Experience

published by Orthodox Christian Fellowship, December 15, 2004

Students to Experience “Real” World in Life-Changing Capacities on Real Break 2005

Boston, MA – Orthodox Christian Fellowship’s (OCF) Real Break program has begun registration for its 2005 trips on which students will have life-changing experiences helping hundreds of those in need. In 2005, Real Break is excited to be returning to all of our 2004 locations: Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage in Guatemala, Project Mexico, the Aleutian Villages in Eklutna, Alaska, Raphael House in San Francisco and St. George the Martyr Monastery in Greece. Real Break teams will also serve a Special Education Orphanage in El Salvador and a campus of Trinity Children and Family Services in Los Angeles, California.

Each Real Break provides alternatives to "traditional" spring breaks for Orthodox college students, and gives them instead a full Christian experience of fellowship and service to others. The program provides opportunities for spiritual growth with one-on-one interaction with a priest accompanying each group. Each participant is asked to raise the funds for their trip, with donors becoming a part of each participant’s experience as photos and stories are shared upon their return. An anonymous student who participated on a Real Break team to Project Mexico reflected on their experience by sharing, “As we blessed the home which we built with our own hands, a deep sense of thankfulness to our Lord for allowing us this experience, trembled through me.”

The dates and locations for 2005 are:

February 26 - March 5 - Raphael House (San Francisco)
March 5-12 - El Salvador, Project Mexico, Alaska
March 12-19 - Greece (until 20th), Trinity Children and Family Services, Hogar Rafael Ayau (Guatemala)
March 19-26 - Project Mexico
March 26 - April 2 - Guatemala

In five years, Real Break has involved over 350 participants, serving ten different locations. Mr. Joseph J. Samra III, Program Coordinator for OCF stated, “I firmly believe there is no greater short-term experience for a student then Real Break; 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.”

Registration and more information can be found on the OCF website at www.ocf.net or by calling 800-919-1OCF.

About OCF
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is the official campus ministry effort of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). It is a Pan-Orthodox effort, overseen by an Executive Committee and aided by a sixteen-person Student Advisory Board. The office is located in Boston, MA, where a full time staff develops OCF programs and resources. The staff is available to guide and support local OCF chapters through communication with the larger Orthodox community, national programs, and development of resources for use by Orthodox college students. SCOBA designated the 3rd Sunday in September each year as “College Student Sunday” to raise awareness of our students on campus and OCF’s activities.

Orthodox Christian Fellowship
P.O. Box 249
Boston, MA 02130
1-800-919-1623
www.ocf.net



Volume 6 Number 51 - Tuesday, December 21st, 2004	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY