Sammy Max vs Mount Everest

As we wrapped up our series on Moving Mountains last weekend, I shared a story of a 25-year-old high school teacher in our church named Sammy Max. I received a letter from Sammy last week describing what the Lord has been speaking to her throughout the series and how it was especially meaningful to her because of her story. I wanted to take a moment today and give you a little bit more of her incredible journey…

Dear Pastor Jeff

…I felt so deeply impacted by the message this weekend over “Moving Mountains.” I wanted to share a little bit of my story with you and why I identify with this series in such a deep way. When I was young, I had a Religion Teacher from college tell me that “God had BIG things planned for me.” I spent about 6 months pondering what that meant because I was such an ordinary human, had never really accomplished much, but loved the Lord.

To make the story short, I ended up finding out what that BIG things was—and it was to go to Mount Everest and experience God with the Himalayan people who had never heard about Christ. My calling was to tell them about my Jesus. At 21 years old, I followed that call, despite all reason, my parents’ concerns, and better judgment.

If you saw me standing in the Commons at Milestone, at 25, and 5 foot nothing, you would never imagine a person like me would be capable of doing such a BIG feat. And you would be right. It was God’s calling, so He gave me the strength to endure physical and emotional struggles to bring the message of Christ to these people.

My journey included many obstacles to overcome—from flying into the world’s most dangerous airport to discovering there were no toilets or WIFI on Mount Everest. But what they did have was people who needed to hear the gospel and the love God has for them.

I often tell my story to my students at Timber Creek when I tell them how they can accomplish anything they want in life and they are capable of BIG things…God can and will use small people like us to further His kingdom. It is not because we are great that we can accomplish great things, but because He is great and lives within us.

Thank you again so much for all you do, for impacting our community, our children, and our church. Thank you for the opportunity to lead a wonderful small group of people each week in my home.Together, in Christ, we will surely move mountains.

Sincerely,
Sammy Max

What an inspiring picture of someone who stepped out in faith and accomplished big things for God..not only across the world, but also right here in our church leading and helping others move their mountains in a small group. 

Pastor Jeff Little