13 Jan, 2009
A trio of Canadian adventurers said Friday they have set a new record for fastest trek across Antarctica to the South Pole, after suffering through whiteout conditions, temperatures as low as minus 40 and a steady diet of deep-fried bacon and butter.
Ray Zahab said he and his teammates completed the 700 mile (1,130-kilometer) journey from Hercules Inlet on Antarctica's Ronne Ice Shelf to the South Pole in 33 days, 23 hours and 30 minutes, finally arriving Thursday.
"If you took a cloud, wrapped it around your head and then duct-taped it, that's what a whiteout is like," a weary yet animated Zahab, 39, of Chelsea, Quebec, told The Associated Press by satellite phone from Antarctica. "It was exhausting."
Zahab and his teammates, Kevin Vallely of North Vancouver and Richard Weber of Alcove, Quebec, documented their journey on their Web site, using their satellite phone to post photos and podcasts along the way. They pulled 170-pound (77 kilogram) sleds of equipment, with Zahab traveling on foot and on snowshoes while the other two men skied. At night, they hunkered down in a tent to sleep.
The men suffered altitude sickness, vertigo and massive, painful blisters. They kept themselves fueled with a 7,000-calorie-a-day diet of deep-fried bacon, cheese and huge chunks of butter.
He was longing for his 6-month-old daughter, Mia Sahara, and wife of two years, Kathy.
"All I would do is think about them and think about how I would spend the day with them..." he said.
(Kristen Gelineau, Associated Press Writer...Fri Jan 9, 2:03 am ET AP)
Going through anything
II Corinthians 11:23-28 [NIV]
23Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
How can we connect today's story and God's story?
When I am sitting on my comfortable couch, in a warm house, sipping hot chocolate, the journey that these three Canadians took seems pretty extreme. 40 degrees below, whiteout conditions, pulling a 170lb sled, all on huge blisters while being sick...why would anyone ever do that!?!
Then there is Paul...beaten, whipped, imprisoned, stoned, shipwrecked, hungry, thirsty, naked, cold, sleepless...why would anyone do that!?!
The answer is simple...and it is the same for both...the end goal was worth it.
These men were willing to go through anything to get to the South Pole and break the record for doing it the fastest. They were determined and nothing was going to get in their way. The same is true for Paul. He didn't even care if he died doing it...because the goal was worth it! He was going to live for Christ no matter the cost.
Did you notice what kept Ray Zahab going? It was the thought of spending one more day with his wife and daughter. Paul's goal was similar, but much greater...an eternity with the Father.
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story?
- Get off the couch!!! It's an exciting journey out there and every step of the journey is worth it. Too many of us are following Christ in a safe way...not too bold...not too risky.
- One result is that we don't have much of an impact on a world that is crying for us to boldly live what we say. We have the power of Christ in us, we need to get out there and use it!
- A second result is that we never get to see God show Himself faithful because we never put ourselves in a spot where we need to trust Him. Try Him...do something that is bigger than you...something that only He can do...and watch Him be faithful.
- Remember, this life isn't about you. Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live. The life I do live, I live by faith in the Son of God who gave Himself up for me."
How can we connect today's story, God's story, my story and their story?
- Be honest before God...are you willing to live life like Paul...with reckless abandon for God? Your friends are worth it. The end goal is worth it.
- If the answer is yes, spend some time praying about what God would have you do. Maybe it is starting to use those gifts at church that He has given you...you know, the ones you have been holding back because its easier to follow than to lead. Maybe your sports team needs someone to step up and lead a Bible study. Maybe its finally beginning that conversation about God with your friend who has been waiting all this time. Ask Him, trust Him and watch Him work!
- If the honest answer is "no"...first of all, thanks for your honesty before God. That is a great first step. Now the challenge is to talk to your youth leader or someone else who is living boldly for Christ. Let them know where you are at and ask them to pray with you.
- Are you willing?
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