Fun with Economics

I'm going to graduate into one of the worst construction markets since the early 90's. When I should be pulling my hair out because in 6 weeks I'll be unemployed and penniless and can't wait.

This hike is a true blessing for me. I will spend much of the lousy economic year marching thru God's most beautiful country. When I come back in the last quarter of the year hopefully the lenders will have loosened up and let some work break ground. I could be stepping back into the real world at a much better time.

If when I get home the market is still floundering then I'll do as I always have done and look to Him for guidance. With the economy as terrible as it is my opportunity cost are significantly decreased and suddenly traveling thru South American, Eastern Europe, Nepal, Pakastan, and India doesn't feel quite as outrageous.

Or maybe I'll move to Zimbabwe and help John-o expand his mission...

Final Stretch

In 10 weeks I will have completed college and my life will change dramatically. I have been a full time student since I was six years old. This year will be the first that I don't start school is September and leaves me with a big question. What then?

I have been able to ride my bike 30+ miles the last two days and both rides made me appreciate how blessed I am up in here SLO. The central coast has a simple beauty that I love.

The Lord has blessed me with the PCT adventure and the ability to be used to help his servant John. Sitting in class this morning with zero interest in lecture I stared out the window and thought thru my FaithQuest Challenge plans. There is still so much to do and much of it requires me to simply lay it before the Lord and let his will be done, which is a bit scary.

I've been praying that the word would spread and the Lord would bring forward Champions of the Challenge and put on their hearts the same desire to help that he has placed on mine. Its amazing how your faith develops when given an opportunity to be used by him. God can do amazing things. - Mark

The Challenge

In early May I will set off to hike the 2,600 mile Pacific Crest Trail.This five and a half month adventure will take me from the border of Mexico, across deserts, over mountain passes and through miles of forest land before it finally concludes in Manning Park, Canada.

Although the trip is a few months away, I'm preparing now, equipping
myself to complete this epic journey.

So, how does this affect you?

You have the opportunity to share in this great adventure along with
many others in an outreach that will bring miraculous change to the
lives of the poorest and neediest people on earth, the good people
of Malawi, Africa.

The people of Malawi have gripping needs that are larger than anything
that we can imagine. They are hungry for the Word of God and
their arms are open. They cannot be ignored!

The answers to the problems in Malawi will require a God-sized
solution. His power and His church is their greatest hope. The right
model, programs and personnel are already in place in Malawi. Please,
join us in coming together alongside our Malawi Ministry brothers and
sisters and help them expand God's calling where it is needed most.

Contact us to learn more about how you can join in to this important work.

Be a Part of the Challenge

My biggest goal in this hike is not to finish but to raise awareness
of a great tragedy that is happening today. That tragedy is the
unimaginable living conditions of the people of Malawi, Africa.

The need in Malawi is greater than anything we can imagine. Infant
mortality is declining rapidly and it's a country that is literally
dying of otherwise manageable illnesses. Their problem is that while
this is happening, most of the world is simply unaware. Sometimes
governments and international organizations can't efficiently pinpoint
the need in these difficult situations. It often falls on
individuals, corporations and independent relief organizations to make
the important difference.

Here's what we can do; I can be an ambassador for Christ in his stated
mission to care for "the least of these". You can be a part of the
"FaithQuest Challenge", by sponsoring my steps for those in need.

This hike is my best offering to bring awareness and relief to these
good people in Malawi. Please join me. I'm humbly asking you to
become sponsors of the "FaithQuest Challenge" at any level, lager or small.

I'm working through the NGO, FaithQuest Missions. This group has a great story and has had remarkable and proven success in delivering compassionate support to the villagers of Malawi.


Join me in bringing relief to the those who need it so desperately.

Thanks so much for considering all of this. I hope to hear from you.

In the beginning

2009 will be a year packed with anticipation, beauty, doubt, accomplishment, trials and growth. This new year holds a lot of adventure and uncertainty for me. Big questions will be answered and bigger questions will be posed.