Mt. Kilimanjaro thanks Posted about almost 6 years ago

Now that it has been 3 months after climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, I've forgotten the work, the headaches, nausea, cold, and soreness... and remember mostly the joy and the lasting impact your donations will bring about. It was not easy for me to ask for help: on the descent, or in the fundraising, but I needed it. Without your generosity, the climb would have been worthless. With it, the climb has ...

Harder than I thought! Posted about about 6 years ago

Going up was beautiful and challenging and worship-filled and cold. Going down was tiring! I think my legs max out at about 5000' of descent a day, and on the summit day, after reaching the summit, we descended 9000' before calling it a day! We hiked a half-marathon with a 25 pound back, on about a 30 degree slope, with 50% oxygen, and below freezing temps!  Whew. It was all worth it for the st...

Overwhelmed! Posted about over 6 years ago

Oh my! Here I am in Africa, and I just saw that my HUGE goal of 20k has been met already! I cannot tell you how excited and emotional I am, sitting here at a table at the Guest house in Rwanda.  I was with the pastors and we prayed on Sunday for the climb and the fundraising...  and wow, the huge goal that I set, thinking it was too big, is met. God is way too big to be limited to my vision. I'...

It's Getting Real! Posted about over 6 years ago

This month is the month! I'll be on this 3-part mission starting tomorrow! (Jan. 3)   1. Teach at Africa College of Theology    .2. Countryside Mission Trip in Rwanda    .3. Climb Kilimanjaro for Education    .Each part is both challenging and exciting...enough that I really hope many will be praying for the success of all 3 parts. Thanks for participating from afar, it really means so much to me.

A student's testimony Posted about over 6 years ago

Here's what one of my students says about the importance of the scholarships I'm climbing for.    "When my dad recently came to visit me he said, 'Wow you are different, you are a new Chadrack. ACT has made you a new person.' I have learned so many things from here. I learned how to read the bible from Africa College of Theology. I learned how to pray from here. When I got saved all things ...

Halfway! Posted about over 6 years ago

Yay!  We are halfway to my goal or $20k! I know it is ambitious, but God is good and I put it in His hands. I'm so thankful for each person who will be "climbing with me" in spirit and prayer and financial support. Pray for me tomorrow (Sat. 12/2) as Rick, Curt and I will be climbing King's Mtn in the cold rain.  I picture a lot of slipping and sliding on some very steep forest paths on the way...

Month after next... Posted about over 6 years ago

Wow! Time flies. I'll be on the mountain before I know it. My hiking has dropped off, but I'm still training hard. I am so thankful for each person who has donated towards the scholarships! I know the cold, the headaches, the sore muscles, the camping on a rocky slope for 8 days... it will all be worth it. Please be praying for me and for the continued fundraising that I can raise at least $1.0...

108 days to go! Posted about over 6 years ago

I would rate the average East African pastor high on prayer, worship and enthusiasm, but low on Biblical training. The Good News of Jesus Christ can be bad news if it isn't communicated correctly (of even left out of messages!) I have come to love the pastors and future pastors I've gotten to know, and I can't wait to return to teach in January, just before the scholarship climb. Trust me when ...

Boots on the ground. Posted about over 6 years ago

At church on Sunday, someone said they spotted me walking around town in my hiking boots. (I'm guessing they didn't match the rest of my attire very well!) I told them I was breaking in my boots for an attempt at climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. My boots are getting there, but I need to get more mileage on some steep ascents and descents! I'm getting in some miles almost every day, either in my boots ...