Two Sterling College students attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C., followed by a Student Weekend in Annapolis, Md. Michaela Preusz of Pickens, S.C., and Xavier Madrigal of Newton, Kan., took part in the five-day annual event that featured the President of the United States, members of Congress, and many other notable leaders from across the globe.
“Attending the National Prayer Breakfast and Student Weekend provided an awesome opportunity to meet student leaders from across the world and hear from influential leaders in large and small group sessions,” said Terry Ehresman, director of career services and first year programs.
Preusz and Madrigal were two of only 80 student leaders, and only 3,500 people worldwide, invited to attend the National Prayer Breakfast. Over the course of two days in Washington D.C., they had the opportunity to dine with world leaders, hear stories from renown speakers, and interact with people from all walks of life.
Students were then offered a three-day weekend retreat in Annapolis, Md., with other students that attended the breakfast. This long weekend gave students the chance to connect with their peers and reflect on the power of witnessing God move in the most politically driven area of the nation.
“Our culture often implies that leadership comes only from power and success. My time in D.C. has radically changed my views on this concept. I now understand that the most sincere and effective form of leadership can be achieved by following the example of Jesus and practicing servant leadership,” said Michaela Preusz, junior.
“My greatest takeaway from this experience is that there is freedom in truly being seen and belonging. What a wonderful feeling it is to be able to share your story and not be loved any less,” said Xavier Madrigal, senior.
Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.