Peak7 Newsletter June 2006
What has been Going On?
A new and improved website: www.peak7adventures.org
Tamarack Center - May 25
Peak7 and staff from the Tamarack Center teamed up to put on a rafting trip for kids from the Tamarack Center, a residential facility for at-risk youth. The trip was a success in all aspects and we are already planning more trips like it. An excerpt from a letter sent by a Tamarack Director best describes it:
It's amazing to see these kids learn to trust themselves more than they've ever had to and to rely on their peers and the staff for support as well. Most of the kids went into the rafting trip scared to death, but by the end, they were asking if we could go rafting every week. This was a huge barrier for them to overcome and I think they will remember this trip more than any other when they leave Tamarack.
This was probably a once in a lifetime experience for most of these kids. I've never seen Andy smile so much and just soak up the experience. He was so vulnerable, but allowed himself to let loose and have the time of his life. He mentioned how awesome it was to raft and even during lunch, he just sat by himself and watched the river go by. He said he'll spend a lot of his time down by the river now during the summer. This will also keep him motivated to not sign out June 1, since the next trip is June 8.
Rebecca was scared out of her wits, and practically sitting in Mark's lap during the first part of the trip, but then conquered her fears and trusted her peers, guides, staff, the river, and gear…she was happy she did it at the end. As if whitewater rafting isn't team building enough, we also did some team building inside the raft. Two people hooked the ends of their paddles together and leaned back as far as possible before falling into the water or back into the boat, learning to trust their peers. Another one was to flip the raft and everyone get back in...Misty didn't want to flip the raft, but ended up loving it and conquered her fear when it was all over. Bryan…was just oblivious…he couldn't really get in the rhythm and was very uncoordinated, but still seemed to love it. There was no negativity heard all day!! These are just a few of the stories I'll share…I encourage you to personally ask your kids how it was for them…they all did awesome and I know they will remember this for a lifetime!
The John 17 Prayer
On May 22nd eight youth pastors and two Peak7 guides piled into two rafts and headed down the Spokane River for a couple hours of fun. At the drop-off point, a BBQ awaited where we feasted on marinated turkey and burgers. The rain held off just enough for us to talk about the mission of Peak7 Adventures and answer questions about putting on trips for each of their youth groups. As a trip to market Peak7, we believe the trip was a success and several of the youth pastors expressed interest in putting trips on for their groups.
However, another really cool aspect of the trip that we did not anticipate was how neat it was to see pastors from different churches hanging out together, some of them meeting for the first time. Among the topics of conversation was “The Boiler Room”, a program where pastors from the Spokane area meet periodically to pray and encourage each other. What an awesome program. During his final hours, Jesus prayed that we would be one with each other. “My Prayer is not for them alone, I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21-22)
That got us thinking that perhaps Peak7 could serve the Church (capital C) in that same spirit by organizing trips with the sole purpose of providing a fun time where pastors could meet and encourage other pastors from around the area. We are moving forward, planning trips for pastors and church leaders with no agenda other than to provide an environment where pastors can hang out with other pastors, to encourage and be encouraged. We don’t know if this will be a significant part of how God will allow us to participate in his kingdom, but we will continue to seek Him and pray that His kingdom will come, and His will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven.
If you know any pastors or leaders in churches who might be interested in a rafting trip, send them our way. They can sign up by calling 509-467-5550. The trips are free!
Goals:
On May 21st the board set the following goals for Summer 2006:
• 20 paid rafting trips (2 trips so far)
• 3 overnight backpacking trips (we call these trips “Mountain Bible School”)
• 50 prayer warriors by September (a Peak7 prayer warrior is someone who will commit to pray at least once a week for the Peak7 team, participants and programs. If you are interested, email (JOEL’S EMAIL!!!) joel@peak7adventures.org
• Raise $4,000 in sponsorships to send kids on outdoor trips
Send a Kid Outdoors!
Our passion is that people will use the outdoors as a place to meet God, appreciate His creation and place their trust more fully in his very capable hands. Many people, even here in the Northwest, never get the opportunity to experience the wilderness. Peak7 is partnering with donors to send kids on rafting and backpacking trips throughout the Pacific Northwest. It costs $550 to send someone on a 5-day backpacking trip. We need sponsors who can sponsor either a whole trip, or just one day for $110. If you feel that God is calling you to sponsor someone call 509-467-5550. You can either sponsor someone you know, or Peak7 will match you up with a candidate.
Prayer Requests:
• Participants would be safe
• The outdoor experiences would encourage people spiritually
• We would meet our goals for the summer
• The Peak7 staff would place their trust completely in His hands
