Beyond Barriers – Luke5Adventures & Canyon Ministries
Each switchback conquered and every obstacle overcome testified to the power of community and the truth that in God’s kingdom, there are no limitations He cannot help us overcome.
The Grand Canyon’s vastness has a way of making anyone feel small, but for Brian, it represented something far greater than its massive walls—it symbolized possibility. At age 17, a skiing accident at Perfect North Slopes transformed Brian’s life in an instant when his skis hit a patch of grass and a collision with a tree stump left him quadriplegic. Yet three decades later, here he was, preparing to venture on a multi-day backpacking trip below the rim in a specialized wheelchair dubbed “Rosie”, surrounded by a team of dedicated servants from Canyon Ministries and Luke5Adventures.
This remarkable journey began when Kevin Schwieger, founder of Luke5Adventures, reached out to Canyon Ministries with an extraordinary vision to make the seemingly impossible possible—bringing someone in a wheelchair on a backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon.
Luke5Adventures’ mission of making dreams a reality and creating community by bringing families impacted by disability closer to God’s creation aligned perfectly with our heart for sharing the Canyon’s biblical message with all who desire to experience it.
With Canyon Ministries guides Adam and Eddy leading the way, and Kevin’s team managing their specialized equipment, Brian—accompanied by his wife Nicole—embarked on an adventure that would challenge conventional limitations. The specialized wheelchair, designed for off-trail adventures, required skilled hands and strong hearts to navigate the Canyon’s demanding terrain.
As our team descended into the Canyon’s depths, each step revealed not just geological wonders but also the beautiful tapestry of God’s provision. The same Lord who designed the Canyon’s layers also orchestrated this moment, bringing together dedicated volunteers, innovative equipment, and Brian’s unwavering spirit.
The trek wasn’t just about reaching the bottom—it was about demonstrating how God’s creation should be accessible to all His children. Each switchback conquered and every obstacle overcome testified to the power of community and the truth that in God’s kingdom, there are no limitations He cannot help us overcome.
In Luke chapter 5, we read of faithful friends who, finding no other way to bring their paralyzed companion to Jesus, climbed onto a roof, removed the tiles, and lowered him down. Their determination to bring their friend into the presence of Christ knew no bounds—no obstacle too great, no barrier insurmountable.
Two thousand years later, the story echoes through the towering walls of the Grand Canyon. Instead of roof tiles, we navigated switchbacks. Rather than lowering through a ceiling, we descended trails. But the heart of the story remains the same—faithful servants bringing someone to encounter God in a powerful way.
Just as those ancient friends refused to let crowds or ceilings prevent their mission, our team from Canyon Ministries and Luke5Adventures refused to let steep terrain or physical limitations stop Brian from experiencing God’s majesty in the depths of His creation. Where those biblical friends saw a roof as merely an obstacle to overcome, we saw the Canyon’s challenging trails as an opportunity to demonstrate God’s provision.
For Brian and Nicole, this journey represented more than just a backpacking trip. It embodied the very essence of what Canyon Ministries strives to achieve—showing how God’s handiwork in the Canyon speaks to everyone, regardless of physical abilities. The way our guides integrated biblical teaching with this unique adventure highlighted how God’s truth resonates in both the grandeur of His creation and the innermost aspects of our spirit.
This partnership between Canyon Ministries and Luke5Adventures reminds us that when we combine our gifts and callings, we can create experiences that transform lives and glorify our Creator. Brian’s journey below the rim stands as a testament to what’s possible when we think beyond conventional boundaries and trust in God’s greater plan.
As we continue to seek ways to make the Canyon’s message accessible to all, we’re reminded of Scripture’s words: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Sometimes, that strength comes through the hands and hearts of others who help make the impossible possible.
For those who have supported Canyon Ministries over the years through both your prayers and your finances, you have also helped make this journey and other aspects of our impact initiatives possible. Your partnership enables us to offer these life-changing experiences to participants like Brian, removing financial barriers just as we work to overcome physical ones. When you support Canyon Ministries, you’re not just funding trips—you’re investing in eternal moments where people encounter God’s majesty in profound new ways.
These impact initiatives, from specialized adaptive adventures to our other outreach programs, continue to grow and touch lives because of partners like you who share our vision. We invite you to learn more about the various ways you can join us in this kingdom work by visiting canyonministries.org/support.
Watch the video of Brian’s journey and how that trip both challenged and transformed everyone involved—heart, soul, mind, and strength.
