Rock climbing, skateparks, and youth!

Last weekend Ryan and I seized the opportunity to go up into a remote mountain town called Providencia that I had heard about from Rock & Ice magazine.  This very small town of no more than 300 people has become somewhat known for its many undiscovered rocks to climb.  The nature of our visit was just that; to check out the climbing scene in Providencia, especially since it has been over 4 months since I had been able to climb (yes, that's a big deal for me believe it or not). It was a long journey that the Lord blessed over and over again as we observed the Lord's amazing creation, were able to hitchhike into the town that was 16 km (about 10 miles) down the mountain, and met many friendly, helpful people.  To make a long story short we met with Eric Allen, a Canadian who has lived in this town for 15 years on and off.  He was the one interviewed in the Rock & Ice article and much to our surprise, he is a believer!  He and his wife Ying were very kind in blowing their entire day on us, showing us around the town, showing us the good boulders to climb and showing us their school a day before their trip back to Canada for 6 months. El Gimnasio de la mente is a sort of continuation of education for the youth in Providencia which only offers public schooling only up to 6th grade.  They incorporate outdoor activities (climbing, bouldering, hiking, camping), computer skills, moral values, and practical skills in their full academic curriculum.  All this to say if you are at all interested in being a part of this awesome ministry for a few months at a time please contact them at: yukonwildthings@yahoo.com.  Also check out their websites: providencialearningcenter.org or at crclimbing.com  They are looking for young, motivated, believers that are willing to invest in this towns' people and their relationship with Christ.

Ryan, trying out their indoor bouldering wall

Another section of the wall

This is known as "la cueva" of the cave

Eric and Ying Allen the founders of Gimnasio de la mente

One of Providencia's many climbable boulders

The B&B we stayed at with a conveniently placed large boulder

Awesome waterfall

Strangling Ficus that Ryan and I climbed.

      Also, today is the first official study for Capilla Calvario San Isidro grupo de jovenes (Calvary Chapel San Isidro youth group).  I'm excited to start the youth group, to see what the Lord decides to do.  Please pray for continued vision, passion, direction, and of course for the youth to be drawn to the youth group and most importantly to Him!  We are starting today's study off with a game, a time of getting to know each other, and studying God's character in His love and mercy.  We're also looking to make flyers to inform the youth about the study.  As we go through His characteristics I thought it would be useful to turn the flyer into a sort of tract, asking them questions about what they know of His character.  As we go through different subjects we'll change these flyers/tracts accordingly.

     In praying for the youth in this town the Lord has impressed on my heart, in response to there being a pretty large sub-culture of skaters, the building of a skate park.  It would be the 1st one this city has seen and would be a great tool to reach the youth here.  It's still just a thought and is going to require a lot of planning, and prayer, but I am confident if this is something the Lord wants than He will fully provide for it.  This is something I've always wanted to be a part of so I'm very excited to see how it turns out.  Thank you so much for your continued prayer and support!