Holly DeSmitt

Holly in the Pyrenees in France.

Nationality: USA. Occupation: Systems engineer. Missions with C4C: Ararat 2020 and 2021.

How long have you climbed? I have always felt at home in the mountains, but I started getting more serious about hiking and trekking in the past four years. Type of climbing you do: Hiking and trekking. Highlight of climbing career: Climbing snow-covered mountains at 11,000 feet in the Rockies.

How long have you been a Christian? Since 2013 – my freshman year of college. My life has never been the same since I was first challenged to question my beliefs and examine the claims of Christianity. Type of ministry you are blessed to serve in: I have been blessed to serve with the Father’s Heart (mobile soup kitchen in the city of Rochester) and CompassCare Pregnancy Services. Last year I became a member of C4C, and I am very excited to see first-hand what God is doing through this ministry.

Favorite Scripture verse (and why): “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” – Psalm 8:3-4. I love how this passage describes the all-powerful nature of God, our Creator. I can imagine God forming the moon and the stars in the heavens, not just with His hands, but with His fingers – like an artist molding something delicate. His strength and majesty are unmatched, and yet He cares for me. He desires a relationship with me. These verses bring me to a place of humility, because by God’s grace every person is made in the image of God and is known and loved by the Maker of the universe.

Special “God moment” you’d like to share: God has blessed me with countless opportunities to share my faith with friends and strangers in my life. There have been several moments when God has specifically answered my prayers for an open door to have those conversations – at cafés, theaters, running trails, or parties. I know that God puts people in my path for a reason and I am constantly amazed by His sovereignty in those encounters.

What does Climbing For Christ mean to you? This ministry is putting to action the words of Jesus’ Great Commission: GO-ing to the nations, making disciples, baptizing in His name, and teaching the world what God has done. I am humbled to join this team of servants on my first mission trip as we GO to share the Good News of hope and forgiveness.