A Dancer Descended Mt. Kenya

By Gregory Paul Brown

In A Dancer Descended Mount Kenya, frustrated with his faith and with a lingering desire to his own will, Gregory climbs out of the boat in July 2012 to discover his relationship with the Lords will by answering a call to serve in Rwanda and climb Mount Kenya. Taking us on a transformative journey, he reflects on his misconceptions about climbing and discovers answers to spiritual questions by experiencing a taste of living in the kingdom. After a near-death experience on Mount Kenya, Gregory finds a new and authentic meaning of faith and returns home to continue his artistic endeavors.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490887906

Gregory Paul Brown

Growing up with the influence of artistic parents, Andrew Nigro naturally gravitates to and appreciates creative fine arts. He is a painter, musician, and writer who often focuses on biblical themes through expression and teaching. He paints with acrylic on canvas using realism and impressionism to depict cityscapes and scenes of nature. This cover depicts Mt. Kenya at sunrise being sized up and admired by an explorer and adventurer in the same way a person evaluates and respects the immensity of a challenge before tackling it with vigor. Gregory Paul Brown resides in New York as a freelance performing artist. Born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois, he left home at age sixteen to study and train extensively with the Houston Ballet Academy. At nineteen, he joined Texas Ballet Theater, and in 2008, the Lord called him to New York. He was blessed to have worked with the Metropolitan Opera, Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry, and many other regional theaters, dance companies, and schools across the country. Gregory serves with Trinity Baptist Church in Manhattan and continues to seek and develop opportunities to serve his community utilizing the gifts he has been blessed with.

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Copyright © 2015 Gregory Paul Brown.

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Cover Artist: Andrew Nigro

Author Headshot: Travis Magee

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-8791-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-8792-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-8790-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015910518

WestBow Press rev. date: 8/11/2015

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Foreword – by James Leonard

Part I: The Missions

Trinity’s Rwanda Mission Statement

Prayerful Introductions

Bazungu Tugende!

Morning Devotionals

Inka Yange!

Global Alpha Training (GAT)

Field Trips

Part II: The Climb

Day 1: Kigali to Nairobi

Day 2: The Equator

Day 3: Where Is This Mountain?

Day 4: A Rest Day

Day 5: Turning Back?

Day 6: The Summit

A Dancer Descended Mt. Kenya

Day 7: Point Lenana

Day 8: Rained Out

Day 9: Monkeys, Money, and Mud

Part III: Reflections

Silent Tears

Divine Moments

One Year Later

Kwizera

Afterword

This is for anyone who wishes to climb onward or is waiting and wanting to get out of the boat.

Salt and Light

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13–16 ESV)

Preface

I have a passion for plain (but not simple) storytelling. We find storytellers in movies, on stage, on TV, in museums, at church, and even around campfires.

I’m always delighted to hear a new story or tell one in some fashion or another and therefore fulfilling my duty as an artist. My imagination runs wild with stories. Even as a story unfolds before my eyes, I start to develop its potential. Once I am grabbed by a story, I consider not sharing it a sin.

The following stories make up only a portion of my journey. This is about a jam-packed summer that dramatically changed my life physically, mentally, emotionally, and best of all, spiritually. This is about my hearing God’s call while struggling to become a freelance performing artist in New York. This is about my eye-opening encounters with Trinity Baptist Church’s 2012 Rwanda Missions. Then there is a day-by-day account of an excursion up and down Mt. Kenya, the second-tallest mountain in Africa.

The blessings I received on such a trip prompted me to write this book. I experienced a taste of living in the kingdom and survived an extraordinary mountain climb. The number of people involved alone gives the phrase It takes a village new meaning for me. I wanted to share my innumerable blessings with my village because they’ve cleared me a new path to follow Christ, and they encourage me to be salt and light unto the world.

I know not everyone shares my faith, and I respect that, but I ask them to prayerfully consider as they read my account of what happened during the summer of 2012 and allow it to sink into their hearts. My stories might encourage them to get out of the boat and achieve the impossible.

Perhaps this is a story of what not to do or a reminder of what to do better next time. Maybe this is a story about my pride that was humbled and better directed to His ambitions for me to seek a fulfilled life. Maybe this is a story that will inspire you to join a mission trip or climb a mountain. Is there something tapping you on the back of your head, or staring you right in the face? Do you have an ambition to do something great or new? Maybe you have a dream you’ve always wanted to come true? What are your mountains?

Climbing mountains is inevitable in life no matter what form they take—jobs, hobbies, dreams, parenthood, marriage, faith, or even where we live. Our opportunities to climb are endless. Some mountains will be easier for us than others based on our individual talents and gifts, but we must be mindful of pride, which can cause us to stumble.

We will all mount peaks but sometimes never get to enjoy the view. We will watch others reach their summits and hear their stories and see their pictures. But remember, we still have the choice to climb or not. If we choose to climb, along our routes, we will share paths with others at times. If we choose to climb, we will never be the same.

What purpose does my story have? It is my light that I put on a stand so it will shine for all and give glory to our Father. It’s hard to admit some days, but it’s not all about me. I am just one thread in God’s tapestry, but I’m connected to my neighbors, and I desire to encourage them. Can you imagine if all the threads in our tapestry told their stories? Collectively, they make up the grandest story of all. This is a story about a few others and me, and it’s not my entire story, but it’s a season that has encouraged me to reach out and hopefully add fuel to the fire that the Lord has lit within us all.

We all are dealt cards we don’t want sometimes, so we pitch them. If I hang on tight to my faith, however, I may end up making better choices and enjoying a fulfilled life. I was dealt cards more than once to participate on a mission trip, and I finally played them. After the journey, whether I wanted it or not, I was dealt a different hand, one that encouraged me to reflect on and write about it.

I find writing to be very therapeutic; it teaches me how my heart and mind absorb this gift of life. Just another form of storytelling, folks! I learned I needed to write down what happened in Africa so I could wrap some sort of justification around my experience alone. Not that I needed to justify it, but perhaps I could dissect the lessons I’d learned and come up with some answers about future climbing expeditions.

Every Tuesday night at Trinity Baptist Church, on Manhattan’s East Side, my brothers and I dig into the Old Testament. Chapter by chapter, we go through the stories, the role models, both good and bad, and find similarities we men in New York can reflect on and prayerfully consider how we can become mighty men of God. These stories encourage us and even advise us. I discover every Tuesday night our foundation of reality as Christian men with trust and obedience, two key characteristics that have applied parameters to this story.

My time in Rwanda and on Mt. Kenya opened my eyes to a new kind of thanksgiving. I was blessed to participate in this example of God’s love, a taste of His kingdom. I want to share my story with whoever wishes to climb. My heart struggled to find my voice and the courage to write my account, but I imagine you will as well regardless of what your mountains are.

As a performing artist, a dancer mostly, I was busy, and writing a book was not at the top of any list—to-do, shopping, or bucket. Nor did I think such a task was within my abilities. But gifts come and go, and the blessing of traveling to Africa and back was such a spiritually reviving experience among my constant struggles in New York. My journey brought forth a sense of revival in me that I considered well worth sharing.

Peter showed courage when Jesus got in his boat and cast nets for fish at a time and place where there was none. After Peter filled his boat to the point of capsizing, he returned to shore and walked away from it all to follow Christ. He also showed courage when he got out of the boat and stepped onto the raging waters. Following Christ is not simple, and the paths we are called to walk can seem ridiculous, but that’s because we live in a fallen, negative, and cynical world.

Are you tired of people rationalizing? Are you sick of all the pessimism? How about the compartmentalizing, the impatience, the negativity? Well I am, and my story is full of these characteristics, but I can guarantee you there is power in the name of Jesus that will give you the courage to step out and take that leap of faith. There is even comfort when your leap turns into a long-distance flight with no landing spot in sight. His Word is as good today as it was in Peter’s time.

I had to dig deep when I got back from Africa, but powered by my fire within, my reflections turned into this conceivable story that miraculously changed my life as an artist and better yet as a believer.

I wrote this account to reach out to anyone with a desire to live life to the fullest but simply in need of a few friendly kicks in the butt. Lord knows I need some at times. This story comes from my heart to encourage others that we can all follow Christ anywhere, that we can get out of the boat and achieve the impossible.

I pray the blessings I have received will bless you and encourage you to be faithful to your calling, whatever that mountain is.

Acknowledgments

I could not have written this book without the unconditional love, mercy, and grace I received from our Father. It is an honor to be blessed so generously with opportunities to seek Him and be a part of His story. As I seek Him, I find a multitude of others seeking Him; what a privilege it is to serve with them and give and receive support.

It takes a village, and here is a taste of my village. Those who have supported me in this endeavor represent many more stories and passions, and they all ooze the indescribable power called love. I am forever grateful for all who have invested in me their time, resources, prayers, gifts, talents, stories, and light. They continue to encourage and inspire me to take more risks and climb higher. We simply cannot do this alone, and I am not alone.

To the few who spent time reading early drafts, editing the content, and providing powerful feedback, my gratitude extends an extra prayer of thanks for you. You’ve challenged, encouraged, and honored my story with your talents. My endeavors as a writer continue to grow because of your impact. Thank you!

To Andrew Nigro, a genuine brother of artistry and design. Your work both on canvas and in life is a constant awakening, reminding me how impactful relationships can be when we simply share our gifts and stories. To write this book has been an incredible journey because of the impact you’ve brought to this climb. Thank you!

To James Leonard, a man with a presence for life constantly capturing my need to live life thrillingly. I would not be able to share my light had the Lord not provided the salt within you to minister to me. I’m forever changed by your abilities to lift me up, your generosity, sense of humor, and of course, our time on Mt. Kenya. A simple thank you does not cut it, but my desire to climb onward is in reflection of the salt you’ve blessed me with. So when I say thank you, know it comes from God. Not only are you bringing out the good flavors in me, but you are healing and lifting up many more as well. Thank you!

It takes a village …

Kim Abel * Fred & Susannah Atkins * Penelope Bailer * Ryan Bailer * Betty Berg * Laila Biali-Whittman * Gordon & Sandi Brakebill * Paula Brandolini * Bret, Mellissa, & Eliza Brown * Joe & Dee Dee Brown * Kelby Brown * Tony, Jennifer, Jacey, & Liam Brown * Julie Brown & Tony Marrone * Keith Boyd * Chuck & Lori Butler * John Van Camp * Anne Carr * David Chang * Henry Chau * Dave Chen * Keye Chow * Alison Clancy * Elizabeth Colosa * Heidi D’Alessandro * Danielle DeCrette * Amanda De’Jesus * Carrie Devescovi-Nkurikiynfura * Dean & Karen Druin * Chuck Frank * Ted & Meredith Gandy * David Gasirabo * Fred, Erin, & Finn Gilbreth * Bobby Gooding & Shirley Proctor * Melvin Gonzales * Eric, Amanda, Eli, & Ava Grundy * Kendra Harris * John, Christi, Etcher, Slater, & Blaise Harrison * Colin Hart * Mushumba Herbert * Jonathan Hine * Jingwei Ho * Robert Hoffman * Jeanette Holland * Carol Ingram * Allison Jacobs * Michelle Joy * Francis Kabango * David & Anais Kim * JoeAnna LaCourse * Matt & Ana Lawless * James, Elizabeth & Iva Joy Leonard * Niall Lessard * Connie Lewin * Roy & Beth Markham * Martin McHugh * Otillia Melwani * Joel, Megan, & Judah Mills * Assiel Musabyimana * Andrew Nigro * Jessica O’Keefe * Ian & Elizabeth Olson * Carlos Ortiz * David & Sarah Page * Cindy Palicka * Rick, Genille, Marco, & Larenzo Perez * Elizabeth Perry * Katya Preiser * Aida Rodriguez * Joe & Kristin Rogers * Jerry & Sherry Rose * Victoria Rose * Dadjie Saintus * Danielle Schulz * Katherine Sedgwick * Jamie Spann * Lisa Tehan * Timothy & Eva Tien * Lisa Trader * Bryan Wade * Quanta Wade * Scott Wills * Tara Witt * Shane & Heather Zickefoose * Trinity Baptist Church * WestBow Press

Foreword – by James Leonard

You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place? Just this: What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above. One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen. There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least still know.

—Rene Daumal

Climbing above 18,000 feet typically entails altitude sickness, dehydration, killer headaches, dry heaving, blisters, subzero temperatures, aching muscles, and the realization of just how small one is; so why on earth would anyone want to subject themselves to all that?

Those who climb such mountains typically begin their journeys fixated on reaching the summit and imagine the glory and sense of accomplishment that will come with having done so. In retrospect, most climbers will tell you that the journey was far more fulfilling than having reached the summit.

Ascending and descending a mountain is a physical metaphor for what God wants to do in each of us spiritually. The development of depth and character always comes through our greatest challenges. Sometimes we’re pushed beyond what we think we can bare, but those are the times that we discover things about ourselves that change us forever.

When Gregory and I decided to climb Mt. Kenya, we had no idea of what we were getting into. To say it was a challenge would be a gross understatement. It was the most rigorous physical and psychological undertaking of our lives, but Rene Daumal was right. After having seen, there really is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least still know.

This book represents Gregory Brown’s journey to find himself, his community, his faith, and his calling. Gregory invites us to ride along and witness the ebb and flow of his discoveries. It’s like having a backstage glimpse at the highs and lows of pursuing one’s dream, the quest for a life-giving community, a passion to change the world for the better, and the catalysts that make all of this possible.

Gregory shares his humbling experiences with us in a way that is sometimes vulnerable and raw, sometimes hilarious and endearing, but always authentic. His ability to embrace obstacles as opportunities and to see all of life as a growth opportunity will inspire even the most risk-averse people to throw themselves into life with a new sense of unabashed passion.

It is a pleasure to know Gregory personally and to have walked, climbed, and even repelled through some of his most personal moments. Sometimes I still find it hard to believe that we ascended and descended Mt. Kenya together, but it was one of those experiences that we wouldn’t trade for anything. Reading this book will help you understand why.

PART I: THE MISSIONS

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13 ESV)

Trinity’s Rwanda Mission Statement

Trinity Baptist Church’s Rwanda Missions began with a prayer by Senior Pastor Keith Boyd for increased personal compassion. God answered Keith’s prayer by sending him on a World Vision trip to Rwanda in October of 2004. Since then, Trinity’s Rwanda Missions has developed a strong partnership with the people of Rwanda. By 2012, Trinity had built homes for fourteen families in its two adopted villages, Nyamagabe and Mudasomwa, and had raised the money to buy for the villagers twenty cows, five wells, a vocational center, and sponsorships through World Vision for 1,200 children in the area.

Since 2010, Trinity has also trained pastors and other church leaders on how to run Alpha, a course introducing people to the basics of the Christian faith. Trinity sends mission teams every year and continues to build relationships with, answer the needs of, and serve the people of Rwanda.

Prayerful Introductions

In June of 2010, I was sitting in the back pews at Trinity Baptist Church in New York. Walking to the front of the congregation was Jamie Spann, deacon of the Rwanda Missions. She asked for our support for their upcoming September trip to Rwanda. She spoke of several ways the congregation could support the effort, and the first step was signing up to become a team member.

Anxiety overtook me. My attention zeroed in on Jamie and her presentation. When something or someone piques your interest, suddenly, nothing else matters. This mission to Rwanda sounded so fascinating that I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I can’t explain why, but I felt I was floating above the congregation. I had experienced life-changing services before, but that one took me to a different level.

I was curious about Africa, a place I’d seen only in movies, on TV, and in photos. I used to pore over world maps in school. The continent offered so much scenery, history, and wildlife that kept my daydreaming skills flowing. How and when can I go? I thought while Jamie explained the different ways to support the effort. She encouraged her listeners to find her after the service and inquire more if Rwanda piques your interest. I realized I needed to hush my racing thoughts of African safaris and let what she was speaking soak into my heart.

As Jamie returned to her seat, I wanted to introduce myself, but all I could do was daydream about my participation in that ministry because I was sure there was more to it than just getting on a