Experiencing God in Wilderness

I found this in another blog and it so moved me, I wanted to share it here.  It really hit the nail on the head for me in a way I could share with others in a way that did not sound "self-serving" for a camp and conference professional.

BOB ABERNETHY, anchor: We have a segment today on going into the wilderness to experience the presence of God. John Lionberger is a former atheist who had a profound religious experience on a wilderness trip. Now an ordained United Church of Christ minister, Lionberger leads others looking for their own experience of the holy. Lionberger is the author of “Renewal in the Wilderness.” He lives in Evanston, Illinois. Earlier this fall, I asked him what happens to the people he takes to the wilderness.

Rev. JOHN LIONBERGER (Author, “Renewal in the Wilderness”): What they encounter in the wilderness is getting away from all of the things in society that we call “trappings” that are meant to be good things, but that keep them away from a more authentic and deeper relationship with God.

ABERNETHY: Lionberger’s trips begin with his coaching.

LIONBERGER: I think what happens for them is they get to the transcendent through the physical—the act of canoeing, the act of setting up camp. I like to say it strips them of the barnacles that they accrue throughout their lives and society, and they begin to realize how little they need to be profoundly happy. They are able to simplify, and in that simplification they get a sense of something holy about what surrounds them, a sense of well being and a sense of being cared for and a sense of profound peace, and it’s kind of a hackneyed phrase—“Be in the moment”—but there is something so powerful about it, because that is the moment, in the very present is when God comes to us. It is much easier, I think, for God to get through our defenses when we’re in a wilderness.

(more found at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/december-11-2009/wilderness-spirituality/5194/comment-page-1/#comment-3260)

Comments

[John Lionberger]

Brian:

I'm glad you liked the blog you found about Renewal in the Wilderness. And I certainly appreciate your appreciation of the PBS feature.
Renewal in the Wilderness was originally founded to take ministers of any faith on trips of spiritual renewal since, on the whole, they spend so little time nurturing their own spiritual lives. But so many lay people said they'd like to go as well that we opened it to people of any faith, and sometimes no faith, as it turns out, and (though I admit to a certain bias) the results have been simply amazing. On almost every trip I am amazed and humbled at how people respond to God when they're in a wild place. And the effects seem to be long-lasting.
So, if this request is not poaching/encroaching on your territory, and you know of Presbyterian clergy who are looking for some powerful spiritual renewal (we've had many clergy on sabbatical) please feel free to refer them to Renewal in the Wilderness.
Thanks again for your appreciation. I certainly appreciate what you're doing, because the more kids we can get outside and appreciating nature, instead on being on their computers, the more adults we'll have who understand the power of wild places and will be less willing to cover it with shopping malls.
Merry Christmas.

John Lionberger

[Brian Frick]

John it is not poaching/encroaching at all! I would not have posted it if I had concerns like that. We all have lots to offer on this journey of Faith and I was inspired by your program.
I would love it if our Pastors and or congregants had experiences such as you offer!
I also lift up your inviting other faiths, denominations and those who have no affiliation or claim no faith. These experiences truly are opportunities of evangelism - places of welcome and experience where individuals can experience the living God - Emmanuel - God with us. Through these welcoming, non pressured experiences, individuals find their faith and many continue on as Christians.
Our goal as Christians is to invite others along the way, to hear, believe and follow the Good News of Jesus Christ. How they live that out is out of our control, but it is the grace, the presence of God they experience, that transforms their life.
So I hope others in our denomination learn about your ministry, participate in it, and emulate it! Right on John!