Prayer Adventures from the Wild
By Mike Lowe
While expedition climbing the West Buttress on Mount McKinley (Denali) in Alaska I was with a group of hikers pinned down at Camp IV (14,200 elevation) for nine days by an aggressive storm. It was negative 50 degrees Fahrenheit with 60 mph winds. White out conditions persisted. Being outside invited death.
I shared a three-man tent with two other guys, a Mormon and an atheist. For nine brutal days and nights we had to eat, sleep, and use the bathroom crammed inside a tent like sardines. The constant cold, howling wind, confinement, and inactivity were torture.
Early on we made rules regulating our interactions hoping to avoid killing one another. No political or religious discussions, no complaining, no inappropriate jokes, minimize tossing and turning, no lip smacking, etc. Silent prayers were encouraged. And believe me I prayed.
Well, miraculously, we survived those nine days. And I’ve gone on to have many other adventures.
Survival has always fascinated me. And teaching others to survive even more. A few years ago, I was invited to be a participant for season two of the Alone show that was set to air in 2016.
Filming myself surviving alone on Vancouver Island for the Alone show was an honor, and a once in a lifetime privilege. I chose to do it because I wanted to represent being outside as fun and fulfilling. I also hope to inspire more people to spend more time pursuing wilderness activities and adventures.
One of the reasons I'm passionate about motivating people to get outside and enjoy wholesome wilderness experiences is that those who get outside tend to be happier, healthier, and more satisfied with life. They are usually kinder, sweeter, friendlier, more selfless, loving, patient, and compassionate. Nature is, after all, God’s second book.
Everyone is stressed out and over-stretched these days, it seems. This madness makes it essential to reboot, recenter, and rejuvenate the soul by spending quality time outside. It is more than merely the absence of city sounds and chaos, it is also the presence of pure and innocent pleasure.
One of the blessings I had not foreseen, while filming myself surviving alone on Vancouver island, was how much more real and authentic God felt. He was the only other Being out there and, because He favored me with abundant resources (water, food, firewood), I had hours upon hours of free time to get better acquainted with Him.
While I missed my wife Barbara terribly, being along in nature was sweet in that I was able to give God my undivided attention. I shared everything with Him. We carried on conversationally pretty much all day long. It was intensely joyful and peaceful.
I pray that everyone can learn to love and appreciate God the way I do, to experience His love and compassion in a deep and meaningful way. Nothing fills the heart and soul to overflowing with satisfaction like believing God loves us truly and tenderly. And His love is written all over His creation. So, get outside more this year, and pray!
Mike Lowe has been learning and teaching survival skills professionally since 1980. He began his career as a survival instructor for the U.S. Air Force. He taught pilots and aircrew members how to survive behind enemy lines. In 1988 he launched Wilderness Way Adventures and has taught hundreds of men, women and children from all walks of life. He has also served the church as a youth and associate pastor. He holds multiple degrees and certifications (specializing in wilderness survival) and in 2016 he was a participant on the History Channel’s hit series Alone Season 2. Mike is a Christian, a father, a grandfather, and a fan of his wife—Barbara (aka Most Lovely).
World Church Prayer Requests
March 31 – April 6, 2023
- Pray for that many will take part in the world church’s Quarterly Day of Prayer and Fasting that takes place on April 1st. The theme is Rebuilding the Altar: Praying to Love the Word, Live the Word, and Share the Word. Find materials here: https://www.revivalandreformation.org/resources/al...
- Pray for believers struggling in closed countries. This Sabbath we will have a special 24-hour musical prayer event focused on the country and gospel needs of the people of Iran. Visit: www.247unitedprayer.org to take part.
- Pray for the special “Back to the Altar” Emphasis week and weekend for General Conference employees and leaders taking place April 3-8th.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in a special way in the new “Back to the Altar” church initiative and that daily worship will become a part of every heart and every home. To learn more about this special initiative, click here: https://adventist.news/news/by-beholding-we-are-be...
“Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?” Psalm 85:6