Joye Cantrell

Joye Cantrell, right, hiking in the Alps on the E5 European long-distance path with her family (son Samuel, daughter Isabelle and husband Steven) during the summer of 2013.

Nationality: USA. Occupation: Culinary Arts High School Teacher. Missions with C4C: Ararat 2014.

How long have you climbed? 20 years. Type of climbing you do: Hiking in the San Bernardino Mountains in California and part of E5 over the Alps (usual elevation up to 10,000 feet); hill runs; rock climbing in college (but that ended once I had kids). Highlight of climbing career: Hiking across the Alps in the snow with my family on the E5.

How long have you been a Christian? 38 years. Type of ministry you are blessed to serve in: Teaching and providing additional support to my Christian students and colleagues while in a public-school setting.

Favorite Scripture verse (and why): Philippians 4:8. (“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”) It helps to keep me focused on all the good things that God has provided for us in this life. What we dwell upon is often what we act upon.

Special “God moment” you'd like to share: Receiving a letter from a graduating senior who thanked me for being a supportive Christian teacher in a public school.  He has since entered the ministry.

What does Climbing For Christ mean to you? It means going the extra mile to spread the Gospel as well as providing spiritual and physical support to our missionary communities in times of need.