APRIL UPDATE
SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING ON UPLIFT
From: Isaac Selden
On April 2nd, 2025, Jay and Dorothy celebrated their 70th year of marriage. Their lives represent so much of what Uplift has been about for almost 40 years. This milestone gave me reason to look back at the origins of Uplift Mountain and the impact that both of them have had in so many lives.
Uplift History
Jay and Dorothy were lead to the property in 1987. The only building constructed at the time was the lodge, originally built in 1978. Taking a leap of faith, the first 80 acres were purchased on a 10 year loan.
With major help from couples, youth groups, and churches, Jay and Dorothy set their sights on cleaning up the rundown and dilapidated lodge. After the Lodge was functional, they did their best to make it home, all the while dedicating the property to the Lord for guidance and wisdom for the future.
Building a Legacy
Today, Jay and Dorothy will tell you about all the ways God made this place possible, from the miracle of the well being drilled to the mysterious reasons for a "work order" being ignored by the electric company for the removal of the transformers.
The stories are always followed by a recognition of gratitude for all the people who have believed in this place. None of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement given to our family.
1988: Jay uses the Case "Hay-Master" to open up the parking for the Lodge.
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1988: (Left to Right) Jay, Dean, and Mark Hetch attempt one of the first repels on Frog Rock.
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1990: Jay and Dean mark out location for Dean's home.
The original cabin was moved from the base of the Sangre De Cristo range. Dean made the first of many modifications.
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1991: Jay and James Ferree take a break from building the shop. This project would not have been possible without James.
1991: Dorothy leads staff in preparing a meal in the new dinning hall.
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1992: Jay and Dorothy hit the road to pickup a saw mill in Portland, Oregon. The mill is still used today.
Uplift Mountain represents such a beautiful commitment to allow for God to work in the hearts and lives of people. From the beginning, Jay and Dorothy have humbly committed themselves to be available for the use of Christ. We are so thankful for the beautiful marriage of Jay and Dorothy. Their lives are a testimony of a simple and steadfast love for God.
Current Events
Attempting to remove some clutter and mess from the upper part of the Mountain allowed for the use of lumber that had accumulated over the years. We were able to construct a 12'x30' storage shed for attachments and organization with next to no cost.
Pursuit Program
As summer approaches, we are thrilled to accept two more Pursuit Program applicants!
Sarah Hicks
Brigsdale, Colorado
Wesley Bennett
Westcliffe, Colorado
Sarah and Wesley bring us to 8 total participants this summer. Please continue to pray for each of these young men and women as they are preparing to be immersed on the Mountain. I am so encouraged to see their desire to commit to something challenging.
Time is running out, but we are still accepting applications! Take a look at the Pursuit Program page for more info.
Summer draws near. The rhythms of life seem to be lacking without people here on Uplift. The desire for my heart stays the same: prepare this place, and prepare this heart.
After looking through the past of Uplift Mountain, I have felt my heart long to be aligned with the same trusting heart Jay and Dorthy had. I desire to continue Dean's vision of creating a place of opportunity for change.
There are times that I anticipate being outside of my comfort zone and needing to be humbled. I am seeking process, growth, and challenge for my life. I believe (as many of you do) that this place can offer something very needed in a changing world. My desire is to offer clarity in a time that seems so lost. I long for the days of relationship, intentionality, process and challenge.
Many of you are the evidence of the change Uplift can have on people.
This brings encouragement to my heart.
If you are reading this, thank you for continuing to pray for us here at Uplift. I am overwhelmed when I see those who continue to give and support this vision.
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Here are some pictures of my family and I. We are so blessed to be together these days.
-Isaac
