CtK Youth Backpack into the Wilderness

Dear members in Christ,

I have never written a blog before so please forgive any rambling. I had the privilege and honor to lead our group of intrepid youth and adults on our backpacking trip to Christikon Bible Camp in McLeod, Montana.

Pastor Dennis mentioned in a sermon that at one point or another, everyone is alone in the wilderness like Jesus was during his temptation. That wilderness could be a loss of a loved one, job related, health struggles, or even spiritual struggles. Our group of young adults faced many stages of wilderness as we hiked and conquered two mountains this time.

One wilderness was the REAL wilderness, another was the physical struggle, and another the emotional struggle of being away from home and loved ones. But through all of our different forms of struggle we had two things in common; we had each other and our three guides to lean on for physical and emotional encouragement, and through God's beauty we had Jesus walking with us and keeping us safe.

Our Bible study curriculum that our guides led us in all week from Matthew 5:1-12, the Beatitudes, showed us up close and personal how we are blessed with God's creation and to be stewards of it. We also learned from Matthew 6:25-34 to not worry about daily concerns like clothing and food for God provides all things. In Matthew 13:1-9, the Parable of the Sower, we are the seeds thrown onto rocks or rotten soil or good soil to flourish with the Holy Spirit and spread His good Word. In Matthew 14:13-21, we learned to not turn people away but feed and take care of them.

Through our adventures on trails and climbing up and down mountains, we learned to lift each other up and support each other. We regained an awe for what God created and gave us to take care of. At every step we were reminded that we are children of God.

On behalf of the CtK Youth Backpacking group, I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all the people who make this trip happen. Our youth leaders, parents, church staff, Christikon staff, our congregation and the general public for fundraising efforts and many more people. Without all of us using our blessings and gifts that God has given us, trips like this would not be possible. We need to continue to grow our faith and experience what God has given us and share that faith and experience through the Holy Spirit.

Thank you to all and God Bless!

Mark Schaefer-Wick

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