Reaching New Heights
Life is not a textbook to be read; it’s an adventure to be lived, and we’re not made to live it alone. This is the mission behind Daniel and Lauren Forkner’s Rock Climbing connect group: community through climbing.
You’re suspended on a rock face forty feet above the ground. The only thing holding you up is your grip and a thin rope. It’s too scary to look down and if you do, fearful thoughts instantly rush to mind. You feel like you’re all alone.
But then you hear cheers from below, and suddenly, you remember … You belong to a great community, and they’re on the ground holding you up, keeping you safe, and routing for you. The rest of your ascent is tricky, but you’re at peace, knowing you’re not alone on the adventure.
JOY IN CREATION
Life is not a textbook to be read; it’s an adventure to be lived, and we’re not made to live it alone. This is the mission behind Daniel and Lauren Forkner’s Rock Climbing connect group: community through climbing.
Adventure seekers from around the world travel to Colorado for its amazing landscapes and incredible outdoor activities. The draw of adrenaline and God’s creation speaks to the depth of our hearts, calling us toward something deeper.
It’s this desire that pulled Daniel to Colorado in the first place. He found a love for many outdoor activities, but none spoke to his heart like rock climbing: “When I’m on an outdoor adventure, I see God in His creation. He made the rock, ice, and mountains for us to enjoy and worship Him! It brings me so much joy when I’m with the Lord in creation.”
Daniel realized the adventure was not meant to be lived alone. He says, “Lauren and I were looking for more community in climbing. At the same time, Woodmen was launching connect groups.” These groups are designed to bring more people together in Christ-centered fellowship around shared interests and fun.
STEPPING UP
Daniel stepped up and started Woodmen’s Rock Climbing connect group. The group was an instant hit for beginners and pros alike. Daniel set the time and place and people’s curiosity did the rest. Climbers, adventure seekers, and those just looking for community showed up, ready to grow and learn together. Daniel teaches old and new climbers proper safety techniques. He’s gone through certifications to make sure the group can flourish.
Daniel shares, “We’ve built lasting relationships with people we likely would never have met if it weren't for the group, and we’re so thankful. There are times when we’re out at Garden of the Gods or CityRock, and people walk up and ask what we’re doing —what type of group we are. It’s a perfect opportunity to invite others into our group and the larger Woodmen community, where they can hear the gospel and come to know Christ.”
CREATING CAMARADERIE
Although the group has only been up and running for a little more than a year, the comradery has grown so strong that not only do they climb indoors and outdoors in the summer, they even ice climb in the winter. People of all ages and walks of life enjoy the beauty of the Lord’s creation together. Between ascending and descending, conversations naturally bubble up about highs and lows in their lives, celebrating a new job or asking for prayer in a difficult situation.
Through climbing, people are building relationships and trust with one another. In the context of this healthy community, you can lean back and depend on those at the other end of the rope to hold you up. It’s a reminder that, whether in our relationship with God or in our caring bonds with other Christ-followers, we’re not meant to make the climb alone.
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