Look at the photo to the right and share the awe of standing atop the magnificent Ozarks! Aren't the colors vivid? Isn't the breeze soothing? Take a deep breath and let the fresh air renew your being. How can we deny the Creator as we stand in His creation? What?! You don't see all of that in the photo? I do because I have been there, and every time I look at the photo, I relive the experience.

I fear a similar attempt to describe Rock Week may fall short of the experience, but join me for just a moment. Catch a glimpse of the intensity and victory of the trip.

Rock climbing can be described as doing a hard gymnastic routine while playing chess. It requires 100% physical effort and 100% mental effort. Mix in the emotional/spiritual struggle of facing fears and accepting challenges, and the total person is involved in each step and every reach made on the rock. "Topping out" on a climb that requires every ounce of effort is indescribable. The ecstasy of that moment causes a climber to scream for joy at the top of a climb, and then come down and ask a friend to untie his shoelaces because his fingers have no strength left. Then, he waits a few minutes and tackles another climb that is even harder.

We use Sam's Throne, Arkansas, as our base for Rock Week. This area challenges both beginner and seasoned climbers with its variety of climbing routes. Our campsite sits near "the point" which entices campers to rise at dawn to see the sunrise or linger after dinner to watch the sunset. Afternoons will find us in the scenic Buffalo River. Many participants say just being in the area makes them appreciate God more.

Then, there is the Bible study and fellowship. Our camaraderie grows during the week because the climbers help each other overcome fears and face many difficult challenges through each day. Then around the evening campfire, we discuss scriptures and apply those truths to the frustrations and successes of the day. We learn that Jesus challenges us to grow and constantly stretches us in our relationship with Him. The successes we enjoy on the climbs teach us techniques to help each other grow spiritually.

When I write of the physical, mental and emotional challenges, the beautiful scenery, the growth with God and my brothers and sisters, I relive the feelings. But, these black and white words can only give a glimpse of the experience to someone who hasn't been there. To really understand what I am trying to convey, sign up for Rock Week. You'll travel a little, sweat a lot, work hard, pray fervently, and grow.