Trail Wisdom from Rachel & Jane

The Adirondack Challenge was more than a hike—it was a sacred journey. Thirty women from across the globe gathered in the crisp autumn air of upstate New York to pray, push their physical limits, and pursue justice for women and children affected by human trafficking. In this special podcast episode, host Tracy Daugherty sits down with trail guides Rachel and Jane to reflect on the transformative power of nature, community, and challenge.

🌍 A Global Sisterhood on the Trail

Women came from Moldova, Malaysia, and across the U.S. to participate in this Freedom Challenge event. Some focused on prayer, others on physical endurance, but all were united by a shared mission: to see more women and children set on a pathway to freedom. The Adirondack Challenge embodied the Freedom Challenge motto—Do Good. Do More Than You Thought Physically Possible. Do It Together.

🥾 Trail Wisdom from Jane & Rachel

Jane Mosakowski, a seasoned guide and high school basketball coach, shared vivid memories of leading her group on the Big Slide Mountain loop. With a 4 a.m. alpine start and a summit hike through steep, rocky terrain, Jane described the joy of watching women overcome fear and fatigue to reach the top together. Her reflections highlighted the power of sisterhood and the spiritual depth found in shared struggle.

Rachel Gill, a first-time Freedom Challenge guide and expectant mother, brought a unique perspective. Despite being pregnant, she led with grace and discernment, knowing when to press forward and when to pull back. Her story of helping a fellow hiker named Stacy overcome a fear of heights and reach the summit of Cascade Mountain was a powerful example of how courage can be borrowed and multiplied in community.

🧠💪 The Brain-Body-Spirit Connection

The conversation explored the deep connection between physical challenge and spiritual growth. Rachel and Jane reflected on how discomfort and struggle often become the very places where God meets us. Whether it’s scrambling up a mountain or navigating emotional vulnerability, these moments become sacred ground for transformation.

Tracy emphasized the importance of holistic discipleship—spirit, soul, and body—mirroring the Trinitarian nature of God. The trail becomes a classroom, a sanctuary, and a mirror, revealing who we are and who we’re becoming.

🌿 Nature as a Healing Space

Both guides shared personal stories of healing in nature. Jane recounted how her first encounter with the Rocky Mountains as a teenager moved her from knowing God intellectually to experiencing Him intimately. Rachel shared a profound moment in the Grand Canyon, where after days of rain and discomfort, she awoke to a beam of sunlight warming her body and soul—a divine reminder that she could take up space in the world.

Nature slows us down. It strips away distractions and invites us into awe, reflection, and clarity. As Jane beautifully put it, “God is the two-mile-an-hour God.” In the wilderness, we walk at His pace.

🤝 Intergenerational Impact & Everyday Life

One of the most powerful themes was the intergenerational dynamic on the trail. Younger women were inspired by the resilience of older hikers, while seasoned participants were refreshed by the energy and openness of the younger ones. These relationships modeled the kind of mutual encouragement and discipleship that can—and should—extend into everyday life.

The vulnerability, patience, and compassion cultivated on the trail are transferable. Whether it’s a rolled ankle or a moment of emotional overwhelm, the response of the community—nonjudgmental, supportive, and loving—becomes a template for how we live and lead off the trail.

🔗 What’s Next?

The Adirondack Challenge may be over, but the movement continues. Freedom Challenge is already preparing for its 2026 events, including a mission trip to Thailand and regional hikes across the U.S. If you’re ready to challenge yourself, pray intentionally, and give generously, you’re invited to join us.

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Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/AD2KZL_GDLs

Listen to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/842389/episodes/17935074

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Want to learn more?
The Freedom Challenge US: thefreedomchallenge.com
Operation Mobilization USA: omusa.org
Instagram: @freedomchallengeusa / Facebook: @thefcusa