2005 “Real Break” Offers College Students an Opportunity to Serve Others Around the World
—Orthodox Christian college students seeking an alternative to “spring break” by serving others are invited to participate in the Orthodox Christian Fellowship’s [OCF] “Real Break” program in the spring of 2005.
OCF’s national office here has opened registration for its 2005 trips, on which students will have life-changing experiences while helping hundreds of individuals in need.
“In 2005, Real Break is excited to be returning to all of our 2004 locations,” said Joseph J. Samra III, OCF program director. “Real Break teams will also serve a special education orphanage in El Salvador and on the campus of Trinity Children and Family Services in Los Angeles, CA.
“Real Break provides alternative to ‘traditional’ spring breaks for Orthodox college students, and gives them instead a full Christian experience of fellowship and service to others,” added Mr. Samra. “The program provides opportunities for spiritual growth with one-on-one interaction. A priest accompanies each group.”
Participants must raise the funds for their trip and are encouraged to share with sponsors photos and stories upon their return.
Spring Break’s 2005 venues include San Francisco’s Raphael House [February 26-March 5], separate projects in El Salvador, Project Mexico, and Alaska [March 5-12] and Greece, Trinity Homes in Los Angeles, and Hogar Rafael Ayau in Guatemala [March 12-19], a second project with Project Mexico [March 19-26], and a second Guatemalan project [March 26-April 2].
Since its inception five years ago, over 350 students have participated in Real Break, serving 10 different locations.
“I firmly believe there is no greater short-term experience for a student then Real Break,” said Mr. Samra. “The smiles of the children we serve and the life-changing realizations made each year by the students is testament to God’s work being accomplished.”
Further information and registration forms may be obtained on the OCF website at www.ocf.net or by calling 1-800-919-1623.
OCF is the official pan-Orthodox campus ministry effort of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas [SCOBA]. The Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry cooperates closely with OCF.