I have been riveted by the news updates coming from Portland regarding the plight of the three climbers who have been missing on the mountain since December 7th. As a recreational climber, these stories always capture my attention and my prayers.
I had mostly given up hope on them until today when there was amazing news that Kelley James turned on his cell phone around 11 p.m. on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, he is in a snow cave near the summit. The weather this week has been brutal and has frustrated search and rescue efforts. More harsh weather is on its way. These kind of weather patterns make it impossible for rescuers to get anywhere close to Kelley's location. The nearest break may come Saturday or Sunday.
I also came across this information as well:
"Searchers vowed to continue the search at least through the weekend. Family members are staying together in Hood River, praying often, crying regularly and even laughing on occasion, said Frank James. Tonight the Fellowship Bible Church, the James’ church in Dallas, is holding a prayer service for the climbers, their families and the rescuers. “Our faith is threefold,” said Frank James, who directs a Florida seminary. “We have faith in Kelly and Brian and Nikko; we have faith in the rescuers; and we have faith in God. And there is little doubt that our faith is being refined these days.”
Keep the climbers, their families and the rescuers in your prayers…
For the latest news updates visit www.oregonlive.com.
Monday, December 18th - Sad news for hopeful friends
A missing climber found dead in a snow cave on Mount Hood was identified as a Dallas man who had placed a distress call to relatives a little more than a week ago, a person close to the family said Monday.
Searchers found the cave Sunday near the spot located by cell phone signals traced from Kelly James, who made a four-minute call to his family Dec. 10 just below the summit, said Jessica Nunez, a spokeswoman for the climber's family.
On Monday, a recovery team was expected to retrieve the body, which remained on the mountain over night because darkness made it too dangerous to retrieve. The search for two other climbers also was to resume on the treacherous north side of Oregon's highest mountain.
The discovery of James' body brought a sad conclusion to a long week of anxious optimism in the search for three men on the 11,239-foot mountain.
Family members had relied on intense religious faith along with confidence that the extensive mountaineering experience of the trio would save them from a week of blizzard storms and single-digit temperatures that kept search teams and helicopters at bay.
Remember the rescuers and these families in your prayers as the chances of a rescue for the remaining two climbers seems extremely unlikely. MM
1 comment:
Kelly James' relatives thank those for searching, prayers
This has been a difficult time for our family. But, we have peace and comfort. Peace in our hearts that the Lord is with us as we grieve and comfort in knowing Kelly was prepared to meet God.
As Christmas approaches, our family will hold each other closer and open our hearts for God to fill them with grace and love.
We wish to thank the millions of people who offered prayers and support during this most difficult time of our lives.
Specifically, we thank Sheriff Joe Wampler and the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, residents of Hood River and Clackamas counties, Oregon Air National Guard, State of Oregon, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Crag Rats, Portland Mountain Rescue, Corvallis Search & Rescue, Captain Christopher Bernard and the U.S. Air Force 304th Rescue Squadron, Hood River Airport, T-Mobile, ARACAR, IOMAX and the dozens of volunteer rescue workers who donated their time and risked their lives.
We especially thank Sgt. Josh Johnston, who found Kelly.
The efforts made by the rescue workers on Mt. Hood were heroic and our family is grateful to them.
Thank you.
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