Damson Samson

Damson, center, on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak) with Mission: Kilimanjaro 2016 teammates Joe Trussell, left, and the late Jim Doenges.

Nationality: Malawian. Occupation: C4C missionary to East Africa since 2014. Missions with C4C: Kilimanjaro 2014 (twice), 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and Malawi 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2024.

How long have you climbed? Since 2014. Type of climbing you do: Trekking. Highlight of climbing career: Kilimanjaro 2016.

How long have you been a Christian? Since 1999. Type of ministry you are blessed to serve in: Serving the Lord as a missionary to East Africa by providing training and discipleship to porters and guides. Sharing love with the least of these, such as widows, orphans and prisoners.

Favorite Scripture verse (and why): Ephesians 6:12. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This verse reminds me of wrestling not against the flesh and blood. These two cannot submit to God as it only pulls a person to hell. On the other hand, be fully advised to wrestle against principality, powers, rulers of this darkness and spiritual wickedness. From this I get a sense of loving sinners, knowing that it is not them choosing to be sinner, but by the force of the darkness. It is from that we can win many to Christ.

Special “God moment” you’d like to share: In 2016, I was graced to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Because this was the first time I was climbing I had no idea about what I would see and experience throughout the days on the mountain. Day One was very exciting until getting to camp when I was able to see the beautiful nature and God’s wonderful creation. Day Two, I found myself in the clouds. I could see the bright sun shining in the clouds while it was raining. It all was very great all the way until I got to the top on the sixth day. I strove to get up to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point, not understanding why we should spend the amount of money paid to be climbing. But my eyes saw what I have never seen before; it was like the second heaven all with snow. It was the first time I was looking at that and I thanked God for such an opportunity. There are few Malawians who could get this chance.

What does Climbing For Christ mean to you? It means the opportunity to preach the Gospel to Africa and the whole world.

Project Prayer: Buddhism 2023 Gary Fallesen