09 Oct Investing in Experiences That Shape Young Lives
Sometimes, an opportunity to step away from everyday routines can make a lasting difference. For 11 young men from the University of Central Florida (UCF), eight days in the mountains offered time to reflect, build friendships, and gain a new perspective on their lives.
Green Earth was proud to sponsor two students who participated in this leadership retreat led by Pastor Charles Wise of Pathway Ministries. Through his guidance, the young men spent the week exploring their faith, strengthening friendships, and reflecting on their personal growth. For Mike Akerson and Rick, supporting programs like this comes down to something they have believed in for years: giving young people opportunities and encouragement that can help shape their future.
A Week That Made a Difference
Held August 15–22, 2026, the retreat took the students through the mountains of North Georgia and Tennessee, including Amicalola Falls and Mount LeConte. The experience combined hiking, group discussions, personal reflection, and time away from the distractions of everyday life.
What made this experience particularly meaningful was hearing directly from the students afterward.
In personal testimonies shared following the retreat, participants described how the week helped them gain perspective, work through personal challenges, and recognize the importance of surrounding themselves with people who encourage their growth.
One student, Paul, described the experience as “a blessing and a turning point in my life.” Another, Bryce, reflected on how adversity can become an opportunity for growth when people have the support of others.
For Thien-Loc, stepping away from his phone for a week created space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with his faith and the people around him.
These reflections speak to something that matters deeply to us at Green Earth: young people benefit from opportunities to develop confidence, build supportive relationships, and discover their potential.
A Longstanding Commitment to Giving Back
Green Earth’s support of this retreat is part of a longstanding relationship with Pathway Ministries and Pastor Charles Wise.
For 18 years, Mike Akerson has been involved with the ministry as a speaker and financial contributor, including support for mental health counseling services for children and families.
Through Pastor Wise’s work with college students and the ministry’s broader outreach, programs like this provide young people with guidance, encouragement, and a supportive community during important stages of their lives.
For Mike and Rick, supporting initiatives like this is personal. Reading the students’ testimonies reinforces why they choose to contribute. Sometimes, providing someone with an opportunity at the right time can influence how they approach challenges, relationships, and their future.
Encouraging Others to Make an Impact
The value of this retreat is best expressed through the experiences of the young men who attended. Their reflections are reminders that mentorship, encouragement, and community support can leave a lasting impression.
Green Earth is grateful to have helped make this experience possible for two students and appreciates Pastor Charles Wise and Pathway Ministries for their continued dedication to supporting young people.
We hope these stories encourage others to consider how they, too, can make a difference. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or supporting programs that invest in young people, every act of generosity can help create opportunities for personal growth.
We invite our colleagues, industry partners, and community members to learn more about Pathway Ministries and consider supporting its work. To learn more about the organization and its programs, visit www.pathwayministries.com.