ESL students from Olivet School of Language Education (OSLE) concluded the 2019 Summer quarter with a field trip to the Salvation Mountain site.
Salvation Mountain is a hillside visionary environment created by local resident Leonard Knight (1931-2014), in the California Desert area of Imperial County, north of Calipatria, northeast of Niland near Slab City, and several miles from the Salton Sea.
The artwork is made of adobe, straw, and thousands of gallons of lead-free paint. It encompasses numerous murals and areas painted with Christian sayings and Bible verses, though its philosophy was built around the Sinner's Prayer. Before the visit, students had watched a video introduction to get a brief understanding about the famous site.
Amazed by the passion and dedication of Leonard Knight, one of the students commented, "I am deeply moved by the passion of the creator of Salvation Mountain, Leonard Knight, in conveying the message of God's love through creation and salvation to the world."
"It was a very good experience for me to visit the salvation mountain. I am glad to see many people are introduced to God's love through this amazing masterpiece," shared another student.
At the end of the field trip, the students had a short discussion to share their reflections about the visit.