Throughout the Bible, God has used the wilderness as a formative context for his people. It is where God led His chosen people immediately after rescuing them from Egyptian slavery. It is where the Spirit led Jesus immediately after His baptism. It is a place where godly character can be forged. Wilderness offers a unique dependence and is a sharp tool to reveal our hearts. The Teton trip is a rigorous backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Rocky Mountains. You’ll need to be prepared physically, mentally and spiritually. Some opportunities to look forward to on Tetons:
Renewal (Romans 12:2)
One of the great privileges of wilderness is to rediscover the wonder of God through his creation and to hear His voice as His Word is explored each day. Time with community will be life-giving. You will experience extended solo time and learn to pray in new ways.
Self-Awareness (Romans 12:3)
Wilderness Trips are a giant mirror. How we do life, relationships and hardship on the trail reflect who we are and how we are at home. Wilderness has a way of peeling back the masks we wear so that we can see ourselves more clearly. Our prayer is that each student might respond to the inside look with repentance and trust in a God who longs to transform us into His Image. The more clearly we see the darkness of our hearts, the more joy we can experience in Christ’s gracious love.
Perseverance (James 1:2-4)
Our faith demands perseverance. In life we face constant temptation to take shortcuts. Students will face their own demand for personal comfort and control. Each will have the opportunity to discover the joy of moving beyond perceived limits to accomplish hard goals.
Family (Romans 12:10)
No doubt the bonding on a wilderness trip with other believers is profound. In order to successfully complete this trip, we will need to work together in everything we do. From preparing a meal to crossing a river we will need each other. It is our prayer that the sense of community that is built in the wilderness will translate to a stronger commitment to Christian community in their family and their church as well.
Leadership (Romans 12:4-8)
We believe the best way to learn about leadership is to have opportunities to lead. This trip will serve up opportunities to grow in leadership through experience, observation and processing. We will constantly give each other feedback adopt a posture of learning throughout the week. Mentors will process life on the trail with students and how it reflects back home, pointing them to humility and surrender before God.
A Deep Love for Jesus (Ephesians 3:16-19)
The goal above all goals of this trip, is to see every student grow in their love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our ultimate joy is found in Christ, and we want to be a people who truly experience Jesus’ love and know Him in a way that changes who we are and what we love. All of the above components of this trip are meant to lead us to our one great joy—being with Jesus Christ.
