Ten men from all over the nation traveled into the Weminuche wilderness the first week in August ’08 for a trip of a lifetime. We were from as far away as Delaware and California, from Texas to Canada, thing in common – a desire to get our hearts back and bring some adventure into life. We were not disappointed.

Glen, Mark, Vincent, Kyle, Nate, Joe, Mike, John, Mark, and Bill headed out for 6 days of backpacking and adventure, hitting the trail at 8000 feet. We hiked 40 miles, reaching an elevation of 12,500 feet. We caught fish (did we ever!), got hailed on, swam in 40 degree water, hiked on every terrain possible, saw wildlife from only a few feet away, and participated in an awesome movement of God. As we hiked, spontaneous pods of guys started sharing about God, life, and the movement of the body of Christ. We experienced the working of God’s spirit as the ten of us entered into real community. Differences in denominations didn’t seem to matter. The fact that the ages of the group ranged from 19 to 64 didn’t seem to matter. The fact that some of us were plugged into the local church and some of us were outside the institutional church didn’t seem to matter. The fact that we were from east coast to west, and from north to south didn’t seem to matter. What seemed to matter was the presence of God.

Every one of us was challenged in some form on the trip. Whether the stretching came physically or spiritually, we all grew. Several guys said it was the trip of a lifetime. The scenery alone left us gawking with mouths open. There wasn’t a dull moment, and each man felt the presence of God in every step of our journey. Each of us took home a different experience, finding that God was very interested in growing us individually as well as collectively. Life long friendships were made.

There has already been talk of who is going on the next one – what the next great adventure with Outside Edge Coaching will be. But more important is the question of what Papa’s next step for each of us will be. So be checking for the next great adventure – you won’t want to miss it!

Trips are already beginning to form for ’09. The tentative schedule is looking like this: January ’09 – 3 day winter snow cave expedition February ’09 – Couples coaching retreat June ’09 – Coed back pack trip into the Weminuche September ’09 – 14 day, 100 mile Mt. Whitney Adventure More TBA….

Testimonies

"I have to say that when I signed up for this trip I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. I just knew that I wanted to get away from civilization for a few days and enjoy some beautiful scenery. What I got was so much more than that! I was challenged physically, emotionally and mentally. I learned a lot about myself and about what it takes to survive in the wilderness with nothing other than what you can carry. I also learned a lot about Papa and how he takes care of us in every situation. I probably learned more about trusting God than almost anything else. I also met some really great guys who became friends and brothers. Mike is an exceptional guide and coach. He led us down the trail like a pro, which is just what all of us greenhorns needed! I will never forget this experience, and I’m sure the lessons I learned will stay with me for a lifetime. Thank you, Mike, for helping to make this one of the most memorable experiences of my life." Glenn

"I had considered myself an avid backpacker before going on this life coaching journey with Mike. However, in all of my years of backpacking I have never become 'undone' like I did with this one. This was by far the greatest backpacking journey I have gone on in 10 years. It truly was all about the journey, not the destination. There was no program. There was no agenda. So what the heck did Mike actually do for us? He prompted, encouraged, and facilitated great dialogue which allowed men to be free and fully alive with each other as we made ourselves available to God. So, thanks for allowing God to do His thing with us Mike...and thanks for great fun, too!" Kyle

"Ten men walked into the wilderness from all over the continent. We were in different places on our spiritual journey, we had different questions, fears and hopes, yet we walked out as brothers, as one, all touched by Father in some way and perhaps looking more like the church then I have ever seen. Thanks Mike for the trip of my life. I have never seen such beautiful country nor caught such spectacular fish. Something came alive in me that had been lying dormant for a long time. Father accomplished more in me in six days in the mountains of Colorado then he has in 10 years of Sundays." Mark