From the moment you think about a mountain expedition, it brings about a sense of wonder and excitement. It’s a time of absorbing and listening, as your guide moves you through difficult terrain or dangerous passes. Then reaching the peak, the highlight of the climb, you breathlessly realize the majesty of this life-challenging experience…and are overwhelmed by the power of it! For the believer, coming to God’s Word can be the same unforgettable experience. You see, learning is imperative, just as it is for a mountain climber; learning how to better your skills, focus your sight, and set your goal for the summit is what spiritual mountain climbing is all about! In fact, there were quite a few mountain climbers in the Bible. Elijah climbed a mountain and heard the still small voice of God, our Lord taught one of His greatest sermons on a mountain, and Moses beheld the glory of the Lord in the cleft of a mountain and received the Decalogue—God’s word for the nation. Those words Moses received on Mount Sinai, the Ten Commandments, are still surprisingly relevant and applicable to our lives in the 21st century. Join us as we trek this incredible mountain of Scripture, Exodus 20:1–17, and find life-changing truth to make this…a climb to remember!

In addition to the main sessions, select a workshop to attend:

Avalanche Alerts - When climbing, one hazard that a good climber must avoid is an avalanche--an abrupt flow of snow down a slope. Avalanches are usually due to natural events or human activity. Trials are the avalanches we experience as Christians--circumstantially and personally. How can we avoid being overcome by them. James 1:2, 1 Peter 4:12
Altitude Sickness – Some climbers experience a condition of fatigue, light-headedness, edema (swelling), and drowsiness. Oxygen intake is usually the best remedy. Prayer is the believer’s oxygen. This workshop will identify how I know when I’m losing spiritual oxygen and how can I build up my oxygen intake of prayer. Luke 18:1
An Alpine Start – To make an efficient start on a climb means preparedness! Packing all your gear the night before and starting early--usually before sunrise! Essentials of a devotional life. This workshop identifies the benefits of spiritual preparedness and how to begin and maintian a level of preparedness, as well as what are the trappings of failure. Gal. 6:8-9
Back-Clipping – This usually occurs when the ‘lead climber’ clips in the wrong direction causing friction in the rope and danger to the climbers following. This workshop covers the influence of a Christian woman. What role does a spiritual woman have in her home and the work place, and how can she learn to avoid taking the wrong direction? Prov. 14:1
Face Climbing – This is a climber that uses only the finger holds, edges, and smears to climb a vertical rock face. In a spiritual sense, face climbing is a ‘Faith Climb’ where you and the Lord, your Rock, climb dangerous life-threatening situations. Phil. 3:9, 2 Cor. 5:4
Panic Bear – When a beginner clings to a hold while desperately searching for a foothold. Worry--the dangers and results of worry, learning how to trust in life situations. Matthew 6:25-32

Our Campsite:
The Hilton

Double Occupancy: $280.00
Triple Occupancy: $235.00
Quad Occupancy: $205.00

Each room offers a richly textured decor, 32-inch flat-panel TVs, and the Hilton Serenity Collection, featuring the Cuisinart Dual-Cup Single Brew Coffee Maker. High-speed wireless internet access is available for a surcharge. Every room is equipped with a hair dryer, iron/ironing board, voice mail, individually controlled air conditioning unit, cable TV with premium channels, and Lodgnet, offering pay-per-view movies, plus a Nintendo game controller.

*Please Note: Phone and any other charges will require a credit card be given at the front desk.

Directions: Take I-45 South from Houston, exit at 61st Street. Turn right onto 61st Street until intersection with Seawall Boulevard. Turn left onto Seawall Boulevard. The hotel will be 7 blocks down on the left-hand side. Registration will be next to the hotel at the Galveston Island Conference Center. You may pick-up your room key when you register.

Our climb begins Friday evening, April 24th, as we meet at base camp, the Galveston Convention Center. We will begin promptly at 7:00pm Friday evening. Keep in mind that there will be opportunities for time at the top of the mountain with your Spiritual Guide, as well as free time to mingle with other members of "the expedition team."

Registration: Registration begins at 5:00 pm in the lobby of the Galveston Convention Center near the main meeting areas. Once registration begins, your tent at the Hilton will be made available for you to drop off your gear.

Provisions: Three meals will be provided on Saturday with a continental breakfast served on Sunday. Please plan on eating before you come Friday evening.

The Camp Site: Camp will be set-up at the Galveston Island Hilton.

Every effort will be made to accomodate rooming requests. Please understand that if you request three-per-room or four-per-room rates and a roommate is not available to complete the room, you will be charged at the higher rate.

All rooms come equipped with two double-sized beds. The three-per-room and four-per-room options help to minimize costs. Please keep in mind that if you choose a rooming arrangement other than two-per-room, you will need to share a bed.

Scholarships: We have been praying so much for this weekend and would truly hate for anyone to miss it. If you have a financial need, please let your camp registration team know; there may be scholarships available as the date approaches. In an attempt to meet the greatest number of financial needs, scholarships are only given for half the cost of a four-per-room rate.

Pillars of the Word is a ministry of