Eileen Lakey

Eileen teaching about brushing teeth in Gentilhomme.

Nationality: American. Family: Single, two grown children — Lisa and Greg. Occupation: Retired elementary teacher with over 35 years of experience. Now serving as the coodinator of the Canon City Literacy Center where we offer free tutoring to children in reading. Church:First United Methodist Church, Cañon City. Missions with C4C: Three.

How long have you climbed? As a child and young adult, I hiked in the hills and mountains of Colorado just for fun when fishing and camping. Type of climbing you do: Just simple hiking. Highlight of climbing career: None really, just did it with my friends and family for fun.

How long have you been a Christian? Since I was nine years old- when my mom, sister and I all accepted Jesus as our Savior and were all baptized together. Type of ministry you are blessed to serve in: KIDS - I believe God has blessed me with the gift of working with children. I taught school for over 35 years and have been the leader of Children Church for the last eight years. Kids are so receptive to God and the message of salvation. I have learned from them why Jesus said we have to become like children in our walk of faith.

Favorite Scripture verse (and why): Isaiah 40:31 has become a favorite of mine because I have claimed that promise of renewed strength for the spiritual, mental and physical needs in my life as I have gotten older and God has kept His promise. I am claiming this promise of renewed strength for my trip to Haiti. I also love Psalm 103 with all its statements of how wonderful God truly is.

What does Climbing For Christ mean to you? A chance to share God's love with the mountain people of Haiti and to grow in my faith and walk with Him as God uses me. I count it an awesome blessing and thankful that my Father has promised to supply us with all we need when we serve Him. I am counting on that promise.