Summer Bible camps are always full of learning. Some children are learning to be away from their parents for the first time. Some college age counselors are learning the psychology of maintaining order in a cabin full of adolescents. In all of these things, the lessons of faith are by far the most important. At Central Florida Bible Camp, we have an activity that highlights those lessons in an exciting way.
We call it the Leap of Faith. It is a forty-foot power pole sticking skyward out of the ground with climbing spikes. On either side of that pole, forming a triangle, are two other power poles that are about ten feet taller. They support a cable on which hangs a red ball and the belay rope. The idea of this exercise is to climb the pole, stand on top of it and jump out trying to touch the red ball, hence leap of faith. Lest you question the safety and sanity of the participants, they are in a full-body harness, with a helmet, and the belay rope attached to the harness. The rope is kept taut as they climb, always ready to catch them at any time. On the other end of the line is a full belay team and friction device to stop/slow the descent.
I have facilitated this event for several years. There are several lessons that I like to share with the participants after they have come down off the pole. One lesson is that the leap of faith represents a life of faith. We stepped out in faith when we chose to follow Christ. It wasn’t a blind “scratch off” kind of leap. It was done with the knowledge of our sin and the salvation in Christ. As we climb in life, we understand more, and greater faith is required as we grow in knowledge (2 Cor. 8:7). By the time we get to the top, we are ready to jump.
For others with a great fear of heights, jumping out for the red ball forty feet in the air is beyond their ability. For them, the leap is the first step up the pole. That first step is the greatest challenge. As they climb, they require encouragements from those on the ground. Many have gotten fifteen feet up and bear cub the pole and begin to weep. With gentle encouragement, many have been able to climb up to touch the top. For them, that was the best that could be expected. Not everyone will be a teacher, preacher, elder or deacon. Many are great servants and labor at their greatest abilities (Eph. 4:11, 16).
Lastly, we are not climbing alone. From the ground, we are connected to those who are on the belay rope, the church. They encourage and strengthen us (Eph. 4:29). The victories of the one on the pole are the victories of everyone. God has provided everything for us to succeed. We are often our own greatest enemy (Matt. 23:27). Let this be a word of encouragement to keep on climbing. “Climber, climb on!”