After dreaming of climbing Kilimanjaro for past five years, and working to have that dream become a reality through countless hours of training and research, a week ago last Sunday, on October 17, after 3.5 long days of hiking, by God’s grace, my brother in law Mike Frank and I were standing on the roof of Africa! 19,340 feet above sea level, praising God for an unforgettable experience. I’d like to share some thoughts with you about the experience, and some biblically-grounded lessons I learned through it all.

First and foremost is that God’s majesty in creation is irrepressible. Standing on top of Kili felt like I was in another world. The beauty of the mountain was incredible – many different climactic zones with different types of vegetation, plant and animal life, topography, pure air, all pointing back to God’s creative majesty. Ps. 19:1  Rom. 1:20

Factors leading to success (climbing Kili as well as in life and eternity):
1. Preparation. Training beforehand, prior study, mental, physical and emotional preparation. We worked very hard to get ready for the trek. Likewise in life, don’t wait till the final moments to get things right.
The pattern of preparation is seen repeatedly in Scripture. John the Baptist’s whole purpose in life was to prepare people for Jesus’ arrival (Mal. 3, Matt. 3). Jesus spent 40 days preparing in the desert before task of selecting disciples. Before we meet with Lord in communion, we are told to prepare ourselves (1 Cor. 11:27-28). 1 Pet.1:13-15 –“Prepare your minds for action… Always be prepared to give an answer.”
2. Water. Water is vital for successful completion. 4-5 liters each day to fight dehydration and altitude sickness. Oxygen in water is life.
John 4 – Jesus says he is the water of life. As we drink deeply from his living water, we burst forth in springs of living water offering hope to others.
3. Food. Regular healthy snacks give vital energy over the long haul.
Josh.1:8 – Our daily devos give us energy that we need to make it through each day. Prayer. Frequent prayer brings peace. I was official “pray-er” (mchungaji) for trip. We began and ended each day in prayer, and had prayer frequently during days.
4. Rest. Periodic breaks for acclimatization and rest are important for overall health.
Is. 30:15 – Repentance and rest, quietness and trust.
Luke 5:16 – Jesus oftentimes withdrew and was refreshed. 
5. Teamwork. Everyone plays a part – porters, cook, guides, team members, self. To make the ascent, we needed to work together. Likewise in life, share your burdens and responsibilities with each other and lean on one another. Learning from previous experiences of others greatly assists us. Previous climbers we met before and on trek, guides, even web sites we visited all helped. Learn from the mistakes of others.
Rom. 12:4-5 – One body with many members.
Gal. 6:2 – Carry each other’s burdens, and fulfill law of Christ.
6. Follow the Guide. Following instructions and even footsteps of guide is essential. When my headlamp went out during midnight hike to summit, I followed step by step behind Richard, our guide. Melchizedek, one of our team members, had no guide, and was stuck for two hours without moving, nearly froze and didn’t make it to top.
John 13:15 – Jesus set an example so we will do as he has done.

What about when we fail, or feel like giving up?
1. Temporary failure can still lead to ultimate victory. When laying in bed at 15,000 feet waiting for departure time, everyone feels sick. When we start moving, feel better. Mike, my brother in law, was sick one night, but got up and kept going even though he didn’t feel like it, and began feeling better. 5 out of 7 members of team didn’t make it, but are committed to returning better prepared and making ascent in future.
Ex. – Peter, Moses, David, etc.  
2. Endurance and perseverance instead of speed leads to victory. “Pole pole!” was the indisputable theme of the trip. I wanted to go faster, but our guides kept telling me to slow down.
Perseverance despite adversity produces success. Many factors tried to stop us – cold, altitude sickness, fatigue, hugeness of challenge, etc.
Rom. 8:35,37-39 – Victory in Christ is assured. Hang in there through challenges.
Rev. 2:10 – Faithful to point of death, and then we receive the crown of life.
3. Fix your eyes on the prize. Kili peak was oftentimes hidden by clouds or darkness, both of which we experienced and made things more difficult. Likewise in life, sometimes our goals are hidden. But by faith we know where we are heading and keep moving in the right direction.
Hebr. 12:1-3 – Keeping in mind other saints before us, get rid of extra weights, persevere over the distance, focus on Christ and don’t lose heart. 

Final Lesson – Victory is sweetest if shared. Both Mike and I agreed it was best to make it to the top together.
Matt. 28 – God has given us the greatest gift in the Gospel – best enjoyed if it is shared with others. Talents you have from God must be used, not buried or kept to self (Matt. 25). 

Climbing Kilimanjaro was an amazing experience, one which will forever stick in my memory. But most significant are lessons we learn here and for eternity through these experiences which shape and mold us into more effective servants of God.

Pressing on by God’s grace in the mountain trek of life. Eric

PS – VIDEO OF OUR CLIMB IS COMING SOON!