Important: Posting testimonials in support of this ministry walks along an interesting line for us... there is that thing down in the depths of each of us that wants to present our own way of doing things as the reason for what God has done and continues to do in the multitudes of lives that have intersected with Pilgrimage.

However, only God is able to change hearts and lives. We believe that He has uniquely equipped and enabled the Body of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit to fulfill that mission in this age. Inasmuch as He has chosen (and continues to choose) to use Pilgrimage for His purposes in the lives of His people, we are blessed... and we will continue to strive for excellence in the front-row seat He has given us to His work. To God be the glory in its fullest measure.

The following are testimonies of what God has done...

I received one of the most spiritually rewarding weeks of my entire life! The Word of God came alive to me like it never had before. I haven't been the same since... God has used each trip to bring about real change in our people and in my own life. I would challenge you deeply to consider getting involved in this ministry. It is a wonderful tool that God is using to conform believers to the image of His Son.
Tom Vietti, Youth Pastor

I expected it to be physically, intellectually and spiritually challenging. Instead, my week was life-changing! I was out of my comfort zone and wide open to opportunities for growth. Some scriptural concepts that I learned academically became practically integrated in my life that week.
Bob Metze, Asst. Pastor

I have learned that you can say what you want, but you will always behave what you are. I am reminded time and time again of my own insufficiencies and of God's sovereignty.
Amy, Student

Pilgrimage has been one of the most effective tools for changing lives I have ever seen. Here is a laboratory with the perfect environment for God to work, resulting in self-evaluation, goal setting and permanent life change.
David Peterson, Pastor

I believe the value of wilderness is best seen in its impact on the faculty who attend and then on the students... I have seen the trips give the various teachers and administrators... the motivation and ministry tools that they were lacking to help them become true disciplers. I would encourage any principal or teacher... to make these trips a regular part of their school ministry.
Phil Gelatt, High School Administrator

I went up there with an open mind on how God wanted to teach me, not really expecting much. My training in the Marine Corps has been quite tough and I did not think the trip would be able to exhaust me… it did. God taught me a lot about who Christ is and what He did for me on the cross. I was glad for the reminder. It showed me the love I need for my wife. That love that doesn't expect something back, goes to the end, waits patiently, gives completely. I needed to see that for my marriage to get better.
J.T.

I can't stop thinking about why in the world I'm out here. I mean, when Kristin first asked me to come, I looked at her as if she had lost her mind and I doubled over in laughter! The wilderness??? Ya right! But yet, here I am. I'm sore, I'm tired, I'm uncomfortable …but I've never had more fun in my whole life than I have had this week. I've strengthened so many relationships…especially my relationship with God. I can't wait to get back and tell everybody how cool this trip has been!
Jen - from journal

I received one of the most spiritually rewarding weeks of my entire life! The Word of God came alive to me like it never had before! I haven't been the same since. I have been back four times since that initial trip (one leadership trip, one family trip, two teen trips). God has used each trip to bring about real change and growth in our people and in my own life.
Tom

This trip was a life-changing experience for me. On this trip, I learned a lot about myself and the areas I need to change in my life. It was one of the most stretching experiences I have been a part of in any aspect of my life. I was stretched physically, mentally and spiritually. But without the stretching or tension in my life at that time, I would have never seen the areas I need to change...
Sam

As the base camp came into sight, exhilaration pumped through my veins. We were home, but I was different. I was physically hungry, but spiritually fed. I was physically tired, but mentally energized. I had learned a lot but knew there was more to know. I thank God for this experience because it changed me that week, and it continues to change me today.
Chris

Looking back on my time in the wilderness, I now understand why Christ would disappear to the wilderness to pray. The wilderness is a great place for a person to get away from their busy-paced life back home and to experience God in a different way.
Geoff

I've been doing some thinking about what I've gotten out of wilderness this year. It's not very hard to figure out. Despite the desire I now have to be a better husband and father, I've learned a lot about leading through weakness. Something I've never thought about. I've always depended on my strengths and have never thought that I need to be leading in my weaknesses as well. Like Rob says, "The key to life is asking the right questions." I have been asking the wrong questions for years…
Chris - from journal

Having a position of leader does not make me one! Ouch! It serves as a platform to reveal if I am a leader and real spiritual leadership in influencing people toward their destiny. I find it easier to do this "professionally" from the pulpit or lecturn than one on one. Reactions can be so messy and time-consuming! Often it is selfishness on my part that keeps me from wading in and then pointing toward…
Mark