Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) reads, "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment..."  Do most climbers believe that?  According to a "semi-scientific" survey published by Rock and Ice in issue #191, most climbers don't even believe in an afterlife.  It said that only 39% of climbers believe in an afterlife. 

Friends, that means we have a lot of work to do as we bring the Good News to climbers!  Before someone can even consider becoming a Christ-follower, they must admit that there is more to this life than the few years that they are on this planet. 

The wonderful part of this survey is it gives YOU an opportunity to find out what your climbing friends think about the subject. Getting a dialogue going on spiritual matters about God is an important step for one to become a Christ-follower.  Next time you see a climbing buddy, use this approach: "Hey, did you see the survey on body, mind and soul in the latest Rock and Ice?  Among other things, it said only 39% of climbers believe in an afterlife.  How about you, what do you believe happens after you die?"

I haven't had a chance to use this approach yet, but through a parallel way, I did have a chance to share with a climber last summer.  For reasons beyond my control, I was climbing on a very hot day at Smith.  It was nearly 100 degrees in the shade.  Even more unbelievable was this guy trying the classic overhanging arête called "Chain Reaction" (5.12+).  It's very friction dependant so he was just flailing away.  When he came down, he screamed, "It's hotter than hell out here."

The Rock and Ice survey asked those who believed in an afterlife, if they would go to heaven or hell.  65% didn't answer or didn't know, 30% said heaven and only 5% said hell.  This is another interesting point you could start or continue your God talk with.

After his tirade, I stated to him, "So you must believe in hell, then."  That started a conversation that went from the crag, along the trail and into the parking lot.  He heard a message very much like what the author of Hebrews continued with in verse 28 - "so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people."  The climber communicated that he had others in his life sharing the Christian message.  Conceivably, our time together was one step towards him becoming a Christ-follower.

Perhaps as a Christian climber, you have been silent about your faith in the community of climbers.  Possibly, when God was poking your spirit to speak to a climber about Him, you ignored it.  Start 2011, with a new attitude, willing to be bold!  The eternal destination of climbers, whether they believe it or not, hangs in the balance.  Use the survey to start a God talk.  I will.  Will you?  

I will be reporting back about using this approach.  If you do too and have a report, I will include yours.  Email it to calvin@srcfc.org.