A word of encouragement → 🙌 You got this.
Starting a new year, we may have the best of intentions...
Guest perspective from Summit volunteer & Guide-in-Training, Sarah Pylant
We exist to prepare people for purpose using TRUTH, ADVENTURE, & LEADERSHIP.
Guest perspective from Summit volunteer & Guide-in-Training, Sarah Pylant:
Hey there,
Starting the year, I think we all have the best intentions of starting something new and good. Our hold up is usually the follow-through, right? At least that is how it can be with me. I just wanted to drop into your inbox to cheer you on in the places God has placed you.
Whether you’re feeling compelled to start something new or renewing a commitment this year: KEEP GOING.
God loves you, and He is with you every minute.
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Even better... Invite someone into your new thing.
Bringing someone in on a new thing helps with accountability, sure, but they can also be a source for encouragement, a source for help, or even a partner in prayer.
So, I'll let you in on my new thing...
My new thing is leading my first Summit overnight. I’ve camped a lot personally, and led a few dayhikes before, but this will be my first overnight trip to take people outside my family. 😳
✅ Yes, I’ll be alongside an experienced Summit program lead (thank you, Leslie!!),
✅ Yes, I’ve spent much of 2025 training when I can,
✅ And yes, we’ve been preparing, praying for and planning for each woman coming on the trip,
⚠️ but a little twinge of doubt can creep in. If I let it.
- OR - I can take 2 Corinthians 3:18 for myself, tell God about it, and invite others in.
I know that God meets us when we dwell in Him and in community with others. Let’s keep moving together. For His glory.
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
We are all imperfect people, moving God-ward. Let's keep moving together.
("God-ward," meaning pointing toward God.) This phrase was coined on the Backpacking Biblical Wilderness that I attended last year, and it has stuck with me, as I reflect on my own journey of faith and leadership.
Let’s keep moving together.
Reply to this message and let us know what your new thing is this season!
See you out there,
Sarah Pylant, Volunteer Guide
Sarah has been volunteering at Summit behind the scenes for a long time, and last year completed our Outdoor Ministry Training Cohort. The Women's Tent Camping Retreat on Feb 6-8 will be her first time leading in the field, and I am highly confident in her ability!
- Bryan Turner, Exec. Director
PS: Join us in prayer for this Spring season, for God to lead this ministry, and for Him to be glorified in all that we do. Drop us a line for how we can pray for you and your new (or “old”!) thing.
We are filling our Spring calendar, if your church could use support in creating impactful outdoor events for your church or training for volunteers that will stick, email us at info@summitlead.org.
