Jessica Vose

Jessica Vose at Black Canyon, CO, USA.

Nationality: American. Occupation: Customer Service Rep for a credit-card processor. Missions with C4C: Peru 2014.

How long have you climbed? I’ve been hiking and trekking since I was a child, and I began rock climbing about six years ago. Type of climbing you do: Hiking, trekking and rock (mostly trad) climbing. Highlight of climbing career: First 5.11 lead climb, Soul Fire on Optimator Wall, Indian Creek (Utah).

How long have you been a Christian? Since I was about 5 years old. Type of ministry you are blessed to serve in: I am blessed to serve with and through Compassion International and with Climbing For Christ.

Favorite Scripture verse (and why): “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11). I find comfort in this verse and am reminded to not worry about my future because the Lord already has wonderful plans set for me.

Special “God moment” you'd like to share: On Jan. 1, 2013, God blessed me (and several other family members) with the experience of death, as we prayed my grandmother from her earthly life into the arms of Jesus. The days and hours leading up to her death were filled with every emotion imaginable: heartbreak, grief, anger, hope, laughter, longing, impatience, love and fear as we experienced the suffering of the matriarch of our family. Though there were several prayers sent up to the Lord during the days prior to my grandmother’s death, my mother still felt compelled to gather everyone and pray the evening of Jan. 1. We circled my grandmother, whose spirit was surely with us, but whose body was on a high dose of morphine to ease the pain of organ failure. My mother held my grandmother’s left hand and the rest of us linked our hands together. My uncle completed the circle when he gently held my grandmother’s right hand. We went around the circle lifting our prayers and hearts up to the Lord. Instantly God’s power and comfort cradled all who were in the room. During our prayers you could see and feel my grandmother begin the final stages of death. Her body, which had been unconscious for days, now shed a single beautiful tear and took a final breath as her spirit ascended to heaven to be with our Lord. I know death happens every day, but I’ve come to realize it is still quite a wonderful miracle. Through my grandmother’s life and death I have witnessed my Lord keep his promise to never abandon nor forsake us, and to remain with us to the very end.

What does Climbing For Christ mean to you? Climbing For Christ is a wonderful way for climbers to use their gifts and passions to share the Gospel and glorify the Lord. It is one of the ways that God uses to spread His Word to the various corners of the earth, and to bring his people together in His name. Climbing For Christ is another beautiful blessing from our Lord, and another way that He fulfills His promises to His people.