David Sharp, 34 years old, died in May on Mt. Everest. That fact in and of itself is not the most shocking. In the last 53 years, since Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of 29,035 feet for the very first time, 1,500 people have reached the top, while 190 have died during their quest. Mt. Everest is the world’s tallest peak and most dangerous climb. What is shocking is that at least 40 climbers are thought to have seen David Sharp lay dying of oxygen deficiency, and almost all of them continued without offering assistance! The press to reach their goal was so compelling that everything took second place… even attempting to save someone’s life.
People will neglect family, friends and others in need when they have fallen prey to the deceptive lure of reaching some self-inspired goal. Too often, a great price is paid, with little to show for it. Rather, “Carry each others’ burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2, NIV). Stop and lend a hand to someone today, maybe your help will be the difference in whether or not they make it to the summit!
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By: Glenn Burris Jr., general supervisor
