Please Join Us in Honest Reflection on Grief & God
Thank you for posting prayers and notes during the search for the missing climbers on Mt. Hood. Please continue to pray for the families who are grieving and also that Brian and Nikko will soon be found. Family members are continuing to read the words of comfort and heartfelt friendship posted here.
We invite you to join our discussion below, as we reflect together on God's mysterious ways and seek a deeper relationship with Him.
We invite you to join our discussion below, as we reflect together on God's mysterious ways and seek a deeper relationship with Him.
151 comments:
To all of the families,
I am but one of Frank James' students praying for God's mercy in this difficult time. May He protect Kelly, Brian, and Nikko, and may he hold you all firmly in His grace and love.
Amy Lauger
As Amy said, the students, faculty, and staff of RTS/O as well as many area churches (including my own, New Covenant) have been praying continually for the weather to break so rescue workers can pass, for God to bring warmth in his presence to Kelly, Brian, and Nikko, and for the families to persevere in their trust of God and support for one another. Frank, you've done so well as a spokesperson and have displayed great courage as you've stood for your family. I'm devastated you had to be put in such a position for these reasons, but God's Spirit has obviously been strong in you. May his strength continue to be made evident in you, and in the other family members there with you now. Your tears, and ours on your behalf, are strong prayers before our Father in heaven.
~Mel Webb
Your brothers and sisters in Christ here at Saint Paul's in Orlando are all praying fervently.
Gordon Cloke
Praying for you in Wyoming.
We are praying for you all here in Macon,GA.
In His Grace,
Stacie Dietsch
Just want you to know our family here in Chicago is praying for the safe return of your loved ones. They have been on my mind and in my prayers these last few days I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
Praying for you in Washington, DC.
Catherine Claire
The Covenant College community in Lookout Mountain, Georgia is praying fervently. Our hearts are with the three men and their families.
The RTS community is praying like crazy for you all. We love you and pray for God's redemption during these difficult days. all love, keely and josh
And a lot of folks in Charlotte, North Carolina are storming heaven's gates for Kelly, Brian & Nikko.
My prayers of hope are with the families and the climbers themselves aswell as all those that are trying to save them.
Cheers,
Billy Boy
Praying for Kelly, Brian and Nikko, their families and all those involved in the search.
God bless,
Melissa McClone
Praying for you in Missouri.
I am personally praying for the three men and for their families. Grace Baptist Church in Somerset, KY is also praying that God will deliver them safely.
Bill Haynes
May the Lord assure you of His mighty presence as you wait for word on your loved ones and may He deliver them safely from the storm. I pray this in the powerful name of our Lord Jesus!
Kathryn Rapier
Vienna, VA
We thank God for your witness to his grace and control. Praying often for you and all.
Howard Griffith
May God deliver them safely from the difficult situation. I am praying for the three men, their families, and all those involved in the search.
God bless,
Il Son
Oviedo, FL
Our hearts break with you, and our prayers are with Kelly, Brian and Nikko and all the families. May God surround you with his presence during this time of great suffering. For a man who once prayed that God would never make him speak in public, you are doing an wonderful job, Dr. James. We could not be more proud of you, and we are honored to call ourselves your students.
All our love,
Joel and Sarah Esala
Our Polis project team has been praying all week and fasted yesterday for the rescue of Kelly, Brian, Nikko and strength for the families. May God deliver them today!!!
In His Love,
Angie, Melissa, Phil, Jennie, Amy and Matt
I'm another student of Dr. James. All of you are in my prayers.
Peace,
Luke
The Grezlaks of Phoenix AZ extend our prayers to Frank & Carolyn, Kelly, Brian and Nikko, all the family members, and the rescue teams.
Steven, Wendi & Noah Grezlak
Glendale, AZ
Our prayers are with you down in aubrey tx. there are some many people praying for kelly,brian,and nikko. God will stay with these 3 men. And do what he think is right, to happen. today is decemmber 16, 2006 and i believe that today is the day that these 3 men will come down from mount hood. i just pray for for these 3 mens families, however our cousin Kelly James.
Our prayers are with you.
The Kruger Family,
We are praying fervently that today, December 16th, is the day that God chooses, in His mercy, to rescue these brothers from Mt. Hood.
Love,
Rachel and Michael Blackston
Oviedo, FL
To You we lift up our eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He is gracious to us and rescues our loved ones.
We are praying from Maryland that Sunday will bring a positive conclusion to this blog. My father, brother, and I climbed Mt. Hood in 1959 (one of those times in my early years where I felt the awesome power of God). Those memories keep us riveted onto these streaming comments, prayers, and all those fantastic people searching.
May God Bless each and every rescuer not only as they plan their strategies for tomorrow’s activities but in their guidance on foot and from the air -- as well as all the families of these three men.
Love,
Al & Nancy Strong
Kent Island, Maryland
Dear Clara, Ike and Angela,
our loving thoughts and prayers are with you and the other families. We hope, that Brian and his friends will return soon and in health.
Karin & Peter, Andre, Guido, Günter, die Fetschs und alle hier denken an Euch und hoffen mit Euch auf gute Nachrichten vom Mount Hood - seid fest umarmt.
Alles Liebe
Carmen
Riedstadt / Germany
Praise God for these believing men and their families. I am praying for their safe return to the families and friends who love them.
Barby
Covina, CA
Carolyn, Thank you for keeping us updated. Please let Frank, his family and all the families know that our family and many at church are praying earnestly for the safe return of Kelly, Brian and Nikko. I was awake often throughout the night praying for their well-being, the rescue effort to continue in safe weather and for each of the family members. We stand with you all.
Love,
Alexis McElhinney
I've been praying since I heard Monday night, and I'm not stopping until all 3 of these guys come home to us.
God be with them and keep them intact until help arrives.
God bless and comfort each of the families through the wait.
God protect the rescuers as they sacrifice their time and safety to bring Kelly, Brian and Jerry home.
Christopher DiMarco
Dallas, TX
Prayers are going out for Kelly, Brian and Nikko and your families from Philadelphia and New Life Church in Glenside, PA. It is these prayers and God's gracious mercy as he hears them (from all over the country and likely the world) that will that will sustain the men, and bring comfort to all of the families until help arrives.
Carolyn,
The Westminster community has been praying all week for Kelly, Brian, Nikko and all of your families. We hope for good news very soon.
Mindy Withrow, on behalf of Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia, Dallas, New York, and London)
God creates calamities and controls them. In His great mercy He will accomplish His good purposes. Our prayers to you and your family.
New Life Presbyterian Church (Clermont, Fl).
Merciful Father, we thank you that these climbers are in your hands. We ask for you to have your angels to surround them. Lord be with their families. Fill them with a peace that is greater than their sorrow and beyond their understanding. Grant to them a joy that thrives in spite of the pain and fear. Give them a hope that fights its way through the despair. Finally, give them the courage and strength to hold on to you through out the rough days ahead.
The entire Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando has been following and praying with you.
Blessings, Canon Paul and Robin Jagoe
Still praying for you with all our hearts, and in all faith. Our hearts cry out to God on your behalf.
The Cloke Family, Winter Park
Lord, words fail.
We ask for hope. We ask for courage. We ask for comfort for the dying. We ask that the other two climbers would not die.
I am praying for you all at this time and that through it all, God will be glorified.
one of Carolyn's readers
God be with you and the families of Kelly, Brian, and Nikko. We will continue to pray.
Blessings,
The Jones Family, TX
You all are continually in our prayers and in our hearts.
Chris and Rachel,
London
To the family of Kelly James--We grieve with you all, and continue to pray for the other two men. Our comfort is that God is in control, no matter how very difficult the circumstances are.
kathy, in aurora, IL
For the young man who beholds the beauty of the Lord....
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones. Psalm 116:15
Precious here indicates "to carefully watch over." May the Lord continue to watch over His children. I am moved to tears this morning praying for your family and for the men.
Kelly Webster, Nashville, TN. Community Bible Church
De Profundis
We cry out with you from the depths, this morning, and trust in the Lord of steadfast love and plentiful redemption.
The Geneva School community (Winter Park, Florida) is praying fervently for you all.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. Psalm 130:5-6
"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." Psalm 119:50
We are praying for the families; Crying out to God for help and comfort. May God lift up all of our heads, and bring us peace.
Luke S & Leslie P, Orlando, FL
Father God...
You are Lord Almighty, King of glory, Creator of heaven and earth. The mountains are megaphones of Your majesty while the oceans are but small puddles beneath Your feet. You reign from on high...great and glorious...with perfect vision and power. Though we may wander and lose our way, Your eye is always upon us. You alone see all...and You alone have the power to save all.
Father God, comfort the family and friends of Kelly who left his earthly home to enter his eternal home with You this week. Assure them that their trust in You is not in vain. You are a God of the living, and Kelly is alive. He simply stepped from that mountain into your glorious, loving arms where he will spend eternity. Father, especially encourage and comfort his wife and children. Reach deep into their grief with your tender touch and strengthen them with Your Presence, Peace and Power. You are a Husband to the husbandless...a Father to the fatherless... Carry them to the other side of this valley of death...close to Your heart...and stay with them until this season of grief fades into a season of cherished memories.
As you know, Father, Brian and Nikko are still missing...and we are helpless to find and rescue them without Your intervention. Father, would you clearly lead the rescuers to the exact place where they are waiting to be found? Protect them as you clearly guide them to the place where You are shielding these men. Father, would you please calm the weather, providing clear skies and straight paths for the rescuers?
Father, we ask that you give Brian and Nikko a sense of Your Presence, Peace and Power as they wait. Give them the calm assurance that You are sending help soon...and give them clarity of thought to take precautions while they wait. Feed, shelter, and guard them...keep them warm. Command Your angels concerning Brian and Nikko to guard them until the rescuers arrive. (Psalm 91)
Father, You are sovereign over all...and You are a God who loves and cares for us. Just as the mountain peaks tower over the valleys...so do Your ways and thoughts surpass our human understanding. Rise above us and amaze us with Your power and glory...and let us watch with wonder as You retrieve your beloved sons from their hiding place. We trust You, Father... How thankful we are that You do not leave us down here to fend for ourselves.
Whether Brian and Nikko step down from that mountain top back into our world...or into the glory of heaven where Kelly is waiting...we can be confident that You have not failed us. Your plans cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2)...and whatever the outcome, we will trust that you have delivered them, just as You have promised.
We pray with confidence in the name of Jesus...Amen.
Dear Frank and Carolyn:
Bev and I have been trying to keep up with the updates almost hourly, it seems, for the past week, praying for Kelly, Brian, and Jerry, and for you in your grief and in the roles you've needed to play. I had such hope and confidence that they would find Kelly alive, and Bev and I were both heavily hit by the announcement Sunday night to the contrary.
I wish there was more we could say; these man vs. mountain stories are the sorts of things I read in my leisure time, though usually with happier endings; I think these are the sorts of adventures that demonstrate a life well lived. I respect the kind of adventurousness that Kelly’s life seems to have exhibited, and think that every person needs to feel the thrill of tackling something bigger than themselves. Reading the blogs and the stories, Kelly certainly had some great moments of conquering, it seems. I was even hoping I might be able to meet him and hear his stories one of these days. But I just wanted you to know that, for a man I’ve never met, I have come to respect your brother deeply in the past week. I know I speak for many. And I’m so sorry for your loss; it weighs deeply on us all.
Elmer Smick said something in a long-ago class of mine about Psalm 121, that has stuck with me. “I lift my eyes up to the mountains; where does my help come from? My help comes from you, maker of Heaven, creator of the earth.” Smick reminded us that the psalmist was not looking to the mountain to find God, as is often inferred, even in some translations. He was looking to the mountain, where all the gentile nations looked, but finding it wanting. And then, in asking ‘Where does my help come from?’ he recognized that it didn’t come from the mountain, but beyond it, past it, to the maker of heaven and earth. His hope was not in the mountain but in the Lord who made it. Anyway, that verse has been stuck in my mind all week, and I am praying you find in Him your help.
I am at your disposal if there is anything at all I can do for you. You are regularly in my prayers.
Grace and Peace,
Kevin Burrell
You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Remember that it is when you only see one set of Footprints that you are in the arms of God.
Prayers,
Marsie Trotta
Virginia Beach, Virginia
We continue to pray and grieve with you as do our family members in Savannah, GA and also in Scotland. Your hearts have been communicated so powerfully over this blog and on the news...May God comfort and keep you.
Adam & Beth Young
RTS Students/Orlando
Dear brother Frank and family,
Fokjelina and I have been praying for your family as well as the other two families.
Our hearts cry with you all. We pray for you all.
May the God of Peace keep you all in His peace and grace.
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3).
Your pilgrim brother,
Elias Medeiros
Dear Frank, Carolyn & Alli,
Our hearts are heavy as we have been watching from afar the trials that you have endured this past week and now the very sad news of Kelly's death. We are praying that God will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time.
Much love,
Donna, Phil & Matty
May God's love be enough, may His peace be your calm, and His stregnth be your source.
Your faith has shown as a bright star through the darkness, for all the world to see.
Our prayers continue.
Love from Ghana, melissa
I confess I had only vaguely been following the news about these 3 men's distress on Mt. Hood. But this morning found out that they are believers in the Lord Jesus -- and suddenly, this news story became very personal.
My brothers & sisters, my heart is now fully intertwined with yours, and I can only imagine how difficult this must be. May the Lord will continue to shower grace & mercy upon you.
May the Lord be glorified in all of this.
Love from Tenth Presbyterian in Philadelphia,
Sharon
Prayers from Biloxi.
My heart aches for the families of these 3 men who must face life without them. We trust they are with God where there is no pain or sorrow.
And now each one will learn how to trust God even more now. We pray God brings glory to Himself and even the lost, to know Him.
You all have been an example of trusting God in hard times.
I pray God's comfort in this painful time and to know He loves you and will be with you each step of the way as you try to live life
without your loved ones. Cling to Him...one day at a time.
"We are immortal until our work on this earth is done."
Many of us have been unusually burdened by this tragedy--burdened to pray--even before knowing the men are believers.
Kelly didn't die alone; he was with his Lord.
Our hearts will be with you all through the holidays and beyond.
Dr. James and Carolyn, I am a co-worker with several RTS students and as soon as I heard the news about the men lost on Mt. Hood, the wait became mine as well. My heart was broken for you when I heard the news about Kelly last night. My husband and I are praying that the God who has Kelly safely in His heavenly home will undergird each of you with His strength and peace in the days and weeks ahead.
Still praying for the other two men and their rescue. Much love to all the families--our hearts bleed with yours. [mel]
Frank and Carolyn,
Our hearts grieve with you in the loss of your brother. Please know that our prayers are with you and your family as well as with the families of Brian and Nikko.
Rob Griffith and family.
We have been watching and praying here in Chicago since the word first hit the news. We pray that God will bring your family comfort in this sad time.
Lord be with the family of the 3 climbers and watch over the families in this time of hard ship and let them know that you are there and Kelly is with you on the glory of heaven. also be with the other 2 still on the Mt. give the family comfort in knowing that you are there with them. From the Rowe family in bend Oregon
My thoughts and prayers are with the climbers, their families, and all those who are involved in the search. May you be blessed with strength and clarity of spirit and may we all be blessed with their safe return.
To all the families,
My heart aches for you, but I know that our Lord will take care of you. There are so many eloquent posts on this site. My words are not eloquent, but my heart is sincere. May God comfort you and hold you close.
As I followed the news and checked your blog I found myself humming this song as I prayed for you. I looked up the words and hope you find comfort in them.
Praying for you all.
O Father, You Are Sovereign
words: Margaret Clarkson
O Father, You are sovereign In all the worlds You made;
Your mighty Word was spoken, And light and life obeyed.
Your voice commands the seasons And bounds the ocean’s shore,
Sets stars within their courses And stills the tempests’ roar.
O Father, You are sovereign In all affairs of man;
No powers of death or darkness Can thwart Your perfect plan.
All chance and change transcending, Supreme in time and space,
You hold your trusting children Secure in Your embrace.
O Father, You are sovereign The Lord of human pain,
Transmuting earthly sorrows To gold of heavenly gain,
All evil overruling, As none but Conqueror could,
Your love pursues its purpose— Our souls’ eternal good.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the James family. I am a close friend of Brian's from Rapid City. We have Kelly, Brian, and Jerry and their families in our hearts.
PLEASE tell Dwight, Clara, and Angela that we love them and share their hope and confidence in Brian. Angela, we are praying harder for Brian and Jerry.
(Psalm 91:14-16)
Lieber,
Jared, Kelly, Jonah, Josselyn and Jaelyn
To the family of Kelly James:
Safely Home
I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfet joy and beauty
in this everlasting light
All the pain and grief is over
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last
Did you wonder I so calmly
trod the valley of the shade?
Oh@ but Jesus' love illuminated
every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me
in that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely,
for I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows
Pray to trust our Father's will.
There is work still waiting for you,
so you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth
You shall rest in Jesus' land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!"
I hope this brings you comfort, though I know you lift him up to the Lord.
For the Cooke and the Hall families, I stand beside you in the hopes that my strength can help hold you up as you endure this wait. I pray for your sons safe delivery, be it to your arms or to the Lord's.
Love does not die with death, it just gives you something to look forward to and something that envelops you. I hope you feel the love of the world in these dark hours.
In prayer and hope,
Many prayers for the climbers and their families. We will always think of Kelly, Brian, and Nikko every time we glimpse "our" mountain.
~Hood River, OR
Please remember that "it's not the length of life, but the depth of life that matters". Kelly, Brian & Jerry jumped into life with both feet and never touched bottom.
I'm wishing & praying for the Very Best for You & Yours in everything that means the most...
Take Care of You,
Gary Schneider
We had close ties to another tragedy that drew a lot of media attention last spring. All of the people involved were strong believers and we soon realized that the lulls of our life were a preparation for our response to the tragedy that we now faced. From all that I read and hear about these families, it's evident that you followed God in easier times, learned from other trials, and are now able to draw from what you KNOW, not just what you feel. Thank you for showing that to the world and offering hope to others who may find your strength bewildering. Our faith is only as real as the object in which it is placed after all. My husband and I have been praying fervently, even awaking at night with a sadness and then the reminder to pray for you all.
Thank you for your unfaltering faith and willingness to glorify God through this tragic time. Frank, your humility and brokeness covered by Christ's strength and righteousness is a sight that the country has been blessed to see. What a lesson you and the families are for us all. Our time is short here on earth, and are purpose is to love each other and come closer to God each day. You all have truly shown the world how to be a light in a time of darkness. We continue to pray for you all.
In His strength,
Angie and Jeff Winn
Our prayers are with you and your family.
-Matt McCraw, Naples, FL
I woke up all night long and thought about these verses to calm my heart before the Lord.
PSALM 84: 1-2, 4, 10
How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts! My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah.
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.
Prayers from SC
May God continue to hold you. You have been through a horrendous event, but you have each other to hold on to. May God forever hold dear Kelly,James and Brian in his loving arms. Know that he is holding all of you as well.
A former student from RTS-Charlotte of Frank's. My heart is crushed, but I have hope in the One who was ultimatley crushed for you and your family. We are praying for you in Memphis, TN that God meets you in this place of sorrow.
2 years ago I arrived at church only to hear that my friend who was gravely ill had died that morning. The song we sang in church that morning was Blessed Be The Name of the Lord. The refrain says... You give and take away, You give and take away, but still my heart will say, Lord, Blessed be Your Name!
In the midst of your grieving for your brother Kelly and the tragic uncertainty of Brian and Jerry, you have continued to say, Lord, Blessed be Your name. I know it is not an easy thing to say, but we, as children of Christ, as ones who know God's deep deep love for us, know that this is true.
We continue to pray for all of you to receive the comfort that 2Corinthians 1 speaks of..."...the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." Amen
My heart goes out to all of the families as I have just heard the "rescue" mission has been changed to "recovery" I have been touched by the faith displayed by each and everyone of you and you are in my prayers. I have also been touched by the ministry of Frank and Carolyn James through RTS and Synergy, without words to express my own heart to you, I turn to the words of Sarah Edwards, who you both have drawn my attention to
"What shall I say? A holy and good God has covered us with a dark cloud. O that we may kiss the rod, and lay our hands on our mouths! The Lord has done it."
May God grant you the grace to lean into Him during this difficult time and may you be comforted by the peace only He can bring.
With deepest sympathy,
Janet
Orlando, FL
Carolyn
Thank you for letting me and "mine" share these days. My heart grieves HARD for all of you. Were it not for what we believe and the knowledge that our God does what He does with purpose and eternal plans -- the week would have been unbearable - not to mention the days and months ahead.
I am proud to be in the family of God with you and Frank and the others. I am so grateful for Frank and the family members who let the world see and hear and feel how a Christian deals with life's sorrows & tragedies As the open letter said -- it was done with such dignity and strength. I cannot tell you how encouraging it is to see "the real deal" .
~~~love from more of God's family --
Cheryl & Doug & Tim McIntosh (one of Frank's students at RTS Atlanta)
Atlanta Georgia
Frank and family,
My wife and I are greatly saddened by your tragic loss. We have prayed and will continue to pray for you and the other families that our Lord's grace would be sufficient for you, and that he will be glorified through all this. I'm sure ours and the countless prayers of others have already begun to be answered. You graciously offered a prayer for me during a time of great personal struggle once, and I am privileged now to pray for you.
In Christ our Lord,
Brian Sandifer (former RTS-Washington student)
I send my sincere condolences to the families and friends of Kelly, Brian and Jerry. I have been following this story and was praying for a miracle. I'm so sorry it did not come! You are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!
Dear Frank:
It's been a very long time since we've talked, but I've often thought about you and your family over the years. I especially remember the times when I worked in downtown Dallas and Logan would take me to lunch at the Chaparral Club. I really liked him a lot. I can remember hanging out at your house before we went over to bother Dana Henderson (usu. before jumping in the Henderson's pool) and little Kelly running around bugging us...
I've been in contact with Clarence Goins and other of our mutual friends ever since we became aware of the situation in Oregon . Our prayers are with you and all of your family. I was very proud of you and the words you spoke...you gave the glory to God even in difficult times...thank you.
Susan and I attend Bear Creek Bible Church in Keller, Texas, where I am an elder...the elder board has and will continue to lift your family and the other climber's families up to Him.
In Him,
Greg
Dr. James,
The Mawhinney family loves you and your family deeply. We know that you suffer in ways that words can't express. We are praying more deeply that HE would be glorified in HIS drawing near to you in a more powerful way that words can't express. To the praise of HIS glory.
Scott, Janna, Michael, and Levi Mawhinney
Karen, I have thought about you so much as I too have experienced the loss of a husband. Today expecially I've felt that ache of beginning to realize that our mates will not be coming home. My prayers will continue for you as well as all your families. God WILL sustain you! I can promise you that. Trust him.
Much love to you all
My heart and prayers goes out to all of the loved ones and friends of these three souls. May you all somehow find peace in this extremely difficult time.
Victoria
Melbourne, FL
My heart goes our to the families who have lost their loved ones. May God take them into his loving hands. And my prayers also go to the families. May God give you hope and love as you go through your hardships. Anonymous
With deepest sympathy and prayers from Georgia. What a shining example Kelly's family has been throughout this tragedy. May you all find peace in knowing he is in a better place. God be with you in your time of need.
My heart goes out to all the families of the climbers. Brian was a friend I admired. All of us in RC are here praying each moment for him and the Hall family. Sending my Love and Prayers.
Kim Opp (Koster) & family
" 'Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you."
-Isaiah 54:10
prayers for you from memphis, tn
-lexie hicks
Climbing the highest to see the farthest
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
On May 13, 1986, I led a rope team of four men from Portland Mountain Rescue, searching for 13 climbers on the south side of Mount Hood. We were part of a frantic rescue effort to find the group from Oregon Episcopal School, who had ascended the mountain the day before. When the climbers did not return to Timberline Lodge by nightfall, Portland Mountain Rescue was called out, and I was among the first on the mountain that stormy Tuesday. By 10 a.m., at least four other teams from the rescue group scoured the south side as well.
My team's mission: Leave Silcox Hut at 7,000 feet, make our way eastward to White River Canyon, and then climb up the canyon as far as we could. As we left the hut, the wind howled at 55 mph. I could barely make headway, and the cold penetrated my five layers of clothing. Visibility was so limited that I could see the second man on our rope team -- some 35 feet behind me -- but not the third, about 70 feet behind. We navigated by compass, with the climber behind me yelling for me to go left or right or straight.
Without warning, I felt myself falling. My first thought was that I had plunged into a crevasse, but I had merely walked out onto a cornice overhanging White River Canyon. I was stuck temporarily in a deep cushion of soft snow; my team yanked me out, belly first, and we continued up the mountain.
The search that day was particularly urgent for me. Most of the lost climbers were young, about the age of my own 16-year-old daughter, who was safe that day back at Grant High School in Portland. I empathized with the distraught parents whose children were somewhere out there on the mountain, trapped by the angry storm.
It took two more days of searching to find the group, holed up in a snow cave just a few hundred yards east of the top of the Palmer Lift above Timberline. In the end, seven students and two teachers perished.
It's been quite some time since I've recalled the events of those days, but this week's search atop Mount Hood for missing climbers Jerry Cook, Brian Hall and Kelly James brought the time back into focus. Some of those involved in the current effort are friends.
But here's the thing: When an accident on a mountain occurs, we hear two predictable responses. One is that we should charge climbers for the costs of the search. The other involves questions: Why do they do it? Why do they undertake such a perilous endeavor?
As for charging for searches, surely we haven't yet come to the point as a society that we'll demand a credit card imprint from a hunter or climber before we're willing to save their lives.
As for why we climb, I'm certain that serious mountaineers would all answer in much the same way: Climbing isn't a battle with the mountain; it's a test of one's self. Much like running a marathon, a difficult climb makes you reach down in search of things in yourself you aren't sure you have.
Climbing also nurtures life's deepest friendships. You travel many hours to the trailhead with your climbing buddies. You hike together to base camp. You sleep in the same tent and cook over the same hissing stove. And then you rope up together, knowing that your climbing partners have to be prepared to save your life.
John Muir said: "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine blows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
Those who climb the highest see the farthest.
We need more people in this world like Jerry Cook, Brian Hall and Kelly James.
Terry Swicegood is senior pastor of the Church at Litchfield Park in Litchfield Park, Ariz.
Praying for you guys, from here in Georgia.
My husband and I are praying for all of you here in Binghamton, New York
Frank and family,
As you mourn through these days of shadow and loss, may you find comfort in the knowledge and hope of how much Kelly has gained, as he passes into ever-greater realms of light and glory in the presence of Christ. The ranks of that great cloud of witnesses, who ever live to praise our Lord and God, have swelled with the entrance of another that has shown us the way into the heavens.
Kelly loved to climb mountains. Now, God has rewarded him with an ascent to the holiest of hills, the heavenly Zion where he awaits his friends of earth to join him in this bliss. I pray that as you all continue this difficult journey through the valley, especially in this Christmas season, that you will know a joy that can never die with the passing of a loved one, but rather is everlastingly assured from strength to strength in our risen and glorified Lord and Savior.
The blessing of God almighty be amongst you and remain with you.
Dan Trout
Dearest families,
I have watched this story unfold and my family held high hopes that all would be reunited with thier loved ones. The mountains are a powerful force and sometimes do not give up their powerful gasp, however it seems these men were doing what they loved to do and possibly died doing it.
For the James children, I too understand the loss of my father, he passed away Dec 20th of last year. It was sudden and certinally unexpected. My children are young (6 & 7 at the time ) and they had a hard time wondering how they could talk to their Papa and were he was. A few weeks after we saw a rainbow and we all commented how beautiful it was and before I realized what I was saying I told them it was Papa's way of saying hello from Heaven. Even now when I see one it gives me comfort and a chance to say " yes I know you are there happily watching over us "
The pain is real and over time you will cry less. But look to the sky on those rainy days and sometimes you WILL see that beautiful rainbow and remember your Dad and all that he stood for and be proud for knowing his love, even if the time was too short.
Sadness and Payers From Lake Tahoe California.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Family from WI
I'm so sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers along with the families of Brian and Jerry. L.R. from WV
For all the families of the climbers,
I was in Portland that weekend when all this happened. I saw all of you on the news and thought that your families are so strong and had huge faith. I just wanted to let you know that all of you and Kelly James, Brian Hall, and Nikko Cooke have been in my hearts and prayers. I understand why they loved to climb. I don't climb but this past year I was at OHSU. From my hospital room I was looking at Mt. Hood and I knew that God was on that mountain. That mountain brought me comfort for my 17+ stay at the hospital. I had a huge room so there was a panaramic view of Hood. I know that God looked out for Kelly, Brain, and Nikko on Mt. Hood and that they were with Him on that mountain this past week. They were not alone. They had each other and God and they had all of you in their hearts. God Bless all of you and I am continuing to pray for your loved ones (climbers) and your families.
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for the families of these three men, three men that I've never met, but whom have left an impact on the world. Their final journey, the ultimate climb into the Kingdom of Heaven is their greatest accomplishment and I feel comforted with that. May God grant the families and friends of these men the strength and courage they will need to continue in this life, a life that is sometimes cruel and unfair, but is also full of joy and hope, as seen with the examples that Kelly, Brian, and Jerry set as individuals. God bless you all...
Lisa,
Alabama
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."
-Theodore Roosevelt
Dear Karen,
I have prayed fro Kelly, Brian and Jerry from the moment I heard about them being missing. I live in Portland Oregon and have climbed Mt. Hood and have watched these events closely as this has been on my heart, and has effected me. I caught your interview with Katie Couric and I have to say you are a very strong women with a great attitude. I feel sometimes things happen for reasons we don't know of a the time, but I have to tell you your faith is incredible. I wish I had an opportunity to know your husband as he sounds like he was an amazing. I am truly sorry for your loss, however I know you take comfort in knowing Kelly is with God and will see you again. God bless you.
I wish to express my deepest condolences to all of Kelly James' family and friends. The hiking/climbing community have lost one of their own and we are deeply saddened. My thoughts and prayers are with you and with Nikko and Brian's families during this very difficult time.
Maddy
I admire the strong faith and courage the families have shown. All three climbers are in God's hands now.
I have got to sat Kelly did not die in vain. I know that with the outstanding conviction of faith that Karen and the other family members have displayed this is a strong witness to the truth of christ. I agree that we dont always have the answer to the big quetions on why things like this happen, but I do have a very strong feeling that Kelly and the other climbers had a walk with God and were already in the book of life. I also feel strongly that with Karen and her faith like in the interview with Katie Couric this will bring others to a person relationship with christ. As her faith is very contagious as it is the truth. I also wish I would have know Kelly James from all I have heard of him. I know this entire tragedy has made me reconcider my direction in life, and what is truely important. It has also strenghtend my faith. I want to offer my condolences to the families of Kelly, Nikko and Brian. I also want to thank Karen as I know you will make a difference in the lives of many.
Your families have been heavy on our hearts. We've been praying for you all! What a joy to know that they are resting in the arms of the Keeper of the galaxies!
You ALL are in our thoughts and prayers!!!
-Jessica Burns, Erin Phillips, and Sandra Lee
My prayers are with the families of the climbers this Christmas. I know it will be a hard day here on Earth, but hopefully they are not suffering ~ Kelly, Brian, and Nikko ~ and will celebrate Christmas in Heaven this year.
Hello my name is Shirley, and I as many others have been praying for the safe return of Kelly, Brian, and Jerry. As for Kelly our Lord has taken him to a better place now, and for the other two all we could do is ask the Lord Jesus to keep them in his hands at all times wherever they may be.
May our prayers be in your hearts, and give you strenght in this very difficult time, and may our lord give you the grace to keep going.
Sincerely,
Shirley & Adan Valencia
Karen,
May God comfort you during Kelly's funeral service tomorrow. You and the family members of Nikko and Brian have been heavy on my mind and heart. I ask God to lift you up in prayer and be with you all during this trying time.
I just want to let you know that people are still praying for all of you. Even though this is all out of the media, all three families are still in our prayers. We will not forget, and we will never give up.
I'm sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jo T. Smith
http://d21c.com/Seabird44/inspirations/heisgod.html
Sitting in my office in Portland Or. on the 20th floor, I have a clear view of Mt. Hood. On clear days I can see the mountain very well. My birthday was on Dec 10th, the same day the climbers were in trouble, I have thought about Kelly and the other climbers on a daily basis from that point. This has been heavy on my heart, and my deepest sympathy goes out to Karen and the other families. I am not sure why but this has really had an effect on me. I also have an overwhelming feeling that Kelly is at the right hand of the father. I also feel as if more good is to come from this tragic event... May God be with the families involved, as I continue to pray for all of you.
For Karen:
He was a tall man
Raised up from the fields out pickin' cotton
In a hard land Where the ground was poor and the wood was rotten
But when he saw her
All those bad times were forgotten
And he believed, he believed
She was the strong hand
A good sister and a daughter
Lookin' for one man
To love the way that her mama'd taught her
And when she saw him
She thanked God for what he'd brought her She believed, she believed
And it's a miracle
How one soul finds another
Just one miracle
Is all it took my brother
For l have seen them
As they walk this world together
And i believe, l believe
It's a sad thing
When one must leave the other
And fly up where the voice rings
Out with all the multitudes that gather
But for a short while
Down here no song ever sounded sweeter
And we believed, we believed
For it's a miracle
How one soul finds another
Just one miracle
Is all it took my brother
And l will see them
Someday they'll walk again together
l believe, l believe
This l believe, l believe
Harris Emmylou
Lyrics for Song: Strong Hand (Just One Miracle)
Album: Stumble Into Grace
A New Year's Greeting
Dear Dr. James and Carolyn,
Warm greetings to you and your extended family of Brian and Cooke in our Lord for the New Year of 2007!
May the Lord bring renewed strength, warmth, love, and gratitude to you. May you feel his arms around you and his love as a blanket that covers you. May you be assured of his undivided attention, his lasting strength, his deep wisdom and his uncompromising goodness to you. May you have peace and rest. May your heart be filled with hope and joy that no one can steal.
Love in our Lord and your privileged student,
helen qiu
There is no death... the soul lives on.... this is the biggest lie humanity has been told..... know that they live on and you will see them before you know it for there is no time where they are...
My sympathies go out to everyone involved in this tragedy. I can honestly say I do understand why they climb those mountains. You do feel closer to God by being up there with the beauty of nature. I pray they will find Jerry & Brian on the mountain so the families can have some closure. I know those animal friends of Brian he took care of are even hanging their heads today, along with everyone else he touched while being here. God Bless your soft heart, Brian. And God Bless every family member of these 3 fine men.
Prayers to you from Iowa
Everyone is with God after the so called death that doesnt exist.... we are all going to the same place..
Dear Dr. James & Carolyn,
You all are in our prayers. I look forward to hearing your thoughts as you process all of this. I know it is a sacrifice for you to process these things so publicly, opening yourself up to unkindnesses. I pray that the peace of God might rest on you.
love,
Stacie (from GA)
I am truely sorry for your loss. I pray for all 3 men and their families. May the Lord be with you all in this difficult time. May peace be with you all.
"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."
Nahum 1:7
Much Faith in God!!
Jada (from Austin, TX)
We are still praying for you here in Buffalo, NY. God Bless you all.........
Carolyn,
Have you heard from the other families? How are they doing in this most difficult time? And I hope the New Year brings the Kelly family hope and comfort.
May God bless you all!
My family and I are send our heartfelt prayers to your family during this time. I know the grief of this is something that will come in stages, so we will pray for you in stages. Thank you for sharing this part of your lives with us.
Anton, Jasmin and Toby McCollum
the above words of Anton (former student of Frank's)above were posted on the DEC 19th section of this blog. Anton passed away this past week suddenly, may all of our prayers continue for the families of Brian, Nikko, Kelly, and now Anton.
Your writings are just so 'right on'. I appreciate in a world of non-sense a deep sense of security, relationship, wisdom and faith.
Thank you. Do not stop.
Karen
Praying for you in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Audra
When I first heard of your loss, I immediately remembered a book I read by Nicholas Wolterstoff (not sure if that's the right spelling) about the loss of his son, also in a mountain climbing accident. The book, Lament for a Son, moved me beyond words, and was comforting in some way. I pray that the Lord comforts you, perhaps through this book in some small way.
Thank you for continuing to share with us your walk through this time of "joy and sorrow deeply mingled". (A phrase from a song we sing in church Jesus, You are Holy)
As I have walked with your family from a distance through this time, I now walk more closely with a family here at church who is waiting moment by moment to say good bye to their husband/father.
Frank, you may know Al Groves from your time at WTS.
I mention Al and his family here because they (as you) are allowing us to walk this journey with them. The difference (and a big difference it is) is that they have had the time to love each other well and say all that needs to be said in anticipation of Al's being called home heavenward.
Their blog, which I encourage you to read (algrove.info) has been an amazing picture of God's faithfulness to the Grove's family. Their eloquence and openness in sharing with us has been such an amazing ministry to so many as was your sharing your loss of Kelly and the road you have been walking since.
Thank you for taking your sorrow, your questions and your faith and allowing us a window in to your hearts. Hearts which are carried and cared for by our Father in Heaven. I continue to keep you all in my prayers as you try and find solid ground in the midst of such a "dizzy disorientation".
Peace be upon you
Your families are in my prayer. Thank you for sharing your hearts. God bless you.
Angel Oh
First let me say that I am not taken to blogging or writing families in the face of their tragedies even tho their grief and pain has stricken a chord within me, as this one most surely has.
I offer you my deepest condolences, but let me also say that I applaud these three men. For some of us it takes a personal tragedy or a life threatening illness to pursue our dreams, to live life to the fullest. This is only one of the lessons taught to us by Kelly, Nikko and Brian. As you describe Kelly, he sounds like a man who seized his opportunities, was his own person, made time for religion, he LIVED every moment of his life. For those who adventure in a similar manner as the three, they have taught us to plan carefully and when our knowledge and experience tells us we have planned for every miniscule unexpected detail, as they did, to plan some more. These men have touched the lives and spirits of countless individuals and you may never know the lives they may already have saved in much less adventurous activities.
One day you will find a smile without tears when you share a story of your loved one and it will warm your heart. I leave you with this poem someone shared with me at time of profound grieving.
I will continue to keep you in my prayers as I did throughout the search, may your hearts soon find peace.
(from a Midwestern gal)
" I wish for you..."
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life.
God Bless you!
I asked the Lord to bless you
As I prayed for you today
To guide you and protect you
As you go along your way....
His love is always with you
His promises are true,
You know in all our struggles
He will see us through
So when the road you're traveling on
Seems difficult at best
Take a moment, say a prayer
And God will do the rest.
*****by Brenda Hager*********
I just stopped by to say that our family still prays for comfort for Kelly, Nikko and Brians family. We just want the families to know we still remember and pray for them. This story touches our hearts. God Bless
Uncle Frank and Aunt Carolyn,
We still keep your family in our prayers nightly as we know that the loss will long be felt. We love you and pray for the Lord's continuing comfort.
Susan Nagai
keep posting stuff on your blog
I remember watching the search and praying for the safe return of each of your loved ones. I will continue to pray for the healing of your hearts and hope that in time, your wounds will heal. May God bless you, one and all.
Very interested in reading more on your blog about search efforts. Everyone wants to see the men found and their families given a modicum of peace.
This story has touched all of our hearts. Prayers for the families of those never found and hope closure comes soon.
God Bless you. Tampa, FL
I have been following this story since it happened and praying for the return of the men to their families every single night since... May God be with you ALL and do not give up hope! He works in mysterious ways and they will be found!
I have been following this story since it happened and praying for the return of the men to their families every single night since... May God be with you ALL and do not give up hope! He works in mysterious ways and they will be found!
They are not forgotten.Still praying Brian and Jerry will be found.Still praying for the families too.
Well, it's now Christmas here. I live at the foot of that mountain. There have been other searches but you are still on our hearts and minds. I pray for you weekly. The last year has gone by but, even though I didn't know them, they are not forgotten.
My cousin said something after losing her 6 month old son that stuck with me .... You never get over it, you just get through it.
I pray for blessings on your family and for peace in your lives and hearts.
I can only hope that through the past year - the families have been able to find some peace and comfort in God.
While I don't admit to know what lessons can be learned through such a tragedy, I have hope that light will be shone on the blessings that arise, so that you are able to see them clearly.
May God bless the families of these three men.
Thinking of the families of these three men. God love them, god bless them and peace be with them forever...
To all the families and friends of Jerry Cooke,Brian Hall, and Kelly James our sympathy, prayers, and thoughts are with you, we are very sorry for your loss, we grieve with you, we continue to praying for you.
Omar Gonzalez and Family
Altamonte Springs, Fl
Today I think back two years ago when the men where lost on the mountain and the weather was so relentless. My heart went out to them and too all ther family members and friends.
Days went by Kelly was found but not Brian or Nikko.
Since then I think of them often, my heart still goes out to all their familiy members and friends - as do my prayers.
One last thought - the incredible efforts that were made by all the volunteers and Officer Wampler's group was so selfess and intense. A true example on how we humans should always want to help one and other. God Bless all who helped in those efforts.
Gary K
Shepherd, Mt
Haven't been here in a while.But still think about those involved.I still hope Brian and Jerry are found.I know if it's God's will they will be.
I was thrilled to stumble on to your site today - I followed Kelly, Nikko and Brian's story and have prayed for and thought of your family so much. To find your candid, honest blog has been wonderful.
Continued prayers to all of the families - the media may have gone, but we still remember them with you.
Christy from Canada
These years have gone by...I did not know these three men except to see them on the news...but after all these years I have not forgotten them. I don't know why their story struck me with such a force. I've never climbed a mountain...not literally anyway. But for years now I have carried them with me...Kelly, Brian and Nikko...for some unknown reason. But today I found your blog and then Karen's website, her book, your writings about grief, your firm understanding of God's sovereignty and the Gospel...and I knew a little better why I have never forgotten. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. One day I will have the honor of knowing Kelly, Karen, and you, Frank. We will all meet at the feet of Jesus! What a day it will be!!! So, today I just wanted you to know that there are still strangers who think of you and pray for you. I hope that brings comfort as another sad anniversary approaches. Thank you for the testimony of your faith! Amazing.
It's been awhile since I was here.It doesn't seem like it's been three years.I remember the pain I felt.I hope all three families are doing well.Sometimes our prayers aren't answered the way we want and it's so hard to go on.God Be With All Of You.Thinking Of You Now.
Thinking of all of you today.
May you be at peace and in the loving arms of God.
Bless you all ..
As a new search on Mt. Hood is underway a familiar ache returns to my heart. I pray for all lost climbers and their families as one who lost a brother to Mt. Rainier in 2002. May you have the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, to guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus this season.
Another sad, preventable event...
Prayer: doing nothing thinking you're helping.
God is the primordial indifferent Universe...mess with Her and you'll find out just how invisible the invisible friend is, and that He only lives in an unlit corner of your brain.
One person with a delusion: psychotic
Group with a delusion: a religion
Reality, your comment has no basis in reality. God does exist, as those of us who know Him personally can attest. He gave us His word and His Son that we might know him.
Someday, you too, will have to stand before Him and explain why you didn't believe. I pray that before that day comes, you will have an encounter with the living Jesus, and learn that true reality is only found in Him.
To Luke, Kelly, Brian, and Nikko's loved ones, and those friends and family of the currently missing climbers, Katie and Anthony, I am praying for you all. Not because I can accomplish anything, but because we know our God is sovereign, and He holds them in His arms.
Sarah...
it's true that for humans fantasy is an antidote to harsh reality; it's the recipe for most religions...
you believe a myth, so save the empty threats :)...do you not see the incredible moral disconnect in the idea of a father having his son killed, blood shed, to "save" wayward humans...it is as morally corrupt as the myth of Abraham and Jacob and as silly as defying gravity and flying...
mountain climbers who get in high altitude winter climbing are taking a very high risk...it is sad to think of the fate of these climbers...prayer won't help, but maybe skilled rescuers, survival skills, and fateful luck can...I, like you... hope so...
We have never met, but we meet at the foot of the cross in prayer. When I first read about Nikko, Bryan and Kelly, I remember that I was at our family farm. I shadowed your fear and hope. I followed the the news, feeling "haunted" by the unknown. After the search was called off, I continued to follow the news, in hopes that there would be an update for all of us who had prayed alongside your families. Each three weeks or so, I would again look online in hopes of an update. I have been doing this for three years. Only with this second tragedy was I able to learn more. I simply want to say that I belong to the vast body of Christ praying for you...still. I continue to ask Him to cover you in peace. Truly, I feel connected to your families, and I pray that you feel the prayers from so, so many. If there were words comforting enough, you would have heard them over and over from the many who love you. In the absence of these words, I pray you feel strength in His palm. In your darkest hours, please know that there are so many people like me, thinking of you, praying for you, and hoping you can feel His presence at this blessed time of year. Godspeed to each of you. Gay Boyd
For some reason Brian and Jerry have been on my mind lately.I still hope they will be found.I know if it's God's will they will.It just may be a long time.Hope all the families are doing alright.
Frank - I followed the story of your brother Kelly on the news a few years ago. I never had the honor of knowing the man. His story was very compelling to me simply because of the way he seemed to live. A true follower of The Lord & a person who seemed to touch all who knew him in such a great way. The stories we have read about how he lived his life are inspirational to me in themselves. The man just seemed to me to have found the way to live just based on what limited knowledge I have from reading. My condolences to you & your family for the loss of your brother. Take it easy, Jimmy. (Ohio USA)
Thinking about 7 years ago.
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