As with most paths, it was not always clear where our walk would lead or what fork in the road we should take. Don’t be disappointed if God does not slap you with a plan – this happens to very few. A big part of this life is discovery and faith. This is my personal story.

EarthTraces actually had its beginning over 25 years ago, in 1978 when a group of us created a business plan for "Ohio Adventure Sports" a unique co-operative business approach that combined in store activities and sports training with equipment retailing. Outdoor adventure sports as a ministry was only a background thought at the time. Being fresh out of college, with lots of debts, we soon found no one wanted to loan us money to start our venture. The idea was left behind, as we all went into more conventional jobs and raised families. (An interesting side note: another company took an approach very similar to our plan --> REI.)

For the last 20+ years I have been with a fortune 500 company, managing its U.S. operations and engineering of environmental facilities. Since I changed jobs and moved around at the beginning of my career, for over 10 years I didn't have a real church home. I was a "Lone Ranger Christian". I believed I had a personal relationship with God, but didn’t understand and wasn’t following His Biblical plan for being part of a community of believers. I didn’t realize how important it was to have peers that can help you in time of need, help keep you accountable, and help keep you on the path to God. While I was successful in business and in investments, money replaced Christ as the center of my attention. It was only after a series of failed investments and destroyed friendships that I found the desire for money was empty and unfulfilling. Feeling a deep emptiness and knowing there had to be a better path, I found and began attending a "seeker sensitive" church. Slowly, I began to learn again the purpose for my life. It wasn't about me. God's plan for my life and your life is just that - His plan, not ours. I'm still learning to turn control over to Him - it's an ongoing learning experience.

	By the way, if you haven’t had the chance yet, be sure to read "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. It is the easiest reading, most concise guide to understanding your purpose I have found. I wish I had it 10 years earlier!

In 1995 with a few Christian friends who had a heart for serving "Experiencing the Creation Foundation" was formed and began offering outdoor experiences to local churches. Our first event was with the church a number of us attended. At the time the church had fewer than 200 members and we expected 15 or so to make the 2-1/2 hour drive for our first "Leap of Faith" activity. But 60 came for an incredible day and revealed the path we now follow: 

"We are to be a community for believers and seekers to share experiences in nature - to Experience the Creation He has placed around us".

We will share our passion with others in a ministry that not only provides activities for young and old (and especially teenagers), but also teaches the parallels between the activity, nature and one's walk with Christ. 

Over the next 8 years, we did a number of activities with churches and with those who became part of the ministry. Spreading the ministry was mostly by word of mouth. In late 2002, the call to grow became clear. In prayer, I made a "bargain" with God – provide the resources, I would make it happen here. At the time I thought raising the $150,000 seed money would take 7 or 8 years to develop and lead nicely into a ministry for retirement. On God’s timetable it took 8 months. In mid-2003, we re-incorporated as the non-profit "EarthTraces Foundation", received our federal income tax and state sales tax exemptions and hired our first college intern. EarthTraces has sponsor pledges to cover its operating costs at least through 2010. This is why we say that ALL member and activity contributions go into our Christian Internship Fund. In 2004 we hired 4 interns - young people who have decided early on to make a career serving Christ. They traveled throughout the U.S. this summer offering life changing adventures and spreading the Word of our Creator.

We are hearing from folks all around the U.S. and even the world about joining together to make an impact with this ministry for Christ. People need to have the opportunity to get outside their normally man-made world, to see the hand of God in everything created around them.

Are we on the right path? Absolutely. Nothing in my life has ever impacted my heart and given me so great a satisfaction as sharing this ministry. We will follow His will and gain the joy only serving Him can provide. God is bringing incredible people together in this ministry. It's not for everyone, but if you believe one of your gifts is a passion for the Outdoors, please by all means join with us in this ministry! You’re wanted and will be welcomed! Prior experience isn't necessary - together we can provide the training, equipment and services needed. We may have to function over the distances between us, still by joining together we will build a community that share activities and adventures with each other and most importantly lets others "Experience the Creation" as our ministry and mission in service of Christ. Thanks again for taking the time to read my notes.

Take Care!

In Him,

Bob H.

Bob Hollingsworth is the President of the Board of Directors and a sponsor of the EarthTraces Foundation. The Board Members can be reached at admin@earthtraces.com.