Today there are over 1.6 billion* Muslims in the world. It is likely that you live in or near a city where Muslims reside. No matter where you live, Muslims are now your neighbours. Sadly, over 80 per cent* of Muslims today do not personally know a Christian. We are told in Leviticus 19:18 to love our neighbour as ourself. In Luke 10:27 Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (NIV).

You might ask: How do I love a Muslim? Don’t they speak a different language, believe in Islam and think Jesus is a prophet who did not die on the cross? Doesn’t the media portray Muslims as dangerous and untrustworthy?

Jesus does not call us, as Christians, to love people who are just like us. He says to love your neighbours and your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. So, what does it mean for us to love our Muslim neighbours? 

My wife and I learnt much from living in a Muslim neighbourhood in North Africa for many years. We discovered that Muslims are friendly, social, hospitable and religious. They love children, food and music, they honour their elders and they are devoted to their families.

We raised our three children in an apartment building, where they played on the street with our Muslim neighbours. We discovered that if we were intentional and open in our relationship with our neighbours, God gave us countless opportunities to share the love of Jesus.

How can you love your Muslim neighbours?

Firstly, smile and greet. Learn the common Muslim greeting (As-Salaam-Alaikum). If they speak another language at home, learn greetings and phrases in their native language. Feel free to introduce yourself as a Christian or a follower of Jesus Christ. Religion is a vital part of their life, as much as your Christian faith is to you.

Secondly, take an interest. Ask questions. Learn their names and practice the correct pronunciation. Ask about the meaning of their names. Find out about their culture, their family and their religion. In doing these things, you communicate that you value them as people.

Thirdly, learn. Allow your neighbours to teach you something. Learn some of their language or how to prepare a traditional dish from their culture. Learn about where they shop, what sports they play or what apps they like. Be willing to be a receiver and learner. It will give you the opportunity to share with them later.

Fourthly, make yourself available. This is a challenge with our busy schedules. When you start to get to know a Muslim in your community, try not to look at your phone, wondering what’s next on your schedule. In North Africa, my local friends would often say, “You Westerners all have nice watches but no time. We don’t wear watches, but we have lots of time!”

Finally, practice hospitality. Paul tells us to do this in Romans 12:13. My wife often tells me that she learnt hospitality from our Muslim friends. She learnt how to make tagine and couscous sitting in the kitchen for hours helping her friends prepare food. There is nothing like sharing a meal with a Muslim family in their home or inviting them into your home. If you are worried about what to serve, look up dishes online from their culture, serve hallal meat or go vegetarian. When you share a meal together with a Muslim in a home, so many walls come down and you will have freedom to relate.

Loving our Muslim neighbours is an opportunity and privilege. God has brought them to our doorstep. Now, you not only have a Muslim who lives in your city, you have a neighbour, made in the image of God, whom you know by name, and whom you can reach out to with the love of Jesus.

*Statistics provided by the Joshua Project and Pew Research Center.

To date, the movement has raised over $3 million USD, and built a community of thousands of participants and partners.

In an effort to include more women in the movement, The Freedom Climb is expanding to The Freedom Challenge in the US.

“Over and over, we have heard that many who would like to get involved, are unable, for various reasons, to climb mountains. We have heard them and their passion to help,” said The Freedom Climb USA Director Tina Yeager.

“We have also heard the hearts of our climbers. They do not want to lose the life-changing experiences of what God is doing on the climbs. We will continue to do climbs. They will continue to be some of our signature events.”

The vision of the Freedom Challenge is to see one million oppressed women and children set on a path to freedom over the next 10 years by supporting OM projects that bring transformation, focused on women and children in the most at-risk communities.

Projects supported by the Freedom Challenge include those that prevent at-risk women and children from being trafficked, help them overcome poverty and thus make them and their children less vulnerable to exploitation, and rescue and restore victims of trafficking and oppression, providing physical healing, trauma counseling and life-skills training.  

“Our goal is to engage hundreds of thousands of Americans in more participation at the local, national and international levels. We want them to participate in physical challenges that test their limits, while raising funds and awareness to combat these dark, social injustices and set women and children on the pathway to freedom.”

To learn about getting involved in The Freedom Challenge through prayer, partnership or joining a challenge, visit www.TheFreedomChallenge.com or email info@thefreedomchallenge.com.

Dustin and Katie have been serving with OM Arts International since 2008. Millions around the world have been impacted by Dustin's skills and personal testimony as he uses the unicycle at schools, festivals and other events as a tool to share the message of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, while in training just two months before the start of the Refuge Ride, Dustin had a crash that resulted in a concussion and broken arm. However, the Kelms felt the need and pain of Syrians was much greater and made up their minds to complete the challenge.

Although the couple are riding the 3,500-plus miles on their own, without any vehicle backup, this initiative is very much a team effort. A large support group has arranged lodging and speaking engagements, ships them supplies as needed and continues to recruit sponsors and donors.

"We have been amazed by the generosity and kindness we have already experienced," they affirm. "Someone handed us cold water from their car window as we rode by. Numerous restaurants and hotels have graciously donated food and rooms. People have prayed with us for safety and success in parking lots. Others have donated instantly when hearing about our cause, even from their cars while slowly driving by to talk to us."

OM is trying to meet some of the immediate physical needs of displaced Syrians, also providing trauma counselling programmes and long-term micro enterprise projects to get people back on their feet. Dustin and Katie ask you to get behind their effort by spreading the word, praying and giving. "With God's help and the sacrificial involvement of many we can all make a difference in the lives of Syrians struggling to survive."

Follow the Refuge Ride this summer on http://refugeride.blogspot.co.uk/ and give at https://my.omusa.org/RefugeRide.

“One of the things I’ve seen in this experience is how important it is for the stronger people to be able to help the weak,” said JoAnn Hummel, a climber from Texas. “And I’ve needed that. I don’t have good knees, so I needed people to stick by me while we’re walking down. Cathey [Anderson] stuck by me all day. She could probably run down the mountain by herself. Thinking of the people who we climb for and how much they need the help of the Body of Christ, we have to stick by them.”

Sarah Bradfield, a climber from Georgia, US, and a graphic designer working with OM USA, used the pain she was experiencing as a symbol for what enslaved and oppressed women and children face each day in their lives.

“When we were doing the summit day, it was so hard and physically painful,” said Sarah. “The whole time I kept thinking this really is symbolic of the pain those women and children are going through. It is a completely different kind of pain, but it was brutal. We just wanted to be done with it. Just thinking about the women and children who can’t be done with it, and they have to just live with it…I think we all have that on our minds and hearts when we’re climbing.”

Brazilian climber Ana Lucia Berndt da Luz commented that she could see God’s provision in everything: “It has been such an overwhelming experience. We can feel the spiritual welfare. Every time, we can see God’s hands over us, protecting us, providing everything we need. Many of us got sick, but everyone understands that our suffering connects us to the people we are climbing for—how they suffer, how they can’t bear their struggles. And we are here coming down, happy, getting better and better. And we are feeling victorious.”

The Freedom Climb 2013 is over, but now the real work has begun, continuing to raise awareness and funds for those women and children who are enslaved, oppressed and trafficked in the world. Twenty-seven million people are living in modern-day slavery today, and the actions of this group of women can help to make that number smaller every day.

However, today the group continuing the trek successfully summited Kala Patthar, as planned.  Climber Tina Yeager reported, “Praise God we made it! Our team summited! The Freedom Climb 2013 is at the top of Kala Patthar, and we’re praising God for His protection with our whole heart. Thank you for all your prayers and your love!”

Afterward, they made their way to the campsite in Loboche. Tomorrow, this group of ladies begins the three-day hike down the mountain to Lukla.

Though the second team of ladies headed down the mountain earlier than planned, 10 of the 16 summited Ama Dablam Base Camp. They reported that the hike was long, hard and beautiful. Tomorrow, the team will head back to Namche.

Despite difficult circumstances and a change in plans, the women did what they set out to do: raise awareness and funds for women and children who oppressed, enslaved and have no way out of their circumstances.

Climber Gildelia Moromisato explained it well: “For me, the favourite part of this hiking has been to link my experience here with the people who are suffering.”

Please continue to pray for the health and safety of the women. Pray that the women will not be discouraged because of the circumstances but will continue to press on for their purpose.

Continue to pray for their health and safety. Check the Freedom Climb Facebook page, and website for more details, pictures and videos of the climbers.

“It is hard to believe that it’s just been one day,” Debbie said about the hike to Namche, “Seems like it has been three days in one. We had a couple girls on our team who were pretty weak, but I’m telling you they powered through it!”

Debbie and the other climbers are participating in the Freedom Climb to raise awareness and funds for women and children throughout the world who are enslaved, oppressed or trafficked.

The Freedom Climb, an initiative of OM , benefits enslaved and oppressed women and children by raising awareness of the worldwide problem and funds for OM projects focused on rescue and rehabilitation, prevention and development.

To adjust to the higher altitude, the climbers took some shorter steep hikes around Namche. Their first hike was in the morning before sunrise, where they hiked to a plateau and saw Mt. Everest for the first time since arriving.

“Today we got up very early. I think it was like 5:30,” said Rosemary Hack, a climber who lives in South Africa and is the director of AIDSLink International. “We walked for about an hour to this plateau where we could look over Everest and see the sun come up. It was absolutely stunning!”

The next day the team departed to the village of Tengboche. The hike was long, but very beautiful. It included walking along the roof of the mountain and beside a river, seeing wildlife, seeing another view of Mt. Everest, and being reminded again of why they are climbing.

“The hike today was good. All the way the scenery was very beautiful. We could see Mt. Everest again and could just see how amazing the creation of God is,” said Gildelia Moromisato, a climber from Brazil who works with the OM office there. “For me, the favourite part of this hiking has been to link my experience here with the people who are suffering.”

From Tengboche, they trekked to Dingboche where they will spend another day acclimatising. The hike was eight hours long, very steep and much colder. This village is located at about 14,800 feet and is above the tree line of the mountain, meaning the weather is much colder.

“The first half of the day was just beautiful, sunny, warm, but the mists and clouds started rolling in just before lunch time,” said Cheryl Bell, a climber from the US. “Then when we stopped for lunch, the temperature dropped pretty dramatically.”  

After spending a day in Dingboche to adjust to the altitude and rest, a few of the climbers were still struggling. After much prayer and discussion with the guides and porters in regards to these ladies, it was decided that the struggling climbers would climb back down the mountain. The team was reorganised into different teams. Cathey Anderson will lead the team heading back down the mountain. The rest of the climbers will continue on with their porters and team leaders.

“I think everybody will be really pleased that they are going at a more comfortable pace,” Cathey said. “But, obviously, it’s sad because people have bonded, and they have great times together. So, [it’s] just another exercise in flexibility and adjustment.”

Those continuing their journey up the mountain will leave in the morning. Continue to pray for guidance and wisdom as they change their itinerary and destination due to the delays they’ve experienced.

Check out the Freedom Climb website (www.thefreedomclimb.net) and blog (thefreedomclimb.wordpress.com) for more updates, pictures, and videos from the climbers.

“We are out and about in the village making friends with the Nepali people, especially the beautiful children! Tomorrow we will visit Freedom Climb projects!” Sarah said.

The day after visiting the OM projects, the climbers were supposed to fly to Lukla where they would start trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp. Unfortunately, the majority of the team became sick—they think it was a stomach bug or food poisoning.

Due to the illness, the climb itinerary changed, and they stayed in Lukla a full day. The following day, they hiked for five hours to the small village of Phakding. Cathey Anderson, one of the climbers and the founder of the Freedom Climb, was excited that they all had a good first day. “We got here and got the tents all set up. We had showers and everybody is doing so much better. It’s pretty amazing,” said Cathey.

From there, they camped for the night and headed to Namche the following morning. The trail to Namche was busy with yaks, donkeys and groups of people, in addition to porters with heavy loads, reported one Freedom Climber. After the long day, though, the group made it safely to Namche.  

From Namche, Sarah Bradfield reported, “We are at a guesthouse in Namche, Nepal. Today we hiked from 7:00 to 17:00 up the side of an extremely steep mountain. It was the hardest physical thing I have ever experienced, but I know there are people suffering every single day, which makes this effort worth it.”

Please continue to pray for these women and their journey to Mt. Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar Peak. Even with all the difficulties they have faced, they are still united in their purpose and excited about what God will do through this climb.

Be sure to check out the Freedom Climb website (www.thefreedomclimb.net) and blog (http://thefreedomclimb.wordpress.com/) for more updates, pictures, and videos from the climbers.

Modern-day slavery is real. Twenty-seven million people today are trapped in bonded or forced labor or human trafficking. Every minute, two children are trafficked for sexual exploitation.

For the next 12 days, the women will face cold temperatures, high altitudes and exhaustion. Each knows this journey will not be easy, but they are united in their purpose of helping the women and children living in slavery.

How does this group of women climbing a mountain benefit women and children enslaved, oppressed and trafficked around the world? The Freedom Climb, an initiative of OM, benefits them by raising awareness of their horrible circumstances and directly impacts them by raising money for more than 20 OM projects fighting slavery and oppression by giving women and children new opportunities through rescue and rehabilitation, prevention and development.

Last year, the first Freedom Climb—to Uhuru Peak at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa—raised 500,000 US dollars, helping 3,000 women and children.

GS/OM India Ministries works in India where slavery and human trafficking are prevalent. Half of the world’s human trafficking victims live there, and many more live as Dalits or “untouchables”. GS/OM India Ministries provides opportunities for them that restore dignity by providing education, job opportunities and life alternatives. Rev. Bama K Raman, a climber from India, is excited about the Freedom Climb and that she can be part of it.

“I work every day with young girls and with women, who, if not for the work of our schools and economic development programming, would be trafficked into bonded labor or the sex trade,” said Bama. “Freedom Climb is a great way to show the world that everyone can make a difference.”

Marleen van Oers first heard about the Freedom Climb when she joined OM’s staff in Africa last year. She was touched by the ladies climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro during the first climb and by the size of the human trafficking problem. While on an outreach in South Africa, Marleen met a girl working as a prostitute. Even though this girl was smart, she had been tricked and ended up in a brothel through no fault of her own.

“I was deeply touched and felt I needed to do something, but I didn’t know where to start,” said Marleen. “I prayed and told God that I was willing to do whatever He thought I could do for this girl, but also for all people who have the same problems.”

Some of the women have done this kind of trek before—some climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro last year. For others, however, this experience is completely new and outside their comfort zone. Regardless, each climber has intensely prepared for this climb.

Sally Ababa, who works with OM in the Philippines, has been running with a co-worker who is a professional marathoner. She also has friends praying daily for her climb.

“I integrate Freedom Climb as part of my daily tasks—it makes me cognizant about it on a daily basis,” said Sally. “Thus, I have been prepared about this mentally, spiritually and physically.”

Many of the climbers prepared through practice hikes, running, walking and other aerobic activity. In September 2012, about half of the North American climbers met in Colorado for a weekend retreat, which included two hikes in the snow, equipment shopping, prayer and Bible study.

For Marleen, preparation has been a challenge, especially since she has never been interested in sports. She hikes as much as she can where she lives in South Africa and builds as much aerobic activity into her daily life as possible. She also participated in a preparation weekend with the other African climbers.

“Most of all, I want to be prepared spiritually,” said Marleen. “I arm myself with God’s Word and His promises. I have a team around me praying for me and some Christian friends to encourage me.”

The Freedom Climb team knows this experience will be difficult, but all are confident that through it, they can help give women and children freedom in their lives.

“If we can provide a hope, an opportunity and a chance for women who are enslaved to climb out this oppression, then we will do it,” said Cathey Anderson, founder of the Freedom Climb.

To follow the climbers’ progress and receive updates from the climb, go to www.thefreedomclimb.net.

To become advocates in their communities for women and children throughout the world who are trafficked, oppressed, enslaved and have no voice, 150 people gathered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, US, from 20-22 September for the first Freedom Climb Conference.  

The conference featured guests and speakers working with OM projects around the world that empower women and children to be free from their oppressive conditions. Women representing OM ministries in Africa, Latin America and Central Asia spoke about the challenges and injustices faced by women and children in their countries, and how OM projects are making an eternal difference in their lives.

“It was a rare opportunity to share some of the unique and challenging realities that we address through our projects—like poverty and lack of education, discrimination against women and child labour that has enslaved thousands,” said Suria Scholtz of OM Africa and a 2012 Freedom Climber to Mt. Kilimanjaro. “The Freedom Climb platform enabled us to use our voices in telling their stories of heartache and hopelessness, as well as their finding freedom as each project aims to restore dignity, worth and financial independence.”

In January 2012, the Freedom Climb (www.thefreedomclimb.net) was launched with 48 women from 10 different countries climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa. Their purpose was to raise global awareness, funds and prayer for women and children who are oppressed, trafficked, enslaved and have no voice. The Mt. Kilimanjaro climb raised over 400,000 USD/312,000 EUR for women’s and children’s ministries throughout the OM world. A second climb is planned for April 2013 to Mt. Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

Being at the conference was a wonderful opportunity to share about the work God is doing in Costa Rica and “to see how God truly is big enough for all of us, and that we get to be a part of it,” said Julie Paniagua of OM Costa Rica.

Keynote speakers Stasi Eldredge and Carolyn Custis James inspired women to be dangerous for Christ and to respond to God’s call of defending the oppressed. Other sessions included training and ideas for the participants on how to be an advocate for the oppressed in their home communities.

The pinnacle of the September conference was a hike in Colorado Springs. Participants chose between one of three trails, each symbolic of the climb to freedom that enslaved woman and children face. Many said that the difficulties and challenges during their climb made them empathetic to the struggles the victims endure and gave them a new passion to help them find freedom.

“I am challenged now to decide what I am to do with the opportunities that were presented to me,” said Gwen Baird, a conference attendee from Houston, Texas.

“As I pulled myself up with my reserves of energy arriving at the summit of Pikes Peak, I was reminded of our coworkers who proclaim Christ's love when many odds are against them. While at the top, I prayed for them to be strengthened, protected and to have His wisdom as they continue ministering in those regions,” said Pam Lovett, representing OM’s work in Central Asia.

“We truly saw God’s hand at work,” said Tina Yeager, the US director of the Freedom Climb. “All who attended the conference were encouraged, challenged and empowered to be voices for the voiceless.”

Cathey Anderson, founder of the Freedom Climb, said the September conference far exceeded expectations. “We’re excited to hear how these precious ladies are going to put into action the things they were challenged with.”

Because of the success and encouragement from the Mt. Kilimanjaro experience, a second Freedom Climb will be held 9-25 April 2013 in Nepal. This climb is to Mt. Everest Base Camp with a summit of Kalaphatar Peak, a nearby Himalayan mountain. As with the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, this one is open to women from all over the world.

In addition to the costs of the climb, each climber is tasked with raising 10,000 USD. The additional money will go toward OM projects that empower women and combat modern-day slavery, exploitation, oppression and trafficking through development, prevention and rescue and rehabilitation.

For more details, information on how to register or answers to any questions, go to www.thefreedomclimb.net or email cathey.anderson@om.org.

Four years ago on board Logos II, Dave Thomas went to be with his Lord following 40 years of significant ministry with OM Ships. Few people may be aware that the ships’ Thomas Guesthouse in Florence, South Carolina, USA, was dedicated in honour of Dave and his wife, Joy, in May 2010.

In 2009 a small, privately-owned home on land adjacent to OM Ships property was put on the market. With the help of specific donations, OM Ships was able to purchase and repair the building so that it now offers accommodation next door to the OM Ships Ministry Center. 

The Thomas Guesthouse was originally set up to accommodate three to four people and has been used extensively by OMers, ministry partners and volunteer workers. With the growing literature ministry and ever-increasing need for volunteers, four more single beds were added and a second bathroom is planned. Recently a second house across the street was purchased to offer additional accommodation. This will facilitate hospitality for STEPpers (volunteers for the newly-launched Short-Term Experience Programme with the Florence team) who come for one to three months. In total, three married couples and 12 individuals can now be accommodated on site. 

Right now, a team from Logos Hope is helping out while the ship is in dry dock, along with two or three STEPpers. Soon three church teams will also be volunteering for a week each. The on-site accommodation has been a tremendous blessing.

Thank the Lord for His provision of the Thomas Guesthouse, a fitting memorial to a faithful couple. Please ask Him to continue to bring volunteers to OM Ships in Florence. Find out more at http://www.omships.org/step.

On 12 May, the day before the Sunday the US celebrated its mothers this year, 130 people in Atlanta, Georgia, braved the rain to participate in a hike at Sawnee Mountain Preserve to benefit trafficked and exploited women across our world. The event was part of the Freedom Climb project through which OM aims to raise awareness and funding for anti-trafficking projects.

An estimated 27 million people today are trapped in various forms of bondage and abuse. Three out of four are women. Eight hundred thousand people will be sex-trafficked this year alone, and 80 per cent are female.

The hike was designed as a family event, and each person contributed a registration fee. In addition to the walk, participants purchased t-shirts and handmade goods from other countries and learnt about further Freedom Climb events and opportunities.

In January this year, 48 international women climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa for the same purpose. Their efforts raised 350,000 US dollars and garnered national and international media publicity, including a feature on Fox & Friends TV. This Mother's Day weekend hike was extension of this project. Three thousand US dollars was raised and organisers had opportunities to explain the cause on three local radio stations.

Please pray that everyone involved will remain committed to helping women and girls at risk. Ask God to create more such opportunities for OM's Freedom Climb Project.

Forty-four out of 48 of the climbers reached Gillman’s Point (18,647 feet)—28 of them reached Uhuru Peak, the summit, at 19,336 feet.  

Those who reached the summit trekked through the dark, early hours of 15 January. Upon reaching Uhuru (freedom) Peak, climber Holly Harris was struck by the symbolism of the journey and what it represented for millions of women and children in the world.

“I thought about the women involved in sexual slavery—the worst time for them is night. And the worst part of the climb was the summit; I just wanted to get through the night,” remembers Holly. “When light broke through and I could see what was left of the summit, it was phenomenal.”

On the hike down, each step brought more oxygen and less pressure for the climbers, thus fewer headaches and less nausea. At one point, the group trekked through a rainforest.  

Throughout the climb, porters and guides carried the heavier equipment and led the way. When they returned, the team held a celebration to express gratitude to those who had helped them on the journey. The women washed the feet of the porters.

“[It] was a really cool opportunity after they had served us all week,” says Holly. Adds climber Cheryl Weber: “We could not have made it without their help and encouragement.”   

Though the women have completed the climb, the effort of the Freedom Climb does not end here. The funds raised will go to impact women and children worldwide through rescue and rehabilitation. To learn more about how to get involved, visit the Freedom Climb website at www.thefreedomclimb.net.

Please also continue praying for the health of each climber. Pray also for their return journey home. Pray that more funds will come in for projects to help oppressed and trafficked women and children around the world.

Nancy’s sentiment reflects the feelings of many of the climbers. Altitude is causing many to feel sick. Two climbers turned back because of cold weather and other issues. Others are struggling with headaches and nausea.

However, on 15 January, after five days of strenuous trekking, a few of the women have reached the summit, which is fittingly called Uhuru (freedom) Peak. Reportedly, many of the women chose not to summit because of the difficult conditions.

The group climbing to the summit began at midnight. After about nine hours hiking in the dark with flashlights, a few reached Uhuru Peak, some needing to be pushed up the last steps, they said.

“[It has been] the toughest physical and mental challenge of my life,” said climber Cheryl Weber. “[I’m] feeling really rough, but the experience of making it to Uhuru Peak was absolutely indescribable! I know I will always treasure the experience once I recover!”

Many who reached the summit cried tears of joy. They rejoiced not only in persevering through the difficult conditions but also in the symbolic act of proclaiming freedom for the millions of women and children in the world who live in slavery and oppression.

Through The Freedom Climb, an initiative of OM, the women hope to impact 10,000 women and children worldwide by providing rescue and rehabilitation through skills training, micro-business and education.

After reaching the summit, the climbers are faced with the daunting task of climbing down the mountain over the next two days. Though it take less time to descend, the hike will be difficult on their knees and feet. Some of the women have exclaimed that this has been the most difficult thing they have ever done.

Cheryl Weber thanks everyone for their prayers and encouragement, adding, “Please continue to journey with us and all the women and children who daily go through much more than we have had to endure.”

The Freedom Climbers spent Wednesday night resting at 8,940 feet on Mt. Kilimanjaro after their first full day of hiking, a day that marked National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the United States.

This group, composed of women from all over the world ranging in age from 18-73, are climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania this week to raise awareness of global injustices against women and children.

The hike began at about 6,800 feet through a natural rain forest, home to the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. They then split into four groups of 12 and began their ascent at 40 minute intervals.

“[I’m] praying for God’s strength, peace and encouragement for the entire team as we start one of the biggest challenges of our lives,” said climber Cheryl Weber.

The prayer team, stationed at the base of the mountain during the climb, prayed for and anointed each with oil before they began. The team has seen immediate answers to specific prayers. Three women had experienced physical problems, including difficulty breathing and back pain, and one woman had lost her passport. Within an hour of bringing these requests before God, they had found the passport and all of the physical ailments were going away, reported the team.  

Even so, each climber knows that no amount of challenge they undertake compares with the horror millions of woman and children around the world suffer every day.

There are an estimated 27 million slaves in the world—three out of four of them women. Eight hundred thousand people will be sex-trafficked this year; 80 per cent will be female and 50 per cent will be children.

The climbers are motivated by a passion to combat this worldwide oppression and help bring restoration to individuals and communities. With the funds raised from the climb, they hope to impact 10,000 women and children worldwide by providing rescue and rehabilitation through skills training, micro-business and education.

During the first day, the group trekked for six hours, completing about four miles. Though this leg is the easiest of the climb, the women were ready to crawl into their sleeping bags afterward.

Climber Madison Baczewski commented: “Two countries’ worth of African dust is in my nose and eyes, my ankles are swollen, nothing is sufficiently charged and my stomach is going nuts. [But] it feels so good! I love everything about it!”

Said Cheryl, “[I’m] so proud of the women we are climbing with—dedicated warriors in the battle for the hearts and minds of oppressed women around the world.”

Please pray for the climbers as they ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro. A few have experienced early symptoms of altitude sickness. Please pray for their safety. One climber asks, though, that people pray more for the women and children living in captivity.

To follow The Freedom Climb, visit www.thefreedomclimb.net and sign up for email updates.

With a passion to combat this oppression, 47 women from all over the world are climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania this week to raise awareness of global injustices against women and children. Starting Wednesday, 11 January—National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the United States—the Freedom Climbers are united to be a voice for the voiceless, a mission that drives them on this journey.

The Freedom Climb, an initiative of OM, is raising awareness and funds to combat slavery, exploitation and global trafficking. This event is symbolic of the climb victims face in the struggle for freedom. The climbers hope to create a global movement to transform the lives of women and children, break the cycle of poverty, and provide freedom from oppression and slavery.

With the funds raised from the climb, they hope to impact 10,000 women and children worldwide by providing rescue and rehabilitation through skills training, micro-business and education.

“I talk to friends here in the States, and they say, ‘What can we do with such a huge problem?’” said Cathey Anderson, leader of The Freedom Climb. “I tell them, ‘we can all make a difference for one woman or child at a time! We can see freedom for them!”

Anderson was teaching sustainable farming to Africans in Malawi when she had the vision to get a small group of friends together to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and make a difference. In just a few months, that vision has grown to 46 women from all over the world, ranging in age from 18-73, who are committed to raising their voices and funds through their network of friends and family.

None of the 46 women are professional climbers, and some of them were victims of sex trafficking and other injustices.

Added Anderson: “Freedom for one woman will not only change her future but all the generations after her! We know we will not end slavery and human trafficking with this climb. We can, however, bring hope and an opportunity for freedom to women and children who currently have none.”

Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Its altitude, low temperature, and occasional high winds make it a difficult and dangerous trek.

When asked why she wanted to commit to this physical challenge, climber and OM USA staffer Susan Woods said, “I believe God has invited me on the biggest adventure of my life as I turned 70 this year. I have the privilege to speak for those who have no hope or voice. It is a joy for me to join these other women.”

The summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is called Uhuru Peak. Uhuru is the Swahili word for “freedom” and reinforces the hope that women and children worldwide can be free from their oppression.

In addition to the climbers, a prayer team will be at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro throughout the climb, not only praying for the safety and protection of the women climbers, but also for the various projects around the OM world that are reaching vulnerable women and children.

To follow The Freedom Climb, visit www.thefreedomclimb.net and sign up for email updates.

During the week of Easter, a group from the US went to Panama on an OM medical mission trip. The group included a family of six, and the parents said their prayer had been to take their whole family. They wanted their children to see the parents involved in ministry and wanted the kids themselves to participate in ministry.

The group based themselves in a small town eight hours’ bus ride from the capital city, and every day they went to a different village to run a medical clinic. While the six medical staff on the team handled clinic duties, the rest of the group participated in outreach to the hundreds of villagers who waited to be seen. The group used sports, games, skits and colored bracelets that present the Gospel as ways to connect with local children and youth. As they explained the Gospel to the children in various ways, the adults listened and took it all in, too.

A highlight for the parents of the family on the trip was seeing their children reaching other lives in ministry. The father says, “I saw my kids involved in serving. I looked over and there were my 10- and 12-year-old girls talking to these girls from an indigenous family [the Gnobe people group]. It’s amazing how girls giggling is a universal language! My boys had learned some illusion tricks and used them, through translators, to share about Jesus.”

Through the week, the medical clinic treated a total of 985 people and used healthcare as a means to present the Gospel. As the team worked alongside the local church, their goal was to create interest and link people to the church so the church can continue to follow up and help the people come to fully understand a relationship with Jesus.

1. My preaching has changed. I have a greater zeal to see the church become the mobilized body of Jesus and it is reflected in my challenges.
2. My approach to the gospel has changed. I grew up with the 4 Spiritual Laws, the Romans Road, the Bridge Illustration, etc… now I encourage people to tell their story, to tell the stories of Jesus.
3. My marriage has changed.
4. My view of the church has changed. I am thinking about how to become a mobilized church for Christ that is centered on the true mission imparted to us by Christ.
5. My view of young people has changed. We are investigating how to get our high school seniors to give one year of their like to missions immediately after graduation.
6. My prayer life has changed. I am much more global in my prayer life. I am planning with my missions team, a half day of prayer to pray for the nations.
7. My view of community has changed. My eyes opened for a deeper need for community – of celebrating (as a body of Christ) more often together.

Because Logos Hope had spent six months in Kiel, there was already local interest in OM. Evangelism took place on the streets of the city and along the waterfront where crowds were gathered.

Dave says, "On the second day of the outreach, a man approached me and another team member and said he had problems with his faith. A listening ear, words of encouragement, and a moment of prayer for him ended with him giving us a teary-eyed, hearty hug. A few minutes later he met another group from the team and shared that before he met us he had planned to kill himself that day!"

Another time, a drunk man wouldn't move out of the way so the team could start a drama. Jim, from America, put a tract in the man's back pocket. Later the man called the number on the back of tract and asked about the message.

Praise the Lord for changed lives through the outreach in Kiel. Pray that God will raise up more people from North America to get excited about short-term missions. Pray for the strength and wisdom for all OM workers who coordinate mission trips.

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