WWL Global Connections CLIMBING THE MOUNTAINS OF THE WORLD TOGETHER FOR HIM
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his week I had the privilege of sitting with a dear friend, Suria Shultz, from South Africa. We reminisced about the beginning of our relationship, the great work God is doing all over the world, and the many mutual friends we have and what God has accomplished through them over the last ten years. We met in 2012 when 43 women embarked on a mission to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds and awareness for human trafficking projects worldwide. I am blessed to say we broke three world records with that event: the largest group of women to climb together, the largest female group to summit the mountain, and the largest group to make it to the true summit. Why? Because when God rallies women, He shows up, shows off, and we get things done together. We are better together.
During my tenure as director of the movement, Suria and I climbed many other mountains; base camp Everest, the Alps, seven 14,000 ft peaks in Colorado, and many more. The Lord literally called us all over the world to climb, speak, and serve. Eventually, the Lord led us to other callings - me to lead Masterpiece Women, a women’s movement, and Suria and her husband to launch a mission organization. As we reminisced, we spoke of many of our friends and sisters. Our group was a beautiful reflection of God’s design and purpose. On my podcast, Masterpiece Women, I have interviewed many of these women about the bold things God has called them to do. Our mission continues: to serve God, love others well, and make disciples. I love how the Lord weaves the hearts of women from all over the world to be friends, sisters, co-laborers, and collaborators. Once again, we are praying and dreaming of doing something big together. It is awesome to think of all the Lord orchestrates as He facilitates ministry worldwide. He is so very intentional. You see, the journey for me to say yes to that climb began many years before. I vividly remember sitting at my computer, knowing God was calling me to my first mission trip. But where would I go? What would I do? I looked at the description of one trip many of my friends were preparing for and thought how fun it would be to serve under Pastor Doug, the leader. But I felt the Lord say, That is not what I have for you. For weeks after that, God 92
