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SRCFC Email Update - Volume 12, Number 2 (Issue #204) January 30, 2011 |
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Climbers are a People-Group
By Calvin Landrus
One of the phrases that missionaries use is "people-group." Defining that term can be illusive but a recent chain of relationships seems to demonstrate that climbers are a people-group.
Last week, this web of connections within the climbing community became evident at Smith Rock. Most locals get out to Smith Rock midweek, so I was out there on Thursday to climb and minister. While there, a new couple showed up and introductions were started. I stopped short the introductions because I already knew them, not personally, but I knew they were moving to Central Oregon.
It all began several years ago on a visit to El Potrero Chico in Mexico. Dottie, a Solid Rocker, was hosting us. An American climber-dude, who winters in Hidalgo as well, was often over to visit. It was fun to talk with him and we had a few spiritual conversations.
Fast-forward to this fall and our outreach trip to the Petzl Roc Trip in Mexico. We were at the massive cave called El Chonta, outside of Taxco. From across the way, I heard, in a heavy Texan accent, "Hey, Calvin!" It was the same climber. We exchanged pleasantries and he introduced me to his climbing friend from Arizona.
The next morning, I headed out from the hotel the SRCFC team was staying at in Taxco and went looking for a cup of coffee. Before long, I bumped into them and we found a coffee shop. Over a cup of "joe," I asked the Arizona climber about his spiritual journey. He shared about how his mom was a strong Christian but that he had been hurt by the church. He seemed closed to hearing more. So I moved on and prayed.
Later during the next week in Mexico, my path crossed again with theirs and we talked about where we were from. When the Arizona climber found out I was from Bend, he said he has some good climbing buddies from Flagstaff moving to Bend. But until last week, I had forgotten about them. God worked even when I wasn't paying attention.
After meeting them, I connected with all three of them through Facebook. Now, there is a good chance that the friend from Arizona will make a visit to Smith Rock. Please pray for them all! Pray that God's grace is received by each and that afterwards the climbers they are connected with have an opportunity hear the Good News.
As a climber, you are part of the people-group of climbers. As you are amongst climbers, my hope for you is that the love and the light of Christ will come shining through you, changing their lives for all of eternity. |
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New Sponsor - Altus Adventures
 It's Solid Rock's privilege to introduce Altus Adventures as a new sponsor. Headed up by SRCFC Member, Nate Helweg, it is a guiding company committed to engaging youth and adults in outdoor settings for the purpose of initiating personal, social, and spiritual transformation.
Every May Altus Adventures hosts their signature program called the Outdoor Leadership Lab TM. For the past 30 years the OLL has been the training grounds for students, outdoor professionals, and those in ministry to gain competence as leaders and instructors in facilitating a wide array of outdoor pursuits.
The hallmark of OLL is the unique combination of professional standards courses intertwined with the explicit purpose of sharing Christ's truths through outdoor recreation. OLL exists not only to give people the technical skills necessary to lead in the outdoors but to use the outdoors as a tool for ministry.
This year, OLL is May 13-18 at Camp Crossroads in Lowesville, VA. The course offerings this year are Rock Climbing Instructor Training, Adventure Facilitation and Programming, and Backpacking and Expedition Skills. Also offered on May 11-12 is a wilderness first aid course taught by Wilderness Medical Associates.
The Rock Climbing course is designed to prepare individuals to instruct top rope climbing and rappelling on artificial and natural rock faces in a ministry context. There is an emphasis on preparing instructors to effectively manage a group of novice climbers at a single-pitch climb site. Technical, educational, and group management skills will be taught as well as methods in climbing instruction, belaying techniques, descending techniques, knots, equipment, natural and artificial anchors, basic rescues, and overall site safety. Ministry applications will be woven throughout. This course is designed for adventure program staff in camps and conference centers, schools and colleges, therapeutic homes, and other church/Christian organizations, or for those who are just excited about climbing!
If interested, you can register at outdoorleadershiplab.com or gather more information from Nate at nhelweg@altusadventures.com.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BEING A SPONOR OF SRCFC! |
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Chandler Mountain Challenge is Coming
By Calvin Landrus
On February 5th, 2011, SRCFC will be holding its 4th Chandler Mountain Challenge at Horsepens40 near Steele, AL. What started out as competition has evolved into being a bouldering benefit for Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up. Our slogan this year is "The More You Climb, the Greater the Gift!" What I mean by that is this: For every V-point bouldered by a registered climber, a dollar will be donated by SRCFC to buy medicine for African children with AIDS. For example, if one boulders four V4s, $16.00 will be given to the American Foundation for Children with AIDS because of their participation.
The day will start with registration and guidelines from 8:00-10:00 am. The climbers will be able to record ascents from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The day will close with dinner and a presentation on climbing in Mexico (El Potrero Chico, El Chonta, Jilopetec and Bernal) by me. This will include a gospel presentation.
 We will need a staff of several to make the day happen. Please reply to this email if you would like to help and/or climb at CMC. See more information about the day at www.srcfc.org/Events or promote and/or attend the event on Facebook.
PS - Upon arrival in Atlanta, on Wednesday, February 2nd, we will be heading to Ascension Climbing in Peachtree where in the evening, I will be showing the climbing in Mexico presentation at 8:00 pm. Solid Rock members, Mark and Melissa Robertson, are the owners and I'm so pleased to be partnering with them on this event. |
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Help Bring the Good News to Climbers with Your Giving!
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February 5
Chandler Mountain Challenge at Horse Pens 40, AL
February 12
Gathering At Mineral Wells State Park by Texoma Chapter
February 19
Gathering at Greenbelt, Austin - Central Texas Chapter
March 18-20
Red Rock Rendezvous
April 9
Dallas Kloke Memorial Event at Mt. Erie, WA
April 14-17, 2011
East Coast National Conf.
Red River Gorge, KY
September 20-25, 2011
West Coast National Conf.
Yosemite, CA
Read More About Events!
*** Designates that SRCFC is participating as a Sponsor |
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ABS Nationals Are Coming
First, if you are or you have a child that will be competing at Nationals, please let it be known so you can connect at the event. Second, this is a great volunteer opportunity. Being inside the ropes is a great way to connect with members of the climbing community. Happening over two weekends in Boulder, CO, the American Bouldering Series (ABS) National Championships are looking for volunteers. The ABS 12 Open and Citizen's National Championships are February 11-12, 2011. The Youth National Championships are February 18, 19, and 20, 2011. If you are interested in volunteering please, email Gigi Metcalf at volunteer@usaclimbing.org.
phpBB Expertise Needed for Forum. We are in the final stretches of implementing our last phase of the website - a social networking platform. This will include searching for climbing partners, directly emailing other site users via a private messaging system and participating in discussions on-line. The actual forum board will be using the phpBB program. If you have experience working that program, please contact Calvin at calvin@srcfc.org ASAP. Thanks!
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This section allows us to give extra news about our community and/or to give members the opportunity to spread the word about something that is not directly related to SRCFC's mission - items like things for sale, job announcements, etc. Please email info@srcfc.org with your announcements. Click here to learn more.
> Outdoor Mission Camp Guide Program
Outdoor Mission Camp's two month SHERPA training camp is for young adult leaders, ages 18-26, who want to develop skills, knowledge, wisdom and confidence. |
Editor of Updates
Calvin Landrus
SRCFC Director
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Donation Information If you would like to support the mission of Solid Rock with your financial resources, please send your donation to: SRCFC National Office, PO BOX 9831, Bend, OR 97708-9831. Visit Donate or Order for a response form to mail or email, and info on how to pay with check, credit card or PayPal. Solid Rock - Climbers for Christ is a California tax exempt, religious, non-profit corporation organized in accordance with IRS Sec. 501(c) (3). All donations in excess of the fair market of the goods and services you received (if any) are deductible.
WARNING!!!!!
Activities described and depicted within this update carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and all other outdoor activities are dangerous. Solid Rock/Climbers for Christ does not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless he or she understands the risks involved, is an expert, has qualified professional instruction, and is willing to personally assume all responsibility associated with those risks. |
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