make sure I am trusting the Lord and His voice.”

For Hailemichael Debay, the experience was personal and unforgettable: “I was fully expecting it to just be like another camp, but as soon as I hit the ground, it felt like home. I experienced Jesus so closely in my life… it was truly one of the experiences that I will never live down.”

• David Zele shared how this was his second year attending, but this time was particularly powerful: “On night two, I really felt the Lord impact my heart… During the Prophetic Tipi, the man who prayed over me confirmed exactly what I felt the Lord speaking to me. I will make an effort to go every year because it is such a great and powerful experience.”
• David Sanchez III, an experienced campgoer, reflected on his leadership role: “This year’s Arise Camp was definitely the best one I’ve been to so far. I’ve been going for 10 years, but this one was different. I was not only leading a group but was one of the young adult leaders at the camp itself. It was such an honor to be in that position… Arise will always be in my heart and a part of who I am.”

The participation of LPU students at Arise Camp 2024 highlights the university’s commitment to holistic development, and nurturing future leaders in their spiritual and professional journeys. LPU’s Office of Career & Global Engagement seeks to provide students with opportunities that not only enhance their vocational skills but also deepen their faith and strengthen their commitment to serving others. Through partnerships like Arise Camp, LPU continues to equip students to make a lasting impact for God’s Kingdom in diverse communities around the world.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Arise Native American Ministries and are excited about the growth and transformation yet to come.

Learn more about the Handalls and their Arise ministry here.