Day 1: Wednesday 23 May 2007

The day dawned on us with a massive knock on the door at 5:30 am. From then on it was time for final preparations, breakfast and time to get into two 20 seater busses. It was about a 90 minute drive from the Springlands Hotel in Moshi. The most amazing scene awaited us at Machame Gate with about 120 porters ready to take the load off the bus and to prepare to each carry a load of about 25kg up the mountain. While signing in at the gate each member of our party had three GDOP-wristbands to bless our porters with. It was not only a matter of putting on a wristband, but an opportunity to pray over our friends and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Before we eventually started our climb the whole group said a prayer. It was the beginning of an experience of a life time and an expedition that would definitely have an impact on our lovely continent. Most certainly this is not only a group experience, but an individual journey for each member as we have heard when everyone shared their testimonies and expectations for this Kili experience the day before.

Our climb started at 1800m above sea level and we had to do a long, slow walk ascending 500 more metres before we had the privilege of digging into our surprise lunch boxes. This was also a time to start reflecting on the amazing scenes that surrounded us in the rain forest through which we walked. It is here in nature, at moments like this, that you really experience how great our God is. What a privilege to share this experience in His presence! The group then commenced the climb in great spirit, ascending another 500 metres and a 3 hour walk towards our first camp, Machame Camp. From here on it was slow walking or as the Tanzanians say: Pole, Pole! Just as we could see our base camp, walk out of the rain forest, the rain started pouring down. We had to stop and quickly put on our poncho’s and then had to walk about 5 minutes to the camp. At the entrance we had to sign the register again in the rain. We then had to wait a about 30 minutes for our porters to set up the camp and the everyone jumped for their tents while it was still raining.

The whole group made it in good condition and we praise God for this. Now it was time to get our boots off, prepare our kit for Day 2 and to just relax. As we are writing this e-mail there is a great expectation for a special meal in our service tents. There will be a lot of stories to share in the coming days . . .



Intro Video - 22 May 2007 : 4.69 MB MPEG-4 Media File

Day 1 Video - 23 May 2007 : 10.40 MB MPEG-4 Media File

Day 2: Thursday 24 May 2007

Waking up with a yawn and not just that, some cold feet, wet tent and a sore throat but even worse, getting out of your tent into the mud was not fun. But then Uhuru peak made its appearance in clear sunny skies. Breakfast was ready and we were fed a bowl of oats and egg and sausages. Each hiker received their 3 litres of water which we had to purify – ready for the second day! The hike began from an altitude of nearly 3000m and we knew that we had to reach a height of 3900m in the next 6 hours.

The hike started at sub zero and reached approximately 30 degrees Celsius at midday. The morning surprised us with the most beautiful nature scenes. We saw fynbos, wild flowers, sewejaartjies and the famous kili-impatients. All of a sudden we were above the clouds and blessed with the view of mount Meru appearing through the clouds.

Time flew by quickly, our minds being captured with the beauty surrounding us. Lunch was upon us before we knew. A picnic at an altitude of approximately 3500m took our breath away – we were served with a 3 course meal on covered tables and chairs….. a meal fit for a king, and the best was yet to come.

After lunch nature quickly changed from these amazing bush-like surroundings to lava rock and pools of water everywhere. We were treated with a small curtain-like waterfall where all water bottles were filled. We ascended quite rapidly seeing the sun disappear as the mist engulfed the mountain. Our overnight camp comprising of bright orange tents appeared through the mist as a welcome sign to our weary bodies.

We quickly settled down in our tents and gathered around the cross for an hour of praise and worship. We prayed with the millions of people around the globe for the persecution of Christians. We thanked the Lord for the two nations that was added today: Sao Tome & Principe and the Mayotte Islands. Wonderful prayers were offered to the Lord.

All hikers had to undergo oxygen saturation level test by monitoring the pulse rate and it seems that most were fine. This helped boost our ego’s immensely. We are all looking forward to a great evening meal and hopefully a warm bed.



Day 2 Video1 - 24 May 2007 : 5.24 MB MPG File

Day 2 Video2 - 24 May 2007 : 13.5 MB MPG File

Day 3: Friday 25 May 2007

If we would only know what lay ahead of us when the camp alarm sounded at 5.30am . . . The first shock was the fact that our tents were covered with ice, but quickly everyone got everything in place. Then it was tea and biscuits at 6.15, prayer time at 6.45 (today we focused on HIV Aids and health care, as well as on the nations of southern Africa) and ready to go at 7.00. It was still very cold and all were dressed accordingly. After 45 minutes of walking it was time for the first radio interview. Directly after that we continued for 3 more 45 minute walks with 15 minute intervals. At last we arrived at our brunch spot. We were all still in pretty good condition, but the reality of the mountain struck us as a porter was carried into our camp. We are still not sure what the cause of his illness was, but all realized that the next couple of days would definitely not be a walk in the park. The mere fact that 3 to 4 of our group already started to feel the symptoms of high altitude, was a good wake up call. Just before we had lunch, we all had the opportunity to record a message to our loved ones at home on video. For most of us it was an emotional moment even if we only had 15 seconds. This video will be on the web and we trust it will put our loved ones at rest as they see our happy faces. Brunch was once again a wonderful experience.

After brunch we had the option to go from 4400 meters up Lava Tower to 4550 meters. Only two of the group opted to take the lower route and the rest immediately set off for higher grounds. It was about a one hour walk to the base of Lava Tower. And then we had another option and that was to climb about 50 meters up Lava Tower. Most of the group took this option and we were amazed by the scene from the top. It was most certainly a moral booster for everyone, because we were at the same level as where we are supposed to end day 4. Lots of photos were taken and everyone just enjoyed the amazing views. Then it was time to decent and after a short break we started our walk back to camp.

The walk back to camp was a real challenge. The sun was scorching and the decent was very steep and slippery at times. And . . . it took more than 4 hours of very hard work to get back to camp. Most of the group started feeling the effects of the high altitude on Lava Tower with headaches, nausea and dizziness. The fact that it was a long, long walk definitely made it no easier.

At last we reached camp. Hallelujah! The other two guys were already waiting for us. Everyone quickly got their gear, washed and just relaxed in the tents until we were called for dinner. It was a welcome dinner, but it was not easy getting out of the tents as it was already freezing cold. After our oxygen saturation and heart rate test and a short brief on day 4 everyone jumped for their tents.

Day 4 will be the giant to conquer! We will start at 7.00 am again and hike for 9 hours. Then we will have a 5 hour rest, before we will approach the summit at 10pm. If all goes well, we will summit the following morning between 7 – 9.00am.

Please do pray that the effect of altitude sickness will not prevent anyone from reaching the summit!

Day 3 Video - 25 May 2007 : 18.2 MB MPG File

Day 4: Saturday 26 May 2007

If we only knew what lay ahead of us for the next 40 hours or so, we would maybe have chosen the comfort of our tents rather than hiking up the final stretch of the mountain. Day 4 again started with early tea and biscuits and then we set off at 7.00am.

The first shock was 250 meters vertical ascend up Baranco Wall. The approach was very slow and after about one and a half hours we reached the top. By now we reached the alpine desert --- pretty much a moon surface experience! The hike continued for another 4 hours, still ascending, to our brunch spot. At this time the mountain was covered in thick mist. Everyone had a well deserved rest and an excellent brunch. A final briefing was given as we would not have time again before summit late this evening. It was decided that the group will only carry the cross up to tonight’s camp. A final video report was sent out and then the journey continued.

The next phase of our climb took longer than expected and we only reached camp at 6.00pm. It was rainy and cold and the air was definitely a lot thinner. Everyone immediately jumped into their tents, did a thorough “wet wipes wash” and got into their first two layers of clothing. Then it was time for a well earned and very important supper. After that we had about 2 hours left for rest before we would be woken at 10.00 pm. Hardly anyone could rest and just waited out the nerve wrecking 2 hours.

At 10.00pm the alarm sounded and it was time to dress in full gear --- all three to four layers of it. Luckily the rain stopped and we could enjoy our tea and biscuits in open air. At 11.00 pm the summit journey started and 2 guys decided not to continue. It was a very slow, very steep, uphill climb. The climb was done in three 2 hour sections with only a short break in between. The terrain had challenges with slippery dust in the first half and then thick snows in the second half.

Conversations dried up and you could only hear deep inhaling and slow footsteps. One of the biggest challenges was not to fall asleep on your feet. Many hikers started to experience the effects of altitude at this time --- nausea, headaches, very low temperatures and limited oxygen intake. One person had to turn back because of hypothermia and two of the porters also had to turn back to base camp. We all knew that this was not only because of the physical challenges, but definitely due to a spiritual war that was taking place in our midst.

Day 4 Video - 26 May 2007 : 21.0 MB MPG File

Day 5: Sunday 27 May 2007

We reached Stella Point just before 7.00 am on Pentecost Sunday. Everyone was exhausted, but we still had some work to do even though many were really sick at this moment and even disorientated. We continued the final stretch through thick snow in a very clear day. We only had 1.5 km to cover, but it took an energy sapping one and a half hours.

It was 8.30am when 37 out of the initial 40 members reached the Uhuru Peak sign at 5895 meters --- the highest point in Africa. It was emotional for all. Photos were taken and more prayer was done than what was expected. Graham Power lead prayers for the Global Day of Prayer and intercession for Africa and the nations of the world was done. Video recordings took place, despite the altitude sickness of our camera men. Normally people spend about 10 minutes on the summit. God gave us 45 minutes to celebrate, pray and enjoy the amazing views. By then many had to start the decent due to the ever increasing symptoms of altitude sickness.

The decent was very tough --- all energy was spent and somehow no one thought about getting down the mountain again. The weather suddenly changed from bright sunshine to rain, hail and snow. It made the downhill hike very tough. And it was even tougher for those who suffered from altitude symptoms. The group arrived back at the previous night’s camp between 12.00 and 1.30pm. There was only time for lunch, final packing and a short rest before the early comers would leave camp at 3.00pm for Mweka Camp. This camp is at 3000 meters and it is necessary to get there a.s.a.p. to avoid the full effect of altitude sickness. The second group left camp at about 4.20pm. At 9.30pm everyone was at Mweka Camp and by 10.30pm, after dinner, the camp was quiet. Everyone slept like a rock! It was well deserved sleep after many tough hours of walking and climbing. And of course there would be dreams of heroes summiting the highest peak in Africa.

Day 5 Video - 27 May 2007 : 10.0 MB MPEG-4 Media File

Day 6: Sunday 28 May 2007

We enjoyed a fantastic early breakfast the following morning and set off at about 8.00 am down the rain forest to the Mweka Gate. Everyone covered the distance at their own pace and signed back at Mweka gate.

From Mweka Gate we had 15 walk to the village where our busses awaited us. Here we thanked our amazing porters. Emotions were so deep that it was difficult to get the words out. The thanksgiving climaxed in a foot and hand washing ceremony. It was awesome to serve these amazing people who have served us unconditionally by carrying all the heavy bags, setting up camp, preparing meals and helped wherever they could. We trust that this has touched them as much as they have touched our lives.

We then had an hour’s drive back to the hotel. Everyone could hardly wait for a hot shower and soft bed. The swimming pool was also a welcome sight. During the afternoon some just chilled out, while others went to town for some final shopping.

The day ended with a celebratory dinner. Everyone shared their own personal testimony of the journey, certificates were handed out and everyone just enjoyed the meal and conversations. Then it was back to the rooms for the final packing. We would be woken up at 4.00am the following morning.

It was a very short night. Breakfast was at 5.00am and then we headed towards the Moshi Airport. When we stepped onto the plane we could hardly believe that it was the end of this awesome spiritual journey. The one thing that we know is that something in the spiritual atmosphere has shifted and that God’s glory was proclaimed over Africa and the nations of the world! We are looking forward to see the effects of this God ordained mission.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for and with us during this time. Again the power of prayer availed much. Keep on praying with us that “the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea” Hab. 2:14.