I wanted to give you an update on Journey Quest, the new wilderness ministry I’m helping develop. As I write this I’m at a friend’s house in Leadville, the highest city in America! The past few day’s I was in Johnstown working with Mark and Sarah and preparing for yesterday’s first official board-meeting. Last night I was able to reconnect with some good friends I know from Jackson, Wyoming (they’re now in Ft Collins). This morning I was blessed to visit The Well in Boulder, a church plant started by some friends from Lake City and Gunnison.
Since my last update I’ve been incredibly busy working on Journey Quest’s website, setting up our database and online registration system, researching permitting options for rock climbing and mountaineering, and reconnecting with friends and supporters. Mark has also been hard at work getting insurance, recruiting staff, communicating with group leaders, raising funds, and setting up the non-profit (it is complete in Colorado, but we’re still waiting on the federal government).
Probably the biggest news is Journey Quest’s purchase of Vessels for Honor Rafting which will allow us to begin our ministry this year with a busy summer. We plan to focus on serving the kids and families God brings for single-day rafting trips, a few week-long trips, and a 12-day rock climbing & mountaineering trip for teens. A few of our staff who worked with us at Redcloud are planning to join us this summer, along with several of VFH’s past guides. VFH has been in operation for 9 years and their founders have a real heart for God and they are very excited for us to continue their vision and minister to many kids and families through whitewater rafting.
Personally I’ve been very blessed these past few months. I spent Thanksgiving in Pagosa Springs with several great friends and enjoyed deepening those friendships. Christmas was mostly quiet, but a lot of fun with Samuel, my two-year-old nephew. We’ve also recently learned that I have a niece on the way! After Christmas I took a few days to go ice climbing in Ouray with 4 of our guides from Redcloud, then we met up with even more of them for an exciting and fun New-Year’s celebration in Cedaredge (if any photos or videos of Wii dancing should surface, know this was under coercion, against my better judgment ;-). Seriously though, I’ve found myself really blessed by the great friendships God has given me and I’m really excited for this new year!
Missionary Support Update: After more than ten years of faithful support, my home church in Grand Junction will soon be deciding whether to continue to support me financially. The church’s policies required that I re-apply for support because I moved to a different ministry. Their support, if continued at the same level as before, will cover about 15% of my budget. Please pray that God will lead the elders and members of this congregation, and that they will continue their support for me in this new ministry.
In addition to this, I still need to raise a significant portion of my financial support to be fully funded. It has been encouraging to reconnect with many friends who I haven’t seen in a long time, and I expect to spend quite a bit of time this winter seeking out more supporters. I’m thankful for those who have already joined my team and those who have continued to support me through this transition. Would you pray about how God would have you to be involved?
Journey Quest’s Needs: We estimate we will need to raise an additional $11,000 to cover expenses and purchase the items we need to be ready to start training our staff in May. We could also really use one more large vehicle (in good condition) such as a suburban or passenger van.
In addition to the 4 people who have already committed to serving with us this summer, we have about 10 more who are still seeking God’s lead on whether to join us, either full-time or seasonally. Please pray that God will give them clear direction and prepare their hearts to for service.
Click here to learn how to give to Journey Quest or support me in this ministry. I’d love to hear about what is going on in your lives and how I can be praying for you, so feel free to get in touch with me at any time. Thanks again for all your prayers and your financial support!
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