Find Your Own Everest!

Guest post by Betsi Calhoun

Do you have a goal that pushes you to accomplish something others call impossible? After climbing all 29,035 feet of Mt. Everest and reaching its summit at age 13, Jordan Romeo coined the phrase, “Find Your Everest.” I am sure he was told his goal was impossible more than once.

Now, at the age of 22, he has written a novel for children since becoming the youngest climber ever to complete the highest “Seven Summits” in the world. I still remember watching as he sat with his dad and stepmom relaying the story in an interview on NBC news Christmas Day of 2011. The then 15-year old had just completed the famed Vinson Massif peak in Antarctica.

When asked if this was just a hobby or recreational adventure, he answered, “No, we take this seriously.  It’s not just a sport. It’s a lifestyle for us.”  He explained how their family lived in Big Bear, California, and climbing mountains is what they’ve always done together.

Jordan has recently graduated from Westminster College, but he wants everyone who learns about his accomplishments to realize they too can set a high goal of their own and reach it. Thus, his new catchphrase: “Find your own Everest!”  Perhaps this phrase in Biblical terms might parallel the words of Caleb in Joshua 14:12 when he stated in no uncertain terms “I want that mountain!” and then had faith to believe that wherever he stepped, God had already given him that territory.

Our goal is to help them “Find their own “Everest’s,” while equipping them with the tools and guidance for reaching their potential peaks for Christ! This is what true discipleship is all about.

Jordan could not have accomplished his phenomenal goal without the tireless help, support and presence of his parents, guides, and paramedics who accompanied him on each climb. What are you doing right now to produce a risk-taker for Christ? Who is your “Jordan”? Has God given you a special burden to disciple a young man or woman who could make a difference for Christ and His Kingdom because you took the time to pour into her/his life consistently?

No Summit out of Sight: The True Story of the Youngest Person to Climb the Seven Summits

Guest blogger: Betsi Calhoun is married to Mike and is the mother of three children, a teacher, discipler, writer and encourager. She edits all of Mike’s blog posts and he thought it was time you heard from her.