Backpacking Joys!

Much has happened since my graduation of the School of Applied Biblical Studies with YWAM Idaho this spring! God has remained faithful in continually challenging me to grow in character and leadership as I pioneer, staff, teach, and lead various ministry programs here at this mission’s base. My Heavenly Father has called me to such a time and place as this to be thriving in His purposes for my life as He leads this Backpackers DTS through me.


Cascade, Idaho is my current base from which God guides and directs my path to the ends of the earth. The Backpackers Discipleship Training School has an awesome “DTS Family” of eight, and we are already in our 6th week of the 11-week lecture phase. God is moving in powerful ways as we respond in passionate hunger for more of God. We are all not only maintaining our relationship with God, but exponentially “growing” in our friendship and intimacy with Jesus! September 1st marks the transition from lecture phase to outreach phase as one team travels to the Himalayas of Northern India, and another embarks across the countryside of Mongolia once again! Three months later, we will reconvene in Idaho just before Thanksgiving to recall the miraculous stories of God’s power released. Please pray for God’s blessing and favor as we share the Gospel.


We are in the midst of alternating weeks between the original train station (The Depot) beautifully placed on the meandering Payette River just outside of Cascade and backpacking into the wilderness regions of Idaho. Hiking through serendipitous snow, enduring polar-bear swims in high alpine lakes, catching dozens of rainbow trout, munching on fire-roasted ground squirrel, conquering peaks with breathtaking views, worshipping our Creator around campfires, and sleeping underneath innumerable stars has truly led us into a greater appreciation for this abundant life our friend Jesus has sacrificially given to those willing to receive!


Morning marks yet another beginning to an awe-inspiring week of focusing on Jesus in the high mountains of Idaho. Additionally, we have the honor and joy to lead a total group of 18 people on this next excursion! Folks from Wisconsin to Alaska, Colorado to Cascade, and everywhere in between are joining us for a week to intentionally pursue a greater knowledge of God by reflecting upon the message and power of the Cross. Please be praying for God’s grace and revelation to abundantly flow through this team this week, especially as our BDTS students take leadership positions with the attending youth. Please also pray for guidance and strength as our team goes directly from the serenity of the mountains to the road-trip hype of the Jesus Culture Conference in Redding, California the following week.


Lastly, I call upon those of you who are inspired and hungry to pursue God more passionately, to partner with the lifetime missionary calling God has placed upon my life as a 21-year old living for Jesus. To put it simply, I need committed supporters. The vision for this Backpackers DTS, a Bible school pioneered in Mongolia, and beyond is far too great for me to accomplish alone.


I am requesting committed prayer warriors and those who can contribute monthly support to sustain this vision to reach the young adult community of our nation and the unreached people groups in Mongolia. I genuinely thank you for those who have been praying and supporting what you can. Lives are being transformed! The Kingdom of God is expanding! and the more who partner as active members of the Body of Christ, God is exalted in your generous obedience and hearts of worship.


Until I write again,
I’m Joyfully Drowning in the Ocean of God’s Grace,


Zach Hooley 
on Facebook & Skype
www.hooley4christ.com
hooley4christ@mac.com
Backpacker's Discipleship Training School
www.ywamidaho.org


To support me, click here for secure credit/debit/paypal donations OR write checks to YWAM Idaho, include a separate note designating it for me, and send to the following address: 
YWAM Idaho, PO Box 70, Cascade, ID 83611