One of the great things about climbing is that success is very definable. Most often it's getting from the bottom to top in good style whether it is a boulder, cliff or mountain.

For several years, we have supported American Foundation for Children with AIDS by doing "Climb Up so Kids can Grow Up" events (see CMC below). In 2011, they provided for over 5 million doses of medicine to folks in Africa plus many more wonderful accomplishments that can be specifically shared with supporters.

What can I share to highlight the success of Solid Rock - Climbers for Christ in 2011? Our stated purpose for over 20 years has been "to share the Gospel ("Good News") of Jesus Christ with the rock climbing and mountaineering community first in the United States, Canada and the world." How do we determine if we are hitting the target?

At your Annual Board of Directors meeting in November, it was reported (see complete report) that in our last Ministry Year (Oct. 1, 2010 to Sept. 30, 2011) that SRCFC has thirty-seven Outreaches or Gatherings with approximately 350 Members involved reaching over 2240 climbers face to face. Very good numbers but do they really give a complete picture?

After the meeting, one of the Board Members challenged us to probe the membership deeper to help us understand as a group if we are hitting the target of giving witness to seeking un-reached climbers and reaching climbers for Christ. To that end, please take the "2011 Hitting the Target Assessment." To encourage participation in this, we will randomly select one who completes the questionnaire by February 6th to receive a 70 meter rope.

Now, we understand that any measurement and reporting criteria will not show a complete understanding of the ministry's qualitative effectiveness but having you take the assessment will at least cause you to think more about effectively reaching climbers in your life.

Five Assessments and Descriptions

Prayer: Have you prayed regularly for the salvation of un-reached climbers you know personally?

Seeds Sown: Have you climbed or had a meaningful social interaction with an un-reached climber? Has a climber taken note of Solid Rock logo-ware or other Christian clothing you've worm?

God Talks (read more on having a God Talk): Have you as a Christ Follower had friendly open-ended discussion with a climber about his or her personal spiritual beliefs? For example this could be a short discussion with another climber who states the "judgmental attitudes" of Christians is something that keeps him from considering Christianity as a personal spiritual option. Or a series of discussions with a climber friend about the life and saving message of Christ.

New Followers: Has any climber become a new Christ Follower resulting from your witness as a member of SRCFC? This doesn't require that they came to Christ at a formal Solid Rock event but that because you are part of this community, you were equipped, encouraged and empowered to be a witness and that was part of process of the climber coming to Christ. You will be encouraged to share their first name and the story about conversion.

Climbers in Community: Have you encouraged a new believer or straying believer into Christian community/church where discipleship, accountability and mission? This could include one-on-one discipleship as well as one coming to SRCFC events for helping with outreach. All should have some connection to encouragement and ministry of SRCFC. And once again, you will be encouraged to share their first name and their story.

Thanks for your time in helping with this! It will be an encouragement to all!

Please take the "2011 Hitting the Target Assessment."

On February 11th, 2012, SRCFC will be holding its 5th Chandler Mountain Challenge at Horse Pens 40 near Steele, AL. When then Chapter Coordinator, Brad Killough, sought to do the first one, I was excited to hear that we could have freedom sharing the Good News because the bouldering is on private property and that the owners, the Schultz family, is open to what we are doing! Our heartfelt thanks go to Brad for his vision and the Schultz family for their willingness to have us.

What started out as a competition has evolved into being a bouldering benefit for Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up. Our slogan this is "The More You Climb, the Greater the Gift!" What is meant 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 climbing and life/lesson presentation by Nate and Sarah Moore (soon to be SRCFC's Outreach Directors). See more info and RSVP on Facebook.

HELP NEEDED!!!! We will need a staff of several to make the day happen. Alabama/Eastern Tennessee Chapter Coordinators Jonathan Parker (johnnybeclimbin@yahoo.com) and Jacob Wiles (jacob.s.wiles@live.com) are heading the event up. The help needed is mainly with the dinner on Saturday night but other help is needed too. They will need two stoves, croc pots, cutting boards, knives, pots, pans, etc. to make the Burrito Feed happen. Also, a VIDEO PROJECTOR and SCREEN are needed. Please contact Jonathan and Jacob ASAP with your availability and/or ability to provide the needed resources.