What climbing Kilimanjaro taught the viral vicar about justice

Sitting in my study on a grey January morning, I’ve been reflecting on the past year and the lessons I’ve learned. As a vicar, pausing to reflect often helps me focus on where God is calling me to dedicate my time. In a world of constant noise - social media, 24-hour news, and rushing about - I urge you to pause, pray, and consider how God might use you in 2025. 

One of my most impactful experiences in 2024 was returning to Tanzania, where I was ordained. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro as part of International Justice Mission (IJM)’s ‘Climb for Freedom’.

As a competitive guy (I grew up with an identical twin brother), I was eager to finally conquer the summit after a failed attempt in my 20s. While there was a level of pride, climbing with IJM also gave me a purpose: to highlight the importance of freedom and justice. 

Fighting for justice 

Before the climb, I visited some people IJM works with. My wife and I have supported the charity for years and know the staggering statistics - 50 million people are in modern slavery, and over half the world’s population lives outside the protection of the law. Yet, hearing these stories first hand makes you realise why God calls us to “seek justice” (Micah 6:8). 

I met Jasper, a young man who moved to the city to support his new family. Shortly after, police accused him of a crime, demanding money he didn’t have. They imprisoned him, separating him from his pregnant wife. Jasper contracted tuberculosis and missed the birth of his child. 

God never leaves us, even when we come to the end of ourselves

Last year, my wife gave birth to our third child, and I cannot imagine the pain of missing that moment. Jasper’s story reminded me why our God of justice “upholds the cause of the oppressed” (Psalm 146). Thanks to IJM, Jasper was released, started a motorcycle taxi business, and is pursuing justice. Praying with him that day fired me up for the climb ahead. 

Learning lessons from the mountain 

The trek itself was breathtaking. Over five gruelling days, I experienced everything from tropical rainforests to lunar deserts, all under dazzling starry skies. The physical challenge of climbing to 5,895 meters was immense. Reaching Gilman’s Point, where I had to turn back years ago, was hugely emotional. Altitude sickness made each step harder, and the final push tested my endurance like never before. 

Preparing for the climb taught me to look after my body. Eating well, staying hydrated and pacing myself were key. Equally vital was spiritual preparation. I’d recently finished writing my book, Know You Are Beloved, which encourages people to sit still, breathe deeply and enter God’s loving presence.

On the mountain, these moments of stillness were transformative. At 5am, sitting above the cloud line, I marvelled at the God of all creation. He never leaves us, even when we come to the end of ourselves. God calls us to do extraordinary things with him and ensures we never do it alone. 

Like climbing mountains, fighting for justice isn’t easy

This sense of community was deeply evident on Kilimanjaro. A group of strangers on day one, we quickly became a close-knit team, bonded by shared challenges. We prayed together, worshipped on the mountainside and supported one another when someone fell ill.

It reminded me of the beauty of the Christian life: we are stronger when we journey together, carrying each other’s burdens and spurring one another on toward the summit. 

IJM’s founder, Gary Haugen, says: “Victims of injustice don’t need our spasms of passion; they need our legs and lungs of endurance and our long obedience in the same direction.” His words felt particularly apt as I climbed through the night, step by step, determined to shine a light on the injustices that still trap millions. 

Reaching Freedom ‘Uhuru’ Peak at sunrise was exhilarating. The golden light spreading across the horizon felt like a foretaste of heaven, a glimpse of hope breaking through the darkness.  

Step by step 

Like climbing mountains, fighting for justice isn’t easy. The summit day was incredibly hard. You start in the pitch black because, if you saw what you had to climb, you might not start at all! There will be moments of deep discouragement, when the challenges seem insurmountable, and we feel like giving up. But that’s when we must return to the father, pause, seek his face, and draw strength from him.  

Nelson Mandela said: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Justice work, like climbing a mountain, requires faith, patience and resilience. 

As we step into 2025, let’s reflect on the past and look forward: what mountain is God asking you to climb? Where is he inviting you to join him in seeking justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with him?  

Take a step in that direction! Together, step by step, we can create a better, more just world—one where everyone can live free from modern slavery, violence, and oppression.  

You can climb Kilimanjaro with IJM in October 2025. Find out more here