River Rats Across the Pond
Recently I returned from the United Kingdom, after conducting a week-long biblical tour of London. This is something my wife and I typically put together every 2 years, with an open invitation to people from around the world. Apart from all the sightseeing and adventure, during our London Christian Tour we also focus on three main areas of the Christian faith— Creation Science, Church History, and Biblical Archaeology London’s Natural History Museum is a bastion of devotion to evolution and Charles Darwin. When entering the museum, you see Darwin
12 Stones at Separation Canyon
What an incredible season it’s been on the river. This year I had the privilege of running our first river trip, as well as our last. It has been amazing to see the many lives God touched and perspectives He changed while folks rafted through the Grand Canyon with us. God is amazing and always has unique ways of speaking to our hearts and drawing us to Himself on these trips. We believe the layers of the Grand Canyon comprise a remnant and a remembrance. They consist of a
Listen for the Whisper
Every year, between late July and early September, daily monsoons sweep through northern Arizona in a barrage of high winds, torrential downpours, and deep rolling thunder. Although these daily storms can sometimes cause unexpected showers, they provide some of the most extravagant experiences at the Grand Canyon. This is especially true of the sunsets. Last Friday was no exception. Parking our bus at the last overlook of the tour, both my fellow guide, Nate Loper, and I agreed this was going to be a sunset to remember. As the
WOW
We are nearly at the halfway mark of the 2019 river season. Our time at the bottom of Grand Canyon is always super sweet. Great friendships, scenery, and adventure combine in the most perfect blend of sights, sounds, and emotions. As always, the most common word spoken is, WOW! I have always attributed this to the flood of beauty overwhelming the eyes and brain. I still believe this to be true, but I have come to learn that there is more going on with every WOW moment. The word
Master Books Comes to the Grand Canyon
Recently I had the amazing opportunity to spend the day giving a tour to 21 members of the Pratt family. If you don’t know Randy and Kristen Pratt, you should. They and most of their family are involved in various ways in the publishing company Master Books, which published the books our founder, Tom Vail, helped put together. These include Grand Canyon, A Different View, and the True North Series guide books for Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyons, and Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. All four of these books are
Lessons From The Trail
“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I be will exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 (ESV) Hiking in the Grand Canyon can be intimidating. It has often been said about hiking Grand Canyon, “Down is optional, but up is mandatory.” This is so true. Like reverse mountain climbing, the adventurer descends into the earth taking in the extreme beauty. The traveling offers smooth sailing as gravity assists the journey and thrusts the wanderer deeper into the earth. However, the time comes
Called and Equipped
God faithfully calls people to join the Canyon Ministries team and brings people who radiate joy and a desire to serve. As executive director of Canyon Ministries, I am blessed to help equip and celebrate others in doing meaningful kingdom work. I appreciate the words the Apostle Paul spoke to Timothy: “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others
SHARE IT in Sedona
We love seeing the various ways God works. A few days ago, I received an encouraging “SHARE IT” message from a couple of young ladies. After being on the Grand Canyon Sunset Tour with me one day, they did a jeep tour with a different company the next day in Sedona. While driving around Sedona, exploring the red rocks and learning about the history of the area, the guide then started to share a little about the geology. After pointing out marine and sea life fossils in the
SHARE IT! : Get Ready
With great excitement, we announce the launch of the first phase of the SHARE IT program. SHARE IT stands for, Speak – Help – Awaken – Restore – Equip. Phase 1 is a call to “Get Ready.” Let’s look at what God’s word has to say about being ready. “but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) God’s Word clearly calls
Integrity and Skill
We recently took our guide team on a hike in Sedona. It was a remarkable day of adventure, strengthened relationships, and learning. The Canyon Ministries team loves these times together. We serve and grow as a family. We are dedicated to each other, our mission, and - most importantly - the gospel. Our ambition is to lead and serve with integrity and skill. Healthy relationships foster integrity. As we develop the relational strength of Canyon Ministries, we bolster the natural accountability that comes from doing life with others. Integrity