Western NY Chapter: 5 years of Heritage hikes

Group photo at trailhead of Rocky Mountain.

A mountaintop of love

By Diane Sturmer

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people!” – Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

Our time on Rocky Mountain in New York's Adirondacks on Tuesday, Oct. 15, brought much joy and encouragement to each of the 19 hikers. Individuals from Heritage Christian Services were so excited to make the summit. “I can't wait to tell everyone that I made it to the top of the mountain,” Kathleen said. She prayed earlier for God to help her get there. She had never climbed before.

Amy said she couldn't have made it without the help of her Climbing For Christ friends.  She said that talking and listening  helped her get to the top.

Rocky Mountain, located in Inlet (just east of Eagle Bay and Old Forge), is a 2,225-foot peak. The hike is about one-half mile, ascending 448 feet.

When we made it to the top, we enjoyed a meal, a time of devotion, songs to our Father and fun!

Psalm 42:7 and 8 were shared. “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me — a prayer to the God of my life.”

We talked about the ASL sign language used to describe grace. Your hand is above your head and it opens up like a shower spout and pours out over our head. Psalm 42:7 talks about God's love being poured over us like a waterfall. There are just days when we all need the waterfall so we can be refreshed and have Him pour through us once again.

Mark Eiwen of Climbing For Christ shared a beautiful prayer. Gary Fallesen and Jordan Rowley shared highlights from their recent mission trip to Nepal and how God worked among the people there drawing hearts to Himself.

Rochelle (left to right) and Anne from Heritage are joined by Gary of C4C on the Rocky Mountain trail. (Photo by Diane Sturmer)

When we reached the summit, we could see the beautiful Adirondack mountains and the Chain of Lakes. It is amazing to look down upon it. We could not help but think about how much fun God had making all this beauty. Added to the beauty, was the sound of music and worship. Jordan shared his backpacking guitar with all of us and we sang, Lord, I Lift Your Name On High and Awesome God. Individuals from HCS shared prayers from their hearts and the sound of joy and laughter could be heard through the Adirondacks.

Big thanks to our friends from Climbing for Christ — Mark, Jordan and Gary! It made the adventure a blessing!

Diane Sturmer, a long-time Climbing For Christ member, works in the spiritual life department of the Rochester, NY-based Heritage Christian Services. C4C and Heritage have partnered on four hikes a year since 2009. This Rocky Mountain climb capped five years together. We look forward to another series of hikes in 2014.