Since 1980, Beach Reach has been serving South Padre Island with safe van rides and late-night pancake breakfasts while sharing the gospel with university students on spring break. ReCreation Adventure Ministries partnered with West Texas A&M, Amarillo College, and Clarendon College providing van transportation and encouragement to university student leaders.
Spending time in the cool Rocky Mountains is the place to go when it gets hot where you live! In the evenings, these men discussed the highlights of the book Principle of the Path written by Andy Stanley. The Principle of the Path is simple - what you give your attention to determines your direction, and your direction determines your destination. The same is true for mountaineering in Colorado. Paying attention to the trail and land features allows you to reach your destination.
ReCreation Adventure Guides train as often as possible in different areas of the country. Spring in the Southern Rocky Mountains can present a challenge for the mountaineer due to the late wind and snow storms. Snow and or ice work is required. Snow work can be a test of patience, perseverance and physical endurance. Photo credits to Lee Coleman.
From beautiful lake views to the Northern Lights, Minnesota does not disappoint! It truly is the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Our sister outdoor adventure ministry, Backcountry Sojourners, made this risk management expedition possible. Evening discussions was from selected bible passages relating to personal responsibility, risks in relationships and conquering fear.
Is there anything better than life long friends? These ladies from The Woodlands, Texas, began preparing for this expedition in the fall 2022. Several of them would say this was ‘the most challenging adventure’ they have experienced. After hot, humid afternoons, snakes and centipedes, the Woodland Wonders completed the 22 mile trek to the Arkansas state line. The book, Soundtracks, written by John Acuff, was discussed each evening. How to change overthinking from a SUPER problem to a super POWER was the focus of the book.
The Garcia family enjoyed hiking trails in the Grand Canyon. The National Park provides educational programs for children to learn about the wildlife within the park as some of animals are endangered. ReCreation Adventure Ministries encourages families (parents) in the areas of school (private vs public), outdoor education and biblical parenting principles. Families going on retreat for spiritual renewal is what ReCreation Adventures is all about!
Since 1980 Beach Reach has been serving South Padre Island with safe van rides and late night pancake breakfasts while sharing the Gospel with college students on spring break. ReCreation Adventures partnered with West Texas A&M University, Amarillo College and University of Texas/Permian Basin providing van transportation and encouragement to student leaders.
Safety is a priority on ReCreation Adventures. Training as a Wilderness First Responder can be obtained through Wilderness Medicine Training Center International. All of ReCreation Adventure Ministry Expedition Leaders are trained through this organization. Photo Credits: Curt Howell
Men from JanLee Baptist Church, Burkburnett, Texas enjoyed some autumn days on the Ouachita Trail of Eastern Oklahoma. Their goal was to backpack to the Arkansas state line! The Principle of the Path: How To Get From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be, written by Andy Stanley was the evening study and discussion for the expedition.
Safety is a priority for ReCreation Adventures. Risk management expeditions pave the way for future groups to explore the challenging outdoors of the Ozark Highlands safely and filled with scenic beauty along the way. Risk Management explored the first 13 miles of the 254 mile long trail that runs West to East.
What does it take to be a guide for ReCreation Adventure Ministries? RAM Guides go through annual training in outdoor living skills, wilderness trail camping, orienteering skills and how to use expedition experiences to lead others to grow spiritually. Each guide uses their own personality and outdoor experiences to connect with adults and students alike to provide the best experience on a ReCreation Adventure Expedition.
International students from West Texas A&M University visited the Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks. These students experienced a first since coming to the United States. They had never roasted marshmallows over an open fire or cooked an Italian meal in the outdoors. Stories were shared about what it meant to have personal faith in Jesus throughout the weekend.
The adventure was a masala of experiences; of memories; and of personalities. A masala is a mixture of individual spices and fragrances that combine to make a creation different from the individual ingredients it is made up of. The masala of experience took us from the depths to the heights literally, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Valleys, rivers, forest with its green canopy overhead, breathtaking views, and nature with all its sights and sounds combined to stir up an awe of God’s creation that is difficult to put into words. There was a masala of personalities. Each person on the trip with his unique gifting and humor added to the whole to create an awesome team-again, a masala. Each at times encouraged others and at other times needed encouragement. And humor-oh my, there was that. There was also a masala of emotions-laughter, an aweness-I made that word up-quiet reflection, gratefulness, challenge, fatigue, questioning-can I do this?-and joy. All these individual ingredients came together to create a masala of memories that I savor and treasure - Linda Witte. (Photo Credits to Seve Stowers).
The participants hiked the Bright Angel Trail to Indian Gardens Campground and back to the South Rim. A total of 9 miles descending approximately 4,000 feet then turning around and ascending 4,000 feet! They hiked the Grand Canyon Rim Trail the following day. The average age of these participants was 69 years of age and they are a great example for all in staying fit and active! All participants were encouraged through bible study each evening.
We all have seasons in our lives where we need to be restored and repurposed. The story of King David and Mephibosheth is a perfect example of being “dropped’ by the circumstances of life. However, God knows when we are ‘dropped’. He seeks us out, picks us up, restores/repurposes us and prepares a place at His banquet table. 2 Samuel Chapters 4 and 9.
Why do we need to get away? Why do we need to retreat? Here are just a few reasons:
Remembrance. We need to remember. Leviticus 23 is packed with Hebrew festivals and holidays. The Festival of the Tents is a reminder of God’s provision during the wilderness wanderings. A time to remember how God takes care of us yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Renewal. Jesus renewed his disciples on the mountainside by spending time with them teaching and encouraging as seen in the gospels.
Restoration. Jesus restored Peter’s life and purpose that day on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. After getting away from our norm, our purpose for living can be seen from a different lens/perspective.
These young married couples enjoyed a winter retreat in South Central New Mexico.
University of Texas/Permian Basin International students from Nigeria, Nepal, Kenya and Mexico experienced the deep West Texas mountains found at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Students learned camping basics and hiked the front ridge of Guadalupe Peak. Student leaders had opportunity to share how the wilderness experience relates to the adventure of the Christ Life.
The Kelley family men enjoyed the White Mountain Wilderness, near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Throughout the weekend the biblical importance of going on retreat was shared. Each of these men have been mentored by older Godly men in their lives. The challenges and importance of mentoring the next generation of young men was shared. Titus 2; Psalm 68:5; Psalm 78:4. Thanks to Kirk Kelley for the excellent pictures!!
“The important thing in life is not triumph but the struggle….” Pierre De Coubertin , Founder of Modern Olympic Games. The Aleksuk Family learned as was shared by Laramie (RAM Guide) to ‘embrace the struggle’. Many times our struggles are not just physical, but also emotional and/or personal. Jeremiah writes in Lamentations, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I hope in Him.” Lam. 3:22-24 NKJV
This group met one another on a google meet the Sunday before this Open Expedition began to the Grand Canyon, AZ. Bonding together quickly, they completed the 24 mile, North to South Rim hike in 19 hours. Evening bible studies related Old Testament wilderness experiences to the adventure of the Christ life. This group shared throughout the expedition how the laughter and tears were worth it to complete what is rarely accomplished!
On this expedition Lee and Laramie learned basic wilderness first aid; how to use RAM gear/equipment; and how to teach/lead age appropriate bible studies and activity debriefing. Lee and Laramie will be helping to lead and assist with RAM expeditions.
