OneLife Gap Year Program

From the Beginning…

For those who have been a part of this relationship from the beginning, it is still shocking to consider how seamlessly two completely separate organizations could come together. “It just isn’t normal to see that happen, and yet we couldn’t deny how perfectly aligned our visions were”.  In the fall of 2016, board members of Three Springs Ministries, Inc. and OneLife Institute met to consider a potential partnership between the two organizations. Not even they could anticipate the many ways by which this partnership would strengthen and develop in the years to come...

Prior to OneLife, Three Springs Ministries had been home to a program called True North, where it prioritized the teaching and development of young adults in areas of missional living, Biblical training, cross-cultural ministry, and hands-on service. After 16 years it was decided to re-evaluate the program and consider finding a partner. 

Prior to Three Springs, OneLife Institute had experienced a tremendous amount of interest and change in its four years at Lancaster Bible College. Both the staff and student numbers had steadily increased and the board was moving towards finding an additional location. 

In the midst of their individual searches, it was suggested that the director of Three Springs Ministries, Jeff Rush, reach out to Peter Sullivan, the founder of OneLife Institute. Conversations were had. Visits were made. Dreaming was well underway. It was soon realized that not only did their visions and missions overlap, but so did their strengths and weaknesses. Where Three Springs was strong in areas of facility and space for experiential learning, OneLife was strong in recruitment, leadership, and curriculum. A perfect fit. 

For everyone at that board meeting, it became abundantly clear that this was the path God was leading them down. One year later, 19 OneLife students moved into their new home at Three Springs Ministries, and thus the two organizations began a journey. A journey focused on working together to glorify God and steward our calling through the service, development, and discipleship of young adults. 

Overlapping Mission

There are many differences between Three Springs Ministries and OneLife Institute. Three Springs opened its doors in 1984. OneLife accepted its first students in 2013. Three Springs is a multi-faceted retreat facility that ministers to people of all ages. OneLife is a gap-year program that works with young adults, ages 18-21. Three Springs sits amidst the mountains of northern Pennsylvania. OneLife is located in multiple locations and in multiple states. However, these differences have only benefited the partnership between TSM and 3OL! 

The mission of OneLife Institute is to launch and develop servant leaders who live out their faith in every area of life. One of the things needed to accomplish this mission is space; a space to be, to grow, and to implement what they are learning. Fittingly, the heart behind every Three Springs decision is hospitality ; to create spaces for connection, rest, learning, and experiencing the Lord. Together, the two ministries work hand in hand to invite young adults into Kingdom living through experiential education, service, community, and discipleship. 

The Perfect Fit

Experiential Education - Experience is a core component to the learning process, and yet it is often the first to sacrifice for the sake of time, grades, and control. The partnership between TSM and 3OL not only opens the door for practice and experience, it provides the tools and opportunities to apply them well. For example, students are able to holistically engage with the John 15 passage through the literal pruning and stewarding of our on-campus apple trees. 

Service - Service is a key element in the Three Springs mission of hospitality and creating spaces for others. Similarly, OneLife strives to develop and launch servant leaders. While attending OneLife at Three Springs, students are given opportunities to serve staff and guest groups, both broadly and intimately,  through cleaning, barnwork, grounds-keeping, guest-care, and helping in the kitchen. 

Community - We were created to be in relationship with God and His creation. While this is something both Three Springs and OneLife believe to be true, their partnership has provided many opportunities to learn what this looks like from one another. One practical way that Three Springs helps young adults experience authentic community is by eliminating distractions and providing unique and comfortable spaces to fellowship together. 

Discipleship - An important and often uncomfortable piece of discipleship is accountability. Through their partnership with Three Springs, OneLife has access to people, places, and opportunities that can extend and deepen their potential for creating helpful and life-impacting action steps. For example, if a student desires to grow in their understanding of fiscal responsibility, they could be asked to meet with a Three Springs staff member to discuss stewardship, raising support, and budgeting. 

Eliminating Distractions 

“One of the many ways in which Three Springs and OneLife coincide perfectly with one another is their drive to eliminate distractions that keep one from connecting to themselves, others, and most importantly God. Both TSM and OL deeply value and recognize the need to step back from the pressures of life and reconnect with the beauty and simplicity of presence. Whether this is being fully present with others, present in nature and God’s good creation, or simply being present with one’s self by taking necessary time to reflect in solitude. Whatever this may be, both Three Springs and OneLife wonderfully offer the ability to eliminate distractions in order to encounter what one needs most.” Logan Stoner, Class of 2019

Relationship

“I believe with all my heart that Three Springs is the perfect partner for OneLife because of their intentionality in everything they do, focus on Jesus, and longing to grow deeper in relationship. The goal of both places was accomplished in me; to be strengthened in faith, build Christ-like character, and use our gifts and callings for the glory of God and the furthering of the kingdom...Three Springs staff facilitated a family for us as students at 3OL and I will always feel like I am coming home when I visit the farm. It was a joy and honor to serve alongside folks who cared so deeply about the mission of the camp, worked their tails off, and loved us well as students and honorary sons and daughters.” Genesis Sholes, Class of 2019

Home

“TSM genuinely adds to the OL experience because of the incredible examples set by Jeff and the staff day in and day out. Stewardship, wisdom, grace, patience (usually lol), kindness, and intentionality as well as outstanding leadership. It's also incredibly instrumental in experiential learning because the beauty and wonder of God's creation is so obviously there, from the hills and the sunsets, the sunrises, to the stars and the horses. It's so easy to find peace there and to focus on God. Three Springs is always gonna be my family and one of the few places I'll truly call home.” Will Eaker, Class of 2020