Spanning more than 265,000 acres and soaring up to 14,259 feet, Rocky Mountain National Park is a magnet for millions of tourists every year. Tourists and locals alike flock to the Park to bask in its natural beauty-multicolored wildflowers carpeting the park, meandering rivers, hiking trails snaking through subalpine forests, exotic animals and a plethora of recreational activities.
Earlier this summer, a group of college students and StoryRunners staff members climbed up the mountain to soak in something different. Something far more precious and lasting than the breathtaking panorama. They came to immerse themselves in God’s Word, in the greatest stories ever told. In doing so their hearts were pricked and their lives were changed. Read on to hear about the experience of StoryRunners intern Allyssa.
“On July 25 college students from campuses across the USA joined us for the 10-day Rocky Mountain Summer Mission which was packed with adventure, fun and amazing opportunities to fellowship with one another. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the students learned 12 oral Bible stories from the gospels and learned how to use each story to engage people in spiritual conversations. Each evening in a story group around a campfire, we dug deep into a story and committed each to memory. God pierced our hearts with His Word, changing us profoundly. Every morning, after a night in a tent, or, in my case, a hammock under the stars, we took our stories to the hiking trails.
“We enjoyed conversations with many people who were eager to hear a story. Each encounter was a great encouragement, not only to the listener, but also to the storyteller. For those who weren’t interested, we thanked them, and we prayed for them as we continued on our way. In 10 days, our students shared 237 stories with 561 people on the trails! It was so uplifting!”
After 10 incredible days up the mountain, with hearts on fire and rekindled passions, the students returned home ready and committed to share the stories they learned. At least a half dozen of them have already led story groups back on their campuses this semester, and others are integrating storytelling into their outreaches on campus.
“This was the best week of my life! I was scared to pray out loud in front of a group. I was scared of talking to strangers and of bringing up faith in conversations. This week I realized that I don’t have to be scared of things I don’t know about.”-Michaella, Texas (Michaella initially implored her boyfriend to turn the car around as they were making their way to the airport. Ten days later she had a new attitude… she didn’t want to leave!)
“I’m nervous in big groups so, on mission trips, I’m in the background, but this trip has pushed me to be a more confident Christian.” Hannah, Missouri
Thanks to your support and partnership, these students have been impacted tremendously, and they will continue to reach others in the coming years. If you’re 18-25, consider joining us next year!
StoryRunners partners with people like you who fund our School of Storying projects and our day-to-day operations. If you are encouraged about how God is using StoryRunners, ask Him if He wants YOU to become a monthly giving partner or to make a special gift. You can make a difference for people who have never had God’s word in their own language.
StoryRunners is a ministry of Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ). We launched in 2003 to help reach oral learners with the greatest story ever told, especially to those who have never heard the gospel in their own language. We began as a founding member of the OneStory partnership with a vision to accelerate the work of Bible story development among unreached language groups. Since then, we have continued to partner with mission agencies around the world to reach people with the good news of the gospel.
Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) was started in 1951 by Bill and Vonette Bright. What started as a ministry to students on college campuses now touches the lives of people in every segment of society and every corner of the world, helping build spiritual movements everywhere, so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus.
On MissionFinder, we have over 1,000 ministries offering opportunities like this to serve at home and around the world. Does your church or organization need help organizing mission trips? Check out our partner site, MissionMinder.com. Their easy to use software will help you manage all the details for your short-term mission trips and team members online. Unlimited Trips. Unlimited team members. Easy online fundraising for your team members. Try it free for 30 days. Learn more here.
