Moving mountains

22/01/2009A BMS World Mission supporter from Southampton has achieved a 25-year dream in completing a fundraising trek in the Himalayas.

Les at the top of Kalar Patthar

Les Pike, a member of Freemantle Baptist Church, braved sub-zero temperatures and tough terrain to raise £800 for two BMS-supported projects in Nepal.

The money will enable Christians from disadvantaged sectors of Nepali society to gain training either in theology or professional subjects, administered through BMS partner, INF Worldwide.

Les travelled with six others last November on a two-week trek, starting at Lukla, following the Dudh Kosi river to Kalar Patthar, and finally onto their destination: Everest Base Camp.

Stunning
Les says: “The views along the valleys were stunning at every twist and turn, and we marvelled at the magnificent scenery.

“As we went up, so the oxygen in the air began to thin and the days and nights turned colder. From 4,700m upwards the going became increasingly difficult due to altitude and fatigue.

“At the top of Kalar Patthar – our highest point at 5,545m – we sat on the rocks and viewed the spectacular Himalayan panorama”.

Jewels
Les says he was reminded of Psalm 19 – ‘the heavens declare the glory of God’. “During the day the sun lit the mountains and valleys revealing them in all their glory. When darkness fell the stars hung and sparkled in the night sky like jewels in great splendour.”

The trip was not only physically demanding, but spiritually challenging for Les as well. “There is a small but growing community of Christians where 95 per cent are new to the faith,” he explains.

“I thought of the book of Acts as the young Church mushroomed in the midst of all their joys and tribulations. My prayer is that the Nepali Christians faith and witness will bear fruit as they live out their lives in this country for him.”

Fulfilment
Les added, “As well as walking, the experience of a different culture, the silence in the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu added to the sense of fulfilment I felt in visiting a place I have wanted to go for the last 25 years.

“I didn't see a Christian church while I was there – perhaps when I go next time I may be able to put that right!”

Are you planning to take on a fundraising challenge for BMS World Mission in 2009? Why not do what Les did – and many others do too – and use justgiving.com. This allows your family and friends to give online easily and efficiently to BMS, without the hassle of paperwork! Over £8,500 has been donated to BMS in this way. Click here for more details

Utilities

Archive News

Nepal News