Summit Ministries

My experience with Summit Ministries thus far has surpassed any expectations I could have previously had. The Summit is one of those places where you can be honest about who you are and where you are in your spiritual development. For example, one of the first things we were told when we got here was that no question is out of the question, everything is free game. This may not seem like a big deal but there are often very few places in life one can turn to without fear of the consequences of being completely honest. There are also few places in life where one can come, and be so unified. It blows my mind! During the first worship service I was almost moved me to tears, because I realized that young men and women from all over the country who do not even know each other could instantly become one in spirit by worshiping our Lord and Savior. I truly feel blessed to have experienced something so real and encouraging, and wish everyone could take part in an experience like it.

On a more activity based review, Summit is not lacking in the least. There is always something to do! Dr. Noebel likes to say, "This is the only place in the world where kids cry to go to sleep." When we are not in the classroom, where we spend 7 to 8 hours every day, you will find us window shopping at the local shops, hiking up "Red Mountain" or "The Incline", playing foosball, exercising, reading the millions of books that are always being added to our suggested reading list (Warning: Parents Be prepared to spend a small fortune on books for your Summit graduates, because "Leaders are Readers"), having quiet time with God, napping, or just fellowshipping with each other. This is not to mention rafting, surviving Pikes Peak, paintball, horse-back riding, passing a Bible exam, community service, or the countless activities that go on during sports time.

I suppose some people might have been amazed that so many people would spend two weeks of their precious summer locked away in a class room for 8 hours a day at some academic camp in Colorado, but every speaker is passionate, relevant, wise, and interesting (also very funny). Every staff member is compassionate, available (there when you need them), and enthusiastic (also very funny). Knowing what I do now, I cannot think of a better place to spend two weeks of my summer! It has been an unforgettable experience that has strengthened my Christian walk, and taught me how to defend myself as well as others against opposing world views.

Thank you so much Summit Staff, Speakers, Donors, and everyone else that makes this camp such a real, and life long experience.

Thank you parents, family, mentors, and friends of fellow Summiteers, for influencing the people who are now here influencing the Summit staff, residents of Manitou Springs, and the other 179 world changers that have attended Session 3 for the kingdom of God.