Newsletter

December 2007

Chairman’s Chatter

Nanda Devi is a twin peaked mountain in the Garhwal Himalayas. At 25,643 ft. it is the second highest mountain in India. The main summit stands in a high and beautiful valley filled with rare flowers, birds and animals. Known as the Nanda Devi Sanctuary it is guarded by a barrier ring of impenetrable tooth edged peaks linked to each other by walls of sheer cliff. There is only one entry into the sanctuary and this is via the forbidding Rishi Gorge through which the mountain glaciers drain in torrents making it deep, narrow and threatening. It is a hindrance to entering the sanctuary and has claimed the lives of many mountaineers.

Nanda Devi and its sanctuary are greatly revered by the Hindus. Its name means Bliss Giving Goddess and refers to the blessed Hindu goddess Nanda who dwells there. Also, from Nanda Devi comes one of the sources of the Hindu sacred River Ganges whose water they believe gives life. The sanctuary is a holy and sacred place. For religious, political and environmental reasons the Sanctuary has, for many years, been closed to outsiders.

Two weeks ago I stood 12,500 ft. up and looked across to see Nanda Devi standing magnificent and beautiful against a clear blue sky. I thought of the sanctuary hidden by that impenetrable barrier ring of peaks and the one near impossible access into it. What a contrast to our own Christian Gospel! I recalled to mind that when Jesus died, the veil in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Access into the most Holy Place, the sanctuary where God dwelt, was now open and accessible to us through the atoning death of Jesus. He has become our High Priest. The way in stands open and unbarred. The only hindrance to our entering into that sanctuary of peace and hope is our own willful selves. The only condition is that we come with confidence, a true heart and boldness of faith. To enter the sanctuary is Life itself for there we find God, and on entering the sanctuary we become part of His family. He meets our every need and we share in all His blessings. We are then called upon to openly confess our Christian hope, and to be active towards fellow Christians in love, fellowship and mutual encouragement knowing that we can trust God to be faithful (Hebrews 10 vs. 19 - 25).

Alison

P.S. It was a most wonderful trek!

What heroism! Ken Ed.

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