Perspiring beneath our winter jackets, we wearily trudged through two feet of fresh snow toward the summit of Healy Pass. The exertion caused four of our small group of college students to lag about a quarter mile behind. This early winter backpacking trip had seemed like a great idea. No new snow had been forecast for the Egypt Lake area. After the seven-mile hike to the hostel cabin, we would spend the Sabbath in this isolated, spectacular valley in the center of the Canadian Rockies. But the eight inches of snow in the parking lot where we shouldered our packs became deeper as we ascended the trail.

Knowing that those following could easily see our tracks, we descended across open meadows and entered the forest just as darkness began to close in. With relief, we finally reached the cabin. Shedding jackets and packs, we began to prepare a warm supper in anticipation of the arrival of the rest of the group.

When the remaining four students had not arrived after 45 minutes, three of us set off into the darkness to search for them. As their leader, I felt compelled to find them. Backtracking three miles up our trail, we finally emerged onto the open meadow where we discovered a freshly broken track leading off our path and entering the forest some distance from the actual trail. The difficult track led over fallen logs and under low hanging branches. Stumbling and tired we finally reached the floor of the valley where we found the missing four. Having no idea where they were, they had decided to just make a rough camp and spend a cold, hungry night with the hope that in the morning they could find their way back to the group. We gratefully guided them the half mile up the valley bottom to the cabin for a joyous reunion.

How many of God’s children wait—cold, hungry and lost—not knowing that nearby lies a path that leads to a warm, loving God waiting to supply their every need? Some may never have known there was hope for them. Others may be fully aware, but have strayed from the path to follow intriguing and deceptive shortcuts. What is our responsibility with regard to these lost ones? You know the way; are you willing to leave the comforts of home and seek those who are lost? Are you willing to tend the fire through prayer and finances in support of those going on the search? What are you compelled to do today?

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