7/22/06 Elevation, 14496 Feet: Hope Does Not Disappoint ! By Vanderkok

VanderKOK Sunday, July 22, 2006

7/22/06

ELEVATION: 14496 FEET

From the Highest Place in the Continental USA Where I Was at Noon on 1

Wednesday, July 19, 2006:

HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT

Good Morning It is Sunday, July 23, 2006. I'm composing and transmitting my Morning Message from my Prayer Chapel today. And I'm still recuperating a little bit from my hike on Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday, which culminated in reaching the summit of MT. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental USA at 14,496 feet. It was a feeling of great accomplishment to reach the peak. Although the hike is not for experts only, and can be completed by both young and old alike, it is still a test of endurance, which requires perseverance, and from that persevance, character is built---and like the Scripture for this morning will say--it is because of HOPE ! In this case--the HOPE is reaching the summit! And I'll talk about that more in a moment, but let's begin with a prayer and a few songs: Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father and Gracious God & Savior, We Come to You with Gratitude and Praise! We thank you for all Your Blessings. Without Your Presence We Would be Lost Sheep, Wandering Aimlessly. With Your 2

Presence, Our Lives Have Purpose and Significance! For that we Are Eternally Thankful. And I Personally Thank You Lord for Helping Me Reach the Summit of Mt Whitney this Past Week! Let Me Continue to "Climb" for You ! Thank you Lord. Amen. Song: Oh Glorious Hope of Perfect Love ! http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/g/oglorhop.htm Song: Let Songs of Praises Fill the Sky ! http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/s/p/lspfisky.htm Yes indeed, let praise fill the sky--on High where I was on Wednesday and low--everywhere else! God is our HOPE! He keeps us going around each corner, knowing that our time could come at any time, and the "peak" may be around just the next corner. And before I turn to the Scripture, first let me mention a few people I've heard from over the past few weeks and months and say thanks to them for their feedback-and this is only a partial list--I'll be adding more in weeks to come: Kevin Hibbard ( Music Dept, West Georgia College), Bill Rottschaefer (Grand Rapids Standard Lumber), Jennifer Standfest (Traverse City), Andrew Kuyvenhoven (Former Editor of CRC Banner), The Koetsiers (at the Grand Rapids Greenhouse), Cynthia Slagter (Calvin Spanish Dept), Randy Vanderwall (Grand Rapids GRCH), and Mark Hofstra (pastor, Decatur, MI). Thank you for your response. 3

And to Jeanne Worst-Boening (Computer Technician), Joel Brandt (banker) Stephen Kolk, Kimberly Stapert, Brenda Hondorp,Val Betten, Marv Ilbrink, Tim & Nancy Rottschafer, Tracy (Theresa) Young, John Block, Beth Faber, Ken Thomasma, Brian Bosscher, Andrea Dykstra, Don Bratt , Marcia & Roger DeKock, Mark Boersma, Alan Aarkema, Flo Boddie, Don Cowart, pastor in New Holland, Laura Kett-Hoffman , William Dyrness at Fuller Seminary, Mark Rice at Zondervan Books; Larry Baar Pastor in New Era MI, Amy Hiebels (GRCH 1984, Washington State ) Paul Bierens (“Distinctive Image” ), Merle Bierma, Steven Bengelink (forklift driver), Tim Laverell (Holland Christian Teacher) GOD BLESS YOU ALL and MANY MORE UNMENTIONED Now, Let's begin the message with reading of Scripture: Scripture: Rom 5:1-5

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that 4

tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us .

Message: ELEVATION 14496 FEET, THE HIGHEST POINT IN THE CONTINENTAL USA HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT ! My friends, as I began to say in the opening remarks, I was elated to reach the summit of Mt. Whitney this past week, and I am comparing that relatively short trip to our "trip" to heaven which begins here on earth. Although the "regular trail" to the peak of Mt. Whitney does not require expert navigation or climbing capabilities it still requires "heart." That is, this is not a "walk around the block." You must cross streams, traverse a few short snow fields, ascend a series of 90 or so switchbacks to reach the trail "crest", climb over rocks, and so on and so forth. You will not make it if you do not commit yourself to it.

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Before I discuss the hike/climb let me talk about arriving in Lone Pine. I arrived in Lone Pine on July 17, 2006 around sunset. Before getting to the town of Lone Pine there is a campground/lake--Lake Diaz Campground--a beautiful lake just off Highway 395-you can't miss it going north or south. After looking around and letting Lola enjoy the lake, I decided to stay there for the night. For $10 self-pay you can camp. There are a lot of nice spots. I found one right next to the lake before the sun was totally down and enjoyed a few moments "on line" with my laptop and ate whatever I could find in my car (which wasn't much but I was not that hungry). Lola went swimming. I made a quick campfire--mostly just for fun-didn't need the heat for warmth or food. There were too many ants, however, by the lake, so I moved over to another location and by 10 pm was sleeping soundly in my car, as was Lola. The next day I enjoyed a few peaceful moments by the lake--had a quick campfire and then I drove into the town of Lone Pine. It's a nice little town--various shops along the main street (which is Highway 395 running through it). The previous day I had picked up aspirin on the way (see attached photo) --because I had heard that two aspirin every four hours was good to help prevent altitude effects. Today (i.e. Tuesday, July 18) I went to Josephs Market and picked up some chips and dip and some postcards. Anita rang up my order.

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Then I explored the town a little bit--wanted to go to the museum but it was closed. A sign on the door said "If closed call this number and we will open for you" But for some reason my phone could not process the number and I couldn't get through. Cancel the museum. I walked through a few more shops, noticing the new Film Museum they were building. Lone Pine is proud of their annual film festival and especially those films made in nearby Alabama Hills--known for being a great western movie location. And there's a nice park at the north end of Lone Pine. I sat at a picnic table for a little while letting Lola run around in the creek. Then I went over to the Visitors Center just south of town and picked up my Day Hike Permit--reserved for July 19. Elizabeth Tull gave me the information I needed for the hike. It's a nice new Visitors Center--different from the one I remembered last time. Like a lot of first timers I asked questions that were probably unnecessary--about bears, about the weather, etc. --she responded politely but did not give me the impression that either bears or the weather were a matter of great concern (at least not in the middle of July). From there I decided to head up to Whitney Portal --where the trail begins. IT's a 13 mile drive from Lone Pine. I got there around 1 pm. I looked around--packed my backpack, put my things in the Bear Cannister, and 7

tried to make up my mind about whether I should start hiking now or wait until midnight or later--as most dayhikers do. I was bored and was not going to wait ten hours to start, so I hit the trail. I began hiking on Tuesday, July 18 at around 2:15 pm. I had a day hike permit for July 19, but you are allowed to go as far as Lone Pine Lake without a permit. That was my initial destination. I thought I would wait there until midnight and then continue on. I passed over Carillon Creek and North Creek (2:38 pm) and Lola (my dog) drank a little bit from them as we went by. All of the creeks you pass through have either rocks or logs for hikers, but Lola had to swim ( or chose to--for some reason she doesn't like hopping rocks). At 3:06 pm. I stopped and took a break--and watched the waterfall. Two ladies just passed by and commented on my dog ( "How pretty"). I continued on--around 3:30 pm Lola flushed out a pheasant or grouse or quail which went fluttering off. Around 3:45 pm. I took a break and ate some of the chips I had decided to bring with me--left over from lunch. 4 pm. --took another break. I decided beforehand to take a lot of short breaks--for both myself and Lola-and because I was filming the trip. I also wanted to avoid the competitive atmosphere of "speed hiking" which seems to be the case for some. I was not here to show how fast I could get up and down the mountain. 8

Another beautiful waterfall at 4:15 pm, and now I'm crossing another stream over wooden logs. Looks like there was a forest fire around here sometime in the past--some of the trees are blackened and charred. Made it to Lone Pine Lake at 4:41 pm.! I figured there would be campers here but nobody is here. I have the lake to myself. I threw a few pine cones in the water for Lola to fetch--she jumped right in. There's a patch of snow next to the lake. The sun is shining. It's absolutely beautiful. We are now at elevation 9850 feet. The next map point is "Outpost Camp"--one mile ahead. My original plan was to stay at Lone Pine Lake until midnight and then proceed onward--but that was with the assumption that this was a camp area--and that there would be some hiker/campers to socialize with. Since nobody is here I might as well press onward. I am back on the trail at 5:30 pm. I saw a deer. And it saw me--observing Lola and me as we proceeded forward. By 6 pm. I enter a large meadow. The sun is setting. Lola started barking at something--must have been a marmot--I could hear it chirping. I had to yell at Lola to "come on." Made it to Outpost Camp at 6:20 pm. I have now travelled 3.7 miles and have 7.2 miles to go. 6:33 pm--I just saw a deer. Half a mile to Mirror Lake. Now passing Mirror Lake at

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7 pm.--next map site is Trailside Meadows--1 mile. I took a break above Mirror Lake and ate my first Powerbar. I passed a group of 3 going down around 8 pm--one of them loved my dog, Lola, and stopped to pet her. 8:32 took another break. Lola started to dig in the dirt to make a bed for herself. She's tired. Around 9:15 pm--it was dark. I needed the flashlight. I passed a few people. A lady had lost the cap to her water bottle. Her two kids were trying to help her find it. I said "Are you okay?" And she said, "My husband is coming." I stopped and put my pants on--it was getting cold. We should be pretty close to Trail Camp now. I also realized I did not have my windbreaker/jacket--I thought for sure I had put it in my backpack. I would have to use my raincoat for warmth, instead. I lost the trail! have a flashlight but can't find the trail. I know it's not far from where I am but in the dark even with the flashlight it's difficult to find---especially here where the trail is more or less just part of the rocky terrain--very easy to see in daylight, less so with flash light. I did not want to make matters worse by wandering away from the path area so I decided to lay down --and call it a night if I must. I find a grassy patch and pull out my emergency blanket. Thank goodness it is not windy or raining. The emergency blanket sells for $1.99 at most sporting good stores and is a very thin "sheet" of material that is supposed to capture body heat. The only problem is that 10

it is not large enough to cover my entire body, top and bottom. So for the next seven hours I rolled and twisted and re-positioned myself to try to maximize the emergency blanket. In so doing at one point I tore the emergency blanket making it even less effective. I was all alone, except for Lola. I knew Trail Camp was just a few minutes ahead but it might as well have been 100 miles. I sang songs of praise while persevering through the night. Nobody passed by. Every church song I could think of I sang to myself. Why would I sing songs of praise in the midst of tribulation? It encouraged me--if these were my last moments--I wanted to go down praising the Lord. I also tried to keep myself warm using some of Lola's body heat. She didn't mind the cold at all--even though she was still a little wet from the stream crossings. She was snoozing. I pulled her close to me and was amazed how warm she was. She pulled away from me after awhile--apparently more concerned about being comfortable than about me being warm. Although I must say that during almost the entire hike (especially going up) --she had more energy than I did and when I let her off the leash she would lead on the trail--stopping only if I fell behind--at which point she would come back to check on me (that's devotion). When I played high school football in Michigan one of our coaches near the end of the season as it began to get 11

cold (sometimes even snowing) said that the warmest part of our body was the genital area. If we were on the sidelines, he advised us to keep our hands warm by discreetly placing them in the genital area. I don't remember ever doing so back then, but his advice came back to me--and it was true. I kept my hands in my genital area through the night--and that helped keep me a little warmer. Nonetheless, I was still cold. My teeth were chattering and the night seemed endless. I looked up at the sky and saw the stars, wondering if I would make it through the night. I didn't know what time it was--my clock was in my backpack and I didn't want to use the energy to get it. I talked to God. I prayed for myself and I prayed for as many people as I could think of. It was a long night. Finally, around 4:30 a.m ( I found out later) I heard voices and I peeked out from under my emergency blanket and saw lights, about five or six of them. It was a group of hikers coming up. I pulled out my flashlight and let them know I was here. They didn't know about my dillemma--nor knew that I had been sleeping here for the last seven hours. I said to them "I lost the trail." They seemed to know exactly where it was and I fell in line behind them as they forged forward. Just a few minutes later we reached Trail Camp (elevation 12,000 feet) Somebody said, "This is your last chance for water. "

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I stopped--the group I was following kept going. I filled my water bottle from the lake and put in six iodine tablets, shaking it up. The iodine is supposed to make the water safe to drink. I would wait 30 minutes according to the instructions, however, before taking a sip. A guy introduced himself saying, "Hi, I'm TJ". I said , " I'm John." They had camped there all night and were rested and well fed, ready to do the final portion of the hike that day. I pulled out one of my caffeine packets--a tasty gel of some sort that I bought at the Sport Chalet in La Canada which contains a "hit " of caffeine. I had three of them--and was now glad I bought them given the amount of sleep I had last night (i.e. almost none). I hit the trail again I just saw a mouse--some sort of field mouse. It came up to my backpack as I was taking a break (5:30 a.m.) I ate my second power bar. The sun was rising. My spirits were lifting. Not long ago I was lying under an emergency blanket wondering how long the night would last. Now I was on the trail with the summit in mind ! I was now on the series of "switchbacks" which I had read about in a few blogs about the hike. This apparently is one of the most longsuffering parts of the hike--a constant back-and-forth. The view over Lone Pine is magnificent but the constant switchbacks with no seeming relief can be discouraging. It seems to go on forever. 13

I just saw a marmot of some sort. One thing I was glad of is that I was hiking alone--and not with a competitive group. When we hiked as kids with Uncle Gary's family--sometimes it would become too competitive-who could get there first, and the social aspect would be lost. Even though I was alone (with Lola) I felt much more at peace then if I had been with a competitive group. I passed a group of three. One of them was feeling dizzy. I offered him some aspirin. He said he had some. I kept going. Later they passed me by. By 7:45 a.m we were almost at Trail Crest. There was a sheet of snow there--which if you fell upon and if it was icy enough you would simply slide a long ways. Chances are at this time of year you would simply sink in the snow, most of it was melting. I took a picture. A guy from Texas said "That's a cool dog, really cool dog". He liked my dog so much he asked if he could take a picture with her. I didn't mind. He was a nice fellow.

By 8:15 a.m I was at the Trail Crest, elevation 3, 777 feet. I had traveled 8.2 miles so far. It had taken me about three hours to go from Trail Camp to Trail Crest--rising 1777 feet and 2.2 miles. And I got my first view of the western side of Mt. Whitney-14

incredible vista, lakes down below and a variety of peaks in the distance. There was no man-made object as far as the eye could see, nor any man-made sound (apart from the voices of a few hikers and an occassional jet flying high overhead). I had 2.5 more miles to go--and a little over 700 feet to ascend, easier said than done. I was feeling the effects of the altitude. Breathing is not as easy at this level, although you definitely do not need any sort of oxygen apparatus. But more than anything I was simply feeling the effects of no sleep. I was mentally tired, more than physically. Over the next 2.5 miles I had to stop several times and take short naps. I took another break at 8:55 a.m. Looking down I could see Guitar Lake--named for its shape--it looked exactly like an electric guitar. Every time I stop, Lola digs on the trail to try to make a soft bed for herself. 9:10 a.m. another break--I ate a Chocolate Cool Mint Cliff Bar. I'm all out of caffeine gel. I drank some of my iodized water. It tasted okay. I passed a talkative fellow who had just retired and he told me about hiking for five months on the Pacific Crest Trail which he said stretches from Mexico to Canada. He mentioned his blog on a website which I recorded on my voice recorder but found it hard to understand later.

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I finally ate my last powerbar--Bananna flavor. I can see the hut at the summit! 11:20 a.m. My goal had been to reach the summit no later than noon and I was right on target. It had taken almost three hours to get from the Trail Crest to the Summit. A few moments later

I WAS THERE ! ! I

had made it--the HIGHEST

POINT IN THE

CONTINENTAL USA ! I signed the book--a register for everybody who reaches the peak. I included my e-mail address, [email protected] There were about 10 or 12 other hikers at the top, most of them resting, taking pictures, enjoying the moment. Unfortunately, it was cloudy at the top and there was not much of a view to the east, but there was a break in the clouds a few minutes later. It was a feeling of success! The perseverance had paid off. And it was all based on the simple hope of reaching the summit. What a greater HOPE we have as Christians as we "run the race" set before us here on earth--the reward being ETERNAL LIFE! But actually I was not done yet. There was no "down" button. No elevator. The trip was not over. I was only HALF WAY ! I had reached my goal for the trip but was still only half way. We had to go back--it was comforting however to think that it was almost all 16

downhill. And I was encouraged by the progress we had made and the summit, obviously, was the climax. I commented to one of the hikers at the top that this reminds me of "Half Dome" (another great hike which I had hiked with my family and some of the inlaws several years ago--over a decade ago) and he said "Yeah--that made me squeamish too." After taking a few pictures and enjoying the moment we began the return trip. I finished the bag of corn chips I had carried the whole way with me. I had no more food and nine miles to go. I would doubtlessly be hiking through the night. At least I had plenty of water. I noticed the vegetation as I hiked--a plant that looked like a dandelion --yellow with an orange center, same size. I wondered if it actually was a dandelion. And there were some purple flowers too. Made it back to the switchbacks. No more uphill from this point. Took a little nap, a little after 2 pm. Sun is setting on the west side—not blazing on me. I looked at the snow slide –how tempting to try to slide down the snow rather than hike the switchbacks. If successful, you could be down in a few minutes, or you could be dead. I decided to hike.

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3:37 pm—about halfway down the switchbacks, Lola just flopped down in the trail, decided she wanted to sleep. She didn’t realize that I could not sleep just “wherever” like she could. I had tried that last night. 402 pm –getting close to the bottom of switchbacks. 438 pm I just heard thunder. I could see a dark cloud forming over Mt. Whitney. I wanted to get off the switchbacks before the rain and lightning. 515 pm--made it to the end of the switchbacks. By 530 pm I was sitting outside Trail Camp watching the overnighters scurry to set up their tents before the rain came. I knew I had to keep going but I couldn't help but rest for a few moments. By 545 pm. I was on the trail again. there was about three hours left of daylight. The sky kept changing. One moment there was sun, the next it was cloudy. I put on my rain coat thinking rain was imminent but then for the next two hours it did not rain. Around 8 pm I finally stopped and took off the rain coat and five minutes later it started to rain. I realized I needed to cover my back pack (with the cameras) more than my own back and used my rain coat as a covering for my backpack --while letting my shirt become soaked. We were hiking in the rain but there was still sun. That's when I saw it! A beautiful double rainbow in the distance towards the east--over Lone Pine. 18

Wow! (see attached photos). Despite the rain I stopped and pulled out my cameras and took some pictures. I thought about God's covenant:

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." Gen 9:12-16 I was soaked--fortunately my backpack was dry. Now that I was getting lower and lower it was not nearly as cold as it had been near Trail Camp the night before. And there were trees to rest under-where the rain couldn't get through. I knew I would be walking through the night, especially because I hike slow, and especially because Lola needed breaks. 10 pm I've been hiking in the dark for an hour now--using the flashlight. The rain stopped. The 19

sky is clear. I can see the stars. We made it to Lone Pine Lake. Two hikers came by around that time. We were taking a nap and somebody said "How's the dog?" Down below at the parking lot there are "Bear Cannisters" for any food or "scented" items to be placed in--so that bears won't break into cars. I had heard and read a few things about bears in this area--when I started out they were a real concern to me, but suddenly I felt like they were nothing to fear at all, and took several naps along the way under the stars without any concern whatsoever. I slept so peacefully as did Lola. And these were only 15 minute naps. Something kept me from dozing too long- I would suddenly wake up and say to myself "Gotta keep going." I would groan and get up and give a few tugs of the leash to get Lola going and we would walk for a while before stopping to take another nap and an iodized water break. Now it is almost 1 a.m (July 20)--still descending towards Whitney Portal (the parking lot). My stomach feels strange and I have a feeling of "heart burn." Every time I breath deep I feel it and after I drink some water I also feel it. I wonder if it has something to do with not eating for a while-not since 12 noon--over 12 hours.

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I can hear the waterfalls down below. The stars are beautiful. I haven't passed any other hikers in a while. We kept going. I passed over the streams again--for the first time I lost my footing and got my left foot soaked. It didn't bother me too much. Lola swam through. 3:30 a.m. We are back at Whitney Portal. We made it! I had to lift Lola into the car--she didn't have the leg strength to jump up. She fell asleep on the passengers side. I climbed in the back and fell asleep. Ahhhhh! 7 a.m. --I'm awake, but Lola's not. I get out of the car and check the Bear Cannister for my stuff. It's all there. I waddle over to the store/restaurant at the trail head. All my leg muscles are feeling sore--and my toes and feet aren't any better. But it's a good sore. I order the pancakes for breakfast $2.78--thinking I'll get a couple silver dollar pancakes. If you add bacon and eggs the price goes up to $6.00 so I pass. While waiting I buy a mug that says "I Did Whitney" and a similar sticker. The lady calls my name five minutes later and I am presented with a pancake the size of a medium-to-large pizza ! It takes two full size plates to hold ! The only other guy there says, "Didn't you know? This place is famous for their pancakes. "

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And it's a great pancake--unfortunately I think my stomach must have restricted --because I can't eat even half of it ( Lola ate the rest of it) The part I could eat was great! I put on lots of butter and syrup, but that was it. As I ate outside--there were at least nine bluejays hovering around me-apparently accustomed to getting a few bites from the hikers. And there were at least two chipmunks. I sat there savoring the accomplishment. I didn't do the "day hike" in the usual way--i.e. sprint to the top and back--I took my time--and made a good video out of it, and got some good pictures. I took my time and enjoyed the "process" as much as the product. You see the "process" builds character. Today, Sunday, July 22, 2006 I am a better person because of this hike four days ago. Some of the "sprinters" may be too--but if they didn't experience or appreciate the "process" and only realize the "product" (i.e. getting to the top) they have missed a part of the journey. The journey to the top of Whitney is an example of our life journey as Christians. We have a purpose here on earth--the reward being Eternal Life and communion with our Maker, forever. That is our HOPE !

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Along the way we will experience tribulationsmeaning afflictions, distress, anguish, and even persecution. But despite this we persevere-because we have HOPE--a much greater HOPE than reaching the top of Mt. Whitney. This HOPE is not something tentative or a mere possibility. It is a CERTAINTY ! The meaning of HOPE used most often in the Bible has to do with a "confident expectation." It's not like "hoping" your favorite team might win a game despite being the under dog. This is a much greater HOPE--it is something we can confidently depend upon happening as long as we run the race accordingly. Vines defines "hope", in part, as the following: HOPE (NOUN AND VERB), HOPE (FOR) elpis NT:1680, in the NT, "favorable and confident expectation"...It has to do with the unseen and the future, Rom 8:24,25. "Hope" describes (a) the happy anticipation of good (the most frequent significance), (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

I knew that the summit of Mt. Whitney existed even though I had not been there previously and could not see it much of the time as I traveled upward. And I knew that if I just continued to put 23

one foot in front of the other I would make it there. That was my confident expectation. And my expectation was fulfilled ! Likewise, if we follow God, and trust in Him, and are obedient to His commands, faithfully following His Will for our lives, we can confidently expect that we will "reach the summit"--i.e. we will inherit the Kingdom of God--and Eternal Life! This is not tentative or merely a capricious possibility. God is not "toying" with us. He's not changing the paths or directions to the top. He's given us a trustworthy map and everything we need --eyes, ears, hearts, etc. to live life fully for Him, here and now, on earth ! We "hike our trail" therefore with the Fruits of the Spirit--"Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control " (Galatians 5.22) and helping others along the way. We are here as much for the sake of others (or more so) than we are for ourselves. I heard the story about the climbers on Mt. Everest who passed by David Sharp who had become delirious on the way down--and would likely die if they did not help him. The climbers reasoned that at that point they could only help themselves and passed him by. Sharp was left to

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die. (See http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story? id=2034884&page=1 ) This is a perfect example of hiker/climbers missing the whole point of the journey--it's the process not the product. And if you must stop 1000 feet from the top to help somebody--and save the summit for another day or year--so be it. THERE IS NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE. The story of the Good Samaritan comes to mind, obviously. If we as Christians, like the rabbi who passed the injured man on the side of the road, forget our purpose--we are running toward a destination we will never reach. Although those Everest climbers made it to the top, leaving David Sharp behind to die. they will not be as fortunate in reaching the summit of the Kingdom of God if they do not run the race of life according to God's plan for them. Everything in the Bible points to humans helping other humans. This is not humanism--whereby one's human actualization and self-satisfaction is placed above all else--this is part of becoming human in the Imago Deo (the Image of God), like Jesus did on earth. Jesus was a contrast to many other parts of the Bible because He had a real, authentic purpose. He was connected to God, and every move He 25

made would be an example for us as Christians for centuries to come. A lot of that growth and maturity we experience as Christians comes from doing things alone. Too often, in groups, we begin to regress and depend too much on others or let others take the lead when we could be or should be doing so ourselves. And sometimes the group brings out the worst in you, not the best. Being out on the Whitney trail alone gave me the confidence to know with certainty for myself that there was not much to fear. The greatest danger was the one night alone in the cold with the emergency blanket. But I had been in colder situations than that and had survived. This is not to say I recommend seeking out extreme situations but if they happen and you survive, you learn and grow from it. Similarly, we take risks in our Christian lives-reaching out to others, expanding our boundaries or broadening our horizons because it helps us overcome prejudice, stereotypes, and fears. We base our knowledge and judgment on actual experience rather than reading somebody else's account in the newspaper or watching it on television.

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I hope my messages prompt you to act, not just sit and reflect. Action-reflection-action-reflection-ACTION! So I encourage you to take a step in the right direction today--breaking forth into new ground. There's no formula to specifically tell you what to do--you have to discern that for yourself with the help of God. But whatever you do you can do so with confident HOPE--an expectation of good things to come even if you suffer indignation and persecution as you go. YOU WILL REACH THE SUMMIT IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO QUIT . But if somebody needs help along the way-THAT's YOUR SUMMIT FOR THE TIME BEING ! Stop and help. Set aside your "product" for the time being. This is more important. Prayer: Dear God, I thank you for helping me reach the summit of MT. Whitney this week and giving me the perfect analogy for reaching the summit of eternal life and communion with You forever. You are the ETERNAL HOPE and we praise Your name ! You are the FAITHFUL ONE, upon whom we can depend, forever. Let us put all of our hope and trust in YOU--only YOU, and experience the journey of FAITH, believing in YOUR purpose for each one of us called by YOU ! 27

Song: All of my Hope in God is Founded http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/m/amhogifo.ht m Isn't that a great song? Song:Jesus, My Only Hope ! http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/m/jmyonlyh.ht m And so my friends, thank you for listening and being part of this E-church service. I always look forward to your response. Keep "hiking" and "climbing" towards your goal--and appreciate the process along the way. God is with you each and every step.

God bless you all.

VanderKOK Parting Hymn: Everlasting Life http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/e/v/everlast.htm Also, here are a few Mt. Whitney Websites (not endorsed by MSM) http://americasroof.com/ca.html http://www.nps.gov/seki/whitney.htm http://www.desertusa.com/mag98/sep/stories/whitney.html

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http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150227/mount-whitney.html http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Campground/1435/whitney.htm http://home.earthlink.net/~ellozy/mount-whitney-2002.html href=http://123johnchristian.multiply.com/journal/item/6/72206_ELEVATION_144 96_FEET_HOPE_DOES_NOT_DISAPPOINT_>7/22/06 ELEVATION 14496 FEET: HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT ! ELEVATION 14496 FEET: MOUNT WHITNEY, 7/19/06 TAGS: elevation, MOUNT WHITNEY, highest, HOPE, lola, LONE PINE, trailhead, snow, rainbow, GOD, perseverance 7/22/06 ELEVATION 14496 FEET: HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT

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