Do you love the outdoors? Are you adventurous? Do you want to get out of your comfort zone? If this fits your description then rock climbing is the sport for you!

I began rock climbing to commemorate my graduation from college. I went on a weekend trip to Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin, with my father’s summer ministry LYNX (Leading Youth in Nature eXploration). On the first day of climbing, I let everyone go ahead of me, hoping dusk would come before it was my turn. But, alas, my time to climb came. With nervous excitement

I strapped on my safety equipment, slowly turned around and began climbing, expecting to have to use all the strength in my body for every move I made. But as I began to climb, I realized it was not about strength, but about patience, observation and precision. Climbing, for me, became like solving a mystery. I had to be observant, constantly looking for crevices for my hands and feet. Always looking for the clues (rock crevices) that will bring me closer to solving the mystery (reaching the top).

Is climbing really safe? This fear held me back for years from climbing, but after my first climb, I never again worried about falling or hurting myself. After seeing that my safety equipment and ropes were secured to the rock I knew that I was safe, because that rock was not going anywhere anytime soon. Even if I slipped and lost a hold of the rock I never fell far. My partner was at the bottom, pulling my rope taut, so that I did not fall to the ground. Whenever I slipped, I was able to regain my bearings and continue my trek to the top safely.

Why should you go climbing? One, it is challenging both physically and mentally, giving you a chance to stretch both your body and mind. But most importantly, it draws you closer to God. My weekend of climbing showed me much more about God than if I had stayed at home doing something “safe” and within my comfort zone. I began to see the significance of the Lord as my rock. He is a firm foundation that will not be moved; I am safe and secure in Him. Even if I slip or fall, He is right there to catch me and put me back on the right track. In life, I must take one step at a time, staying close to the Rock. Because it is only if I stay close to the Rock that I can continue my journey to the “top” - to know God intimately.

How can you get involved? It’s easy. Just contact my father, Richard Marsceau, director of LYNX Ministries, by mail at P.O. Box 96, Troy Mills, Iowa, 52344. Or call him at (319) 224-3700. He will let you know of upcoming trips with LYNX or set up a trip for you and a small group with trained rock climbers in your area. Call today for an unforgettable adventure!

by Heather Marsceau - July 1999