Testimony: Kilimanjaro

One definition of “testimony” says “proof; something that supports a fact or a claim.” Another says “public avowal; a public profession of Christian faith or religious experience.”   It’s a word that Ugandan Christians use frequently and are very comfortable with.  Often during local church services, the Pastor will invite anyone with a testimony to come up and share it with the congregation.  People share all sorts of personal ways that God is working in their lives, from His provision in matters of finance to physical healing to spiritual peace through adverse, often life threatening, circumstances.

The EMI climb Kili Team on Day 1 at the trail head. (photo credit David Hoskinson)

I have an amazing testimony that covers both of these definitions. The climb to the highest point in Africa on Mount Kilimanjaro was successful.  Our entire team of 14 reached the summit at Uhuru Peak, 19,341 feet above sea level!   I have heard that the success rate on the route we took (called Lemosho) is about 92%.  So statistically, at least one of us should not have seen the stunning glaciers at the peak.  But by God’s sweet grace and amazing mercy, we all made it!  

The mountain is a beautiful place and it was a joy to be enveloped in God's incredible creation, camping on terrain that I had never before witnessed.  There are a few plants that only grow on the slopes of Kilimanjaro and our guides pointed them out as we passed them.  We went through 5 ecological zones (rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine dessert, and arctic) on the 8 day, 40 mile hike. 

Jumping across swampy place on Day 2.

Senecio trees.

Taking a break.

(photo credit David Hoskinson)

(photo credit David Hoskinson)

Day 3, we still have a long way to go. (photo credit David Hoskinson)

The team, along with our 4 guides, hiked the first 5 days, gradually rising each day up about 13,000 feet.

(photo credit David Hoskinson)

On the 6th day we made a short 3 hour hike in the morning up to camp at 15,000 feet.  Then we rested and went to bed early after supper, around 5 pm.  We woke a few hours later to eat "breakfast", and around 11 pm started the slow ascent up the final 4,000 feet of elevation change to the summit.

It was very cold and difficult to breathe, especially for the last few hours, because of the very low oxygen levels at that elevation.  We arrived at Uhuru just before sunrise, around 5:50 am.  It was freezing cold and very windy at the top but we were all thrilled to be there!

Here's the testimony.  Do you see me?

Glacier at the summit. (photo credit David Hoskinson)

View of the rim of a crater at the summit. (photo credit David Hoskinson)

 After a very short photo session at the summit (less than 10 minutes!), we returned back down the mountain to camp, which only took about 2 hours.  Then we had a short rest and lunch and another 3 hour hike down to the next camp.  In all, we hiked about 13 miles with 9,000 feet of elevation change in less than 24 hours.

Veiw of Mount Muru from at sunrise from the summit.

It was the most difficult time I have ever experienced physically.  But it was well worth it!  I learned an even deeper dependence on the Lord during my time on the mountain.  He carried me through a physical challenge that I would not have even attempted on my own.  Jesus was with me every step.

God used that time to show me to seek Him above ALL else.  The verse He continually brought me back to was Jeremiah 29:13.

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.

As you know from my previous post, the climb was a fundraiser for the EMI East Africa building fund campaign, Build Africa Together.  Praise God, over $49,000 was donated!  Thank you all for your generosity as you partner with EMI.  Please pray for this effort as we continue to raise funds and plan for this exciting new building project!