Ask Any Mountain Climber

ASK ANY MOUNTAIN CLIMBER why he ascends the highest peaks, and you may get the answer, “Because it’s there.” But ask Todd Huston why he climbs mountains and he’d probably say, “Because I wanted to prove that with hard work and God’s help, you can overcome any challenge.”

When Todd was 14, climbing mountains was the furthest thing from his mind. He enjoyed football and waterskiing. But on a family vacation, his legs got caught in the propeller of a motorboat. Doctors initially saved his legs, but several years later his right leg had to be amputated below the knee. After graduating from college and getting a job in Los Angeles, Todd heard about the 50 Peaks Project—a group that was looking for a leg amputee to join its team in trying to break the record for climbing the 50 highest peaks in the nation—one in each state. Todd didn’t think he was capable of the feat, but he trusted God and sent in his application. He was accepted and started training for the climb. But nothing could have prepared him for the grueling schedule. While some states, like Kansas, didn’t pose much of a challenge, hiking up Mt. McKinley in Alaska pushed him to the limit. He dragged himself to the top of the 20,320-foot peak and knew the hardest part was behind him.

After conquering a few more mountains, Todd found himself standing on top of Hawaii’s Mauna Kea—the final peak—in a record time of 66 days, 22 hours, and 47 minutes.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT Climbing the 50 highest points in each state wouldn’t be easy with two legs . . . let alone one. But Todd Huston inspired others and showed them that anything is possible. His determination shone from the mountaintops.

God wants us to shine from the high places, too. Jesus Christ said we are a light to the world and that we should go to the high places so our light can be seen by other people.

GOAL! Don’t hide your faith. Be bold for Jesus Christ. Ask God to help your light shine at home, church, school, and anywhere else you go.