“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Across the valley from where we are staying is a beautiful mountain range called the Black Mountains. Up until this past week they have been just another picture of Gods beautiful creation but this afternoon they became much more.
Ed, who is our main missionary contact, asked if I would like to hike to the town of Sakwyok where team Agapetos would be ministering for a week. I wanted to meet the local believers of the town and see where team Agapetos would be staying so I agreed. Ed, Eric (the leader of team Agapetos) and I were off for quite an adventure.
We headed down to the base of the mountain in a town called Mancos that sits at 8000 feet. We set out on foot over the river that lies at the base of the Black Mountains. I knew that I was in for a challenge but I had no idea what lie before me.
We started our ascend as Ed spoke of the town that we were going to. The beauty that surrounded us was amazing as we took sidewinder trails straight up the mountain. Ed began to tell me that there were approximately 200 people that lived in this town that was spread out on the side of one of the mountains.
My lungs began to take a hit as I gave it my all up the mountain. Ed was a complete machine and was determined to get to the house on the scheduled 12:00pm arrival time. I told Ed to go ahead because I could barely breathe. I had no idea that I would be as hit as I was and it really checked me on how out of shape I was.
The most humbling part of the adventure was the story about the children of the town. Each and every day of the school year the children get dressed in their uniforms and grab their backpacks for a journey down the mountain. These kids not only go to school five days a week but they also hike up and down the mountain every single day.
I was completely taken aback because of how mind-blowing that thought was. I really couldn’t comprehend ever doing the hike again but these kids do it every single day.
As I walked down the mountain I was once again humbled by an old man at least in his sixty’s walking up the mountain. He was wearing flip flop type shoes and had a grand old smile as we walked by.
The afternoon at Sakwyok opened my eyes to a world that I had never even thought about before. Was I willing to hike the mountain to share the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? Would I get over myself and work hard to share the love of Christ or would I take the easy way out and divert to another town?
We have two days where we will share door to door this coming week and the men will be staying in the town on Friday night. May Jesus Christ get all the Glory for the town of Sakwyok.
