Testimonies from the Green Group:

“STEP has been a great opportunity for me.  Not only have I been able to learn valuable life skills, but it’s been a time for God to work in and through me.  God has been showing me how much more I need to put my full confidence and trust in Him; that He is all I need, all that matters, and that He’ll take care of me through every situation.  These are some things that God had begun to teach me back at home before I came to STEP, but it has renewed the passion in my heart and given me a time to practice and root my faith with fewer of life’s distractions.”

“When I came to STEP, I was a Christian growing up in a Christian home, but I didn’t really have a deep relationship with God.  I didn’t read my Bible every day, and I only prayed when I needed something.  But since I’ve been here, I’m learning how amazing it is to pray and read my Bible every day.  Just to be with God; He really love and cares about us.”

“Coming to STEP I really didn’t know what to expect, but I was excited to meet the challenges that awaited me, whatever they might be.  The greatest lesson I’ve learned at STEP has been to rely on Christ for my strength.  My biggest challenge turned out to be simply maintaining the schedule and accomplishing what was expected of me.  I’ve never had such a busy schedule filled with so many worthwhile activities.  I’ve been pushed beyond what I thought I could do, and had to rely on Christ in many different areas: completing each day’s memory work, running two miles, or even just waking up at 5:00 in the morning. It’s been amazing to see what can be accomplished when God is working in and through us.”

“God has really been teaching me to love whole-heartedly. Along with loving, comes rejoicing in all circumstances, not judging, and being full of grace, mercy and forgiveness when mistakes are made.  I am still learning all of these things, but the joy in learning it all is wonderful! I am so happy!!”

The girls have reached the half-way point and are still going strong. 

Navigation involves lots of hiking through trees and bushes in addition to map reading and compass skils.

The girls have the opportunity to become certified in CPR and First Aid.

Step sisters from the blue team. 

The first week of STEP is behind us, and the girls are already learning many important lessons. God is working in the lives of each and every one to draw them closer to Himself. They would like to share with you what He is doing.

“Being in a spiritual ditch, my confidence in Christ was not what it should be. God has been using three things here at STEP to build my confidence:

1. Physical training makes me depend on God for help.
2. The spiritual training in God’s Word encourages me.
3. Genuine Christ-like love is in the people here at STEP.”

~Jennie Cade

“Coming to Advanced STEP I was looking forward to renewing friendships I made last year, and also creating new friendships. I almost forgot how much energy you must have to get you through the day; whether it’s getting up at 5am every morning or making sure you don’t fall behind in saying your verses. It’s hard work with all these things going on (and much more), and it would be very easy to feel stressed and exhausted if it wasn’t for all the time you get to spend with God. At home it’s so hard to spend time with God, but here God is in everything we do! Yes, the personal devotions are great, but it’s the fact that everything we do relates back to God. In Captain Mandreger’s personal safety class it seemed he had a Bible verse for every decision he makes as a captain. That really motivated and inspired me to rely more on God like all of our leaders and class teachers. That’s probably the biggest thing God has been teaching me: to know and trust God in all things, and to have the joy of the Lord.”

~Carrie Osborne

Preparing for the trust fall

The low ropes course builds confidence and encourages teamwork.

The green team members have their compasses ready!