“On July 14, 2000, I stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon. I thought to myself, “Someday” I am going to hike to the bottom. As time went by, I often thought about the promise I had made to myself. The next thing I knew 23 years had slipped by. I was unhealthy physically and mentally. I was struggling in life. One day I went to Jan Lee Baptist Church. At this point, my life began to change for the better. I still had struggles but I felt I was moving forward. It was at Jan Lee Baptist Church where I met Bill Banks. I knew Bill gave guided hikes through an organization called ReCreation Adventure Ministries. One day at church, I asked Bill about the Grand Canyon. He told me a trip was planned for the end of April 2024.
Nearly 24 years later, I once again stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon. This time I did hike into the canyon.
God had a plan for me. For years I lived a sinful life and struggled with my health. Those struggles led me back to the church, back to God. Through the church I met Bill. That meeting took me back to the Grand Canyon. I thank God for his love, patience and guidance. None of this was possible without God.
ReCreation Adventure Ministries is a great organization where God comes first. My trip was a positive and uplifting experience. The group of men I was with were nothing but supportive. When I struggled on the hike, they did nothing but encourage me. I would highly recommend ReCreation Adventure Ministries to everyone.
Thank you Bill for a memorable time. I especially thank God for giving me my “Someday”.”

“There is always immense value in being alongside like-minded Christ followers; that effect is magnified outside the church (building). I’ve been telling everyone, that this is the outfit for entry-level up to challenging adventures. ”

“It’s been a month since our adventure and my group is still constantly saying, “you climbed a mountain you can do this.” I can see myself using that phrase for a long time. Having a team of people around me that did something hard with me showed me how valuable community is. Knowing I have community in life is great but knowing I have community in Christ is even better. This hike was INCREDIBLE. I cannot wait to do another one!”

“All of my hopes going into this adventure with my family were met or exceeded. I wanted to experience the majesty of God’s creation- both within my family and way beyond our sphere of influence.... {I} wanted us all to enjoy the connection of the earth crunching under our feet and the stars above {our heads}. {We} made a new friend in Bill and got to learn about his story and {his} impact on the world {through Recreation Adventure Ministries}. {I} witnessed the bond between my children strengthen as they {developed} shared history and memories together. {Finally, I} enjoyed the ability to relax a bit as Bill took care of the majority of the logistics of the trip (especially driving!) {which allowed us to} spend more quality family time together.
I highly recommend a trip with RAM to any other young families who want to experience an outdoor adventure together in a safe and minimally stressful way!

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“This adventure was perhaps one of the most mentally and physically challenging things I’ve done. Endurance, patience, and teamwork were critical components to accomplishing each day’s hike. Each are also key ingredients to leading a Christ-centered life in today’s world. There is also nothing like spending time in nature, stripped of distractions and creature comforts, to re-center my heart and mind on what is most important - my relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was an incredible experience I will never forget. The trek was beautiful, challenging, and filled with adventure. Bill was a wonderful guide through nature and his love of The Lord is so evident. I am blessed to know him and. He was so patient with our group, a great teacher, and now friend. I have already recommended trips to friends and family, and hope to go on another myself in the future.
THANK YOU!”

“From a pastor’s perspective, it can be very difficult to find quality, uninterrupted time with the young men of our church. This trip provided over three days off the grid. It reminded me of my time in the military where you eat, sleep, and work together to achieve a common goal. The trip accomplished the desired end I was looking for. I got to better know and share life with six men whom I am in relationship with through Christ and the church.
Personally, the trip was physically challenging but spiritually and emotionally cathartic. Limited connection with the outside world and reducing life to the bare minimums offered rest, renewal and reset.”

“The adventure gave me an unprecedented opportunity to unplug from a life full of “gotta do’s” to have time and focus to soak in God’s presence and walk in awe of his creation. Bill and Lee have an amazing ability to connect and listen to those from various walks and seasons in life.
With everything provided and experienced trustworthy guides, it was easy to enjoy the journey. I didn’t say the journey was easy!
It was very challenging but the support and encouragement kept us going. I left with a new perspective in my spiritual as well as life journey and a large dose of a sense of accomplishment.
Grateful!”

“It is so easy in my life to get completely hung up on worldly things. Between work, wife, kids, church, and my own inability to say no to anyone, losing sight of Heavenly goals is easy to do. This weekend was a beautiful reminder that I am smaller than I think, and my purpose is to serve God. The most successful way to do that is to be at my best, and that requires rest, rejuvenation, and a solid focus on what is Important. I would recommend 10/10, just sign up and go, you deserve it, and so do the ones who rely on you!”

“This expedition was a tangible reminder of a few spiritual lessons God had in store for me. First and foremost, He has wonderfully made me. I was able to do hikes with the support of RAM that I would dare not try on my own. While on this trip, God gifted me lessons in reliance in Him, faith, and trust.”

“The experience from leaving the North Rim until we finished on the South Rim just emphasized how I am dependent on God for my daily needs and my hope for each day. It also reminded me that I need to keep that awareness in the forefront of my mind. This was another great adventure with Bill. I also really enjoyed Laramie on this trip. She has a wonderful personality for putting people at ease and making them feel at home. She did a great job of encouraging us and keeping us on track during the hike. I believe having two guides was a very good idea.”

“One of my very best friends and I decided to go on this expedition together & we started training four months in advance. I have been unable to think of something else that I have done in my life that was as physically & emotionally demanding as this hike, but I feel such a great sense of accomplishment for doing it & am so thankful to God for the experience. I had to rely on God’s strength to finish because with three miles left to go, I wasn’t sure I would make it. I love knowing that when I don’t feel I can get through something hard in my life, that God is in control & I can just hand it over to Him & He will lead me through it.

My friend & I were grouped with three other people that we had only met through a Google Meet meeting a few days before our expedition, but we all instantly bonded. I love how God works that way. I believe every moment is God ordained & I feel we will all be friends/family forever. Everyone showed God’s love through all of their strength and encouragement they gave to me & each other.”

“The vastness of Carlsbad Caverns was really impactful for me. I had no clue it was so deep. I know that sounds really simple but the depth of the cave taught me a lot about the magnitude of God’s Sovereignty and also His love for us. My brain had trouble comprehending how deep we were going into the cave and I knew there was even more that I would likely never even see. ”

“The devotional lessons from our expedition (facing adversity) were relevant and applicable for our young adult lives. Whether we realize it or not, I think we oftentimes face a lot more adversity than we might think. So, taking some time to reflect this week about what adversity we actually have encountered and why we might’ve been facing some of those things was refreshing and convicting. We were given some practical tools to help confront adversity and seek the Lord when things are hard, and that’s something that translates so well to our daily lives where the Lord has placed us. It’s good to be aware and reminded that not everything in the Christian life is a mountain-top experience— sometimes it’s a trek through the valley, but the Lord is faithful to grow us even still.”

“Our devotional/share time was such an integral element in this trek. It added to the overall experience. Given Bill’s leadership, our foursome blended so well and worked as a team. I hope to do this again with more family and friends and opportunities to come. Thanks so much Bill for your dedication, friendship, and the Christian example you truly are! ”

“In our group there was a blend of best friends and new friends. Christ brought us together in love and as we shared our lives and studied the Word we supported each other and felt the love of our Lord. In the early morning the elk and deer came to the campground and allowed us to see them for long periods of time. The hikes into the canyon were breathtaking and exhausting. The evening meals were times to work together and bond as we helped Bill prepare the delicious evening meals.”

“The parallel between the hike and the Christian walk was very relevant to me. In the canyon, you had to continually put one foot forward and continue on the path to reach your goal and get stronger as you went. In life, we continue forward relying on God as He leads us down our path, strengthening and growing us as we go.”

““Model, Assist, Watch, Leave:”I can hear our guide telling us this as he guided us through this expedition. I loved learning MAWL (1 Corinthians 11:1) what a wonderful tool to use when discipling or being an example to someone in my life. Model Christ, Assist or help someone who is in need, watch them as they do what you have done and then leave them and have the Lord transform their lives through it all. I have enjoyed learning so much on this trip through watching Bill model how to set up our camping gear and safety precautions and having Bill help us through the whole expedition. My favorite part of this expedition was having a lot of marriage lessons to help me and my husband walk through this new season of life. I also, enjoyed how every time we hiked we were always learning how the Lord will be with us every step of the way even through challenging hikes. Our strength comes from the Living “Water” Christ because without it we cannot persevere to the top of the mountain.”

“With all of the chaos that is going on in the world, it was a very spiritually refreshing trip. This trip helped me to spend time with the Lord while walking in some of His beautiful creations. I was able to reflect on all areas of my life and He put a lot of things on my heart. This was made possible by the long hike since there was lots of time! I would definitely recommend! The trip ran so smoothly and even when there were setbacks {from COVID-19} it didn’t affect morale or the overall plan. The food was delicious and I appreciated the variety. Fantastic experience!”

“This trip came at a great time during a stressful semester. It was so refreshing just to hear the silence of nature and to be reminded of Truth. The “I Am” statements of John helped me to remember who Christ is for me. Also, getting to do the trip with close friends was encouraging! Bill is a pro at leading and encouraging!”

“This expedition has given me some helpful advice on how to be a better husband and friend, and taught me more about how the Christian walk isn’t always easy, but is definitely more than worth it at the end!”

“The greatest thing I took from (the weekend) was biblical finances. It led to more conversations about how we should set up our accounts and how much more we should be praying about where to spend our money. The food was five star.... as always!”

“I have a tendency to lose faith and endurance in my walk when things seem to be out of control and tough. This hike and Bill’s teachings during this expedition opened my eyes to walking through a tough season. As the hike got tougher and my legs were begging me to stop walking, I kept pushing, trusting that the view from the top was worth it. Just like in life, we keep pushing knowing that God has something to show us and someone to build us into.”

“Hiking in the Grand Canyon gives you one of the greatest experiences! Seeing the wonder, it’s God’s creation and art! It is like God painting a picture and letting you see it from all kinds of angles. I had a great time to reflect on God, spend some time with Him and enjoy His creation in the midst of the Great Grand Canyon!”

“The scenic and beautiful sights of the wilderness and nature spoke of God’s creation. There’s something special about being in the Creator’s creation that can speak to your heart, as He did mine while hiking back from Guadalupe Peak on the side of the mountain. Psalm 95:4 says, “He controls the formation of the depths of the earth and the mightest mountains; all are His.” It is wonderful to get away from the busyness of life and experience the quietness and splendor of the outdoors.”

“As a pastor, there are few times we can really ‘get away’; but ReCreation Adventure Ministries truly allows that. The isolated location took us out of phone and internet service and I was able to be physically challenged, emotionally rested and spiritually renewed! Great Experience!”

“ReCreation Adventures provided opportunities for deeper conversations with the brothers on the trip.”

“Such an encouraging time spent with brothers in Christ! Diving into the Word and talking about it during the day was great.”

“This trip has allowed me to re-think the way I walk with Christ by remembering that it’s not going to be easy and it won’t fit into the world’s standards.”

“This trip was a great experience which allowed me to escape the fast paced life and enter into God’s beautiful creation. The combination of being in His creation and learning His Word is such a sweet and unique experience in which I was able to grow in my faith! I LOVE ReCreation Adventures!”

“I think this expedition gave me time away from everything to where I was able to focus only on my relationship with the Lord. I had time to read my Bible and speak openly with the Lord about how my life is going. This trip was great for my relationship with the Lord.”

“My take away from this trip is that nothing is too hard if you have the strength of Christ behind you and you allow it to carry you through the difficult times.”