Joe Trussell

Joe Trussell on Sajama in Bolivia.

Nationality: American (born in Bolivia). Occupation: Lead pastor. Missions with C4C: Ararat 2013 and Kilimanjaro 2016.

How long have you climbed? More than 25 years. Type of climbing you do: Snow and ice in the past; now mostly trekking the Colorado 14ers. Highlight of climbing career: Summitting 21,463-foot Sajama in Bolivia.

How long have you been a Christian? Since age 6. Type of ministry you are blessed to serve in: Pastoring; chairman of denomination’s World Missions Board.

Favorite Scripture verse (and why): Philippians 3:10-11. “I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

Special “God moment” you’d like to share: At the summit of Huayna Potosi (19,974 feet) I had a new realization of the greatness of God's creation, despite the national belief in Bolivia that the mountains belong to animistic gods.

What does Climbing For Christ mean to you? An opportunity to combine my passion for  missions and mountain climbing.