Christian Journal Article

Tree of Life Experiences Renewed Growth

 

Tree of Life Christian Wilderness Expeditions, based out of Klamath Falls, Oregon, is growing.  The young ministry underwent some serious changes involving staff, areas of operation, and publicity recently. Founded by Jim Yahne in 1996, Tree of Life delivers the eternal hope of Christ to anyone strugging through life.

Tree of Life is a discipleship program that offers conventional therapy mixed with outdoor adventure blanketed by the core teachings of Christianity. The program is directed at adolescents ages 13 - 17, but also welcomes anyone who needs help being lead out of bondage. Likened to the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, a typical trek entails a 21-day hike through high desert forest. Participants are exposed to God’s promises and healing powers of reconciliation.  “Thank you for being a part of my life and helping me understand who I can be. I’m going to miss you guys…” says one participant. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest.” Tree of Life hopes to be a pathway there.

There is a fresh generation of young faces working at Tree of Life to bring their God-given talents to the Tree of Life family. Guide Brett Hansen says, “We’re excited to see this thing grow! It seems as if God is setting us up for huge success.” 

One of the challenges Tree of Life faces is gaining land use permits in this modern age of ever-shrinking wilderness. Tree of Life has worked closely with the Forest Service and BLM to line out permit areas in the surrounding Klamath Falls area. With new land use areas Tree of Life is faced with the task of scouting and creating new routes, yet it gives them the opportunity of calling a place their own.

This fall Tree of Life has branched out by updating its public image. It began with a simple Facebook profile. Then came Twitter, a blog, and remodeling the website to gain more attention. There is also a nation-wide radio advertisement offering therapy services.

All of these changes are proof that Tree of Life is continuing to put its roots down and solidify a sturdy base. Guide David Key summarizes by saying, “In this economy it’s important to put faith in something. The Lord certainly delivers and the choice to support this ministry was obvious. We have grown and will continue to grow.”

For further information call Jim Yahne at 541-281-2956 or visit tlcwe.org.

 

 

From the October 2012 Love & Respect edition: www.thechristianjournal.org

Getting Ready for Winter

The process of raising awareness and funds for a nonprofit is no simple task. It can take weeks, months, and years to build relationships in the community, let alone throughout the nation. And so it is that the few members of Tree of Life staff find ourselves as we enter into the winter months. One can also think that it may only be those who are in dire straits that would send their child, or be willing, to go on a trek in these chilly and freezing fall and winter nights.

So we press on as a team; feeling the calling of the Lord on our lives to serve in this ministry. Equally, we feel the pinch of the elusive paycheck, the discouragement from the lack of potential clients, and the overwhelming breadth of work to be done for this mission to succeed. There is no way we can do this… not alone at least. And there lies the true test of faith; unable to see the outcome of the current circumstances. The resounding answer: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matt 19:26) So, we press on, we fight the good fight.

It may be common sense for us who believe in the Power of God that we must trust Him completely in this process. And most of the time, in our day and age, Christ works through His body to accomplish His plan. So, we need your help, and here’s how:

1)      Please partner with us in prayer:

a.       That God provides the means for this organization to continue, grow, and thrive

b.      That the clients that will benefit from our program have a way to come; both by being aware of our program and having the means to afford it

c.       That we continue to build partnerships that will refer potential clients to us

d.      That we form relationships with partners that can fund scholarships for clients

2)      Spread the word about our program! We are here to help anyone that wants to grow closer to the Lord, clear any obstacles that are blocking them from living a God-abundant life, and walk with them through their wilderness to help them be restored to their community.

3)      Donate! We are in need of funds for the following:

a.       A mandatory behavior intervention training - $2,000

b.      Snowshoes for clients and staff  – $800 (can be donated items)

c.       A wall tent for winter trekking - $2,000 (can be a donated item)

d.      Donations to build a scholarship fund for clients

e.      Living expenses for staff who are currently not being paid

For more information on how to support us or make a donation, please visit: http://tlcwe.org/support.php Thank you so much for your support, encouragement, and prayers. This would not be possible without all the help from family, friends, and community like you. To God be the glory!