MIDDLESEX TWP — Hot and cold, north and south, indoors and out: God is revealed in diverse places through Tumpline Ministries, a program offered through the Gospel Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Valencia.

The ministry, which combines Christian faith with outdoor adventures, coordinates a handful of trips each year to allow those of all ages to experience nature.

Taking into account the entire community, Tumpline director Dan Jenny said the trips vary in difficulty in order to allow a diverse mix of people the chance to participate.

"I typically have a family trip — and that's usually an easy trip — usually in Canada," Jenny explained of the weeklong canoe trips on the French River, about three hours north of Toronto.

Jenny also has coordinated a Rails to Trails bicycle trip from McKeesport to Washington, D.C. On that trip, Jenny's wife drove a van and intersected with cyclists at points along the way in case a break from pedaling was needed.

Although the canoe and bicycle trips are family friendly, others require more skill and stamina.

Last summer, Jenny organized a backpacking trek to Alaska in which seven teens and three adults were transported by bush plane from Nome.

Josh Kenyon, 16, who attended that trip and others hosted by Tumpline, said despite the seriousness of undertaking an Alaskan backpacking venture, fun and spirituality are also parts of the mix.

"When we're out there, we have a Bible study that we do, but we're also out there to have fun in the woods," he said.

"I think as you're out there, you really have to work well with other people, so that's really beneficial to growing spiritually," agreed Rebekah Ogershok, a student at Butler County Community College who began attending the trips at age 13.

"It does give you a good sense of self-reliance. You do have to work hard, but it's a good time — you're enjoying yourself."

A Christian theme is interspersed with work and fellowship, said Jenny. In the morning, five-minute devotions are part of the agenda. The lengthier evening studies are tailored to attendees.

"On the men's retreat, it was on something that pertained to men. When we went to Alaska, it was all teenage boys," he said of the chosen topic of how to be a godly man and how to make biblically based decisions.

Themes on family trips would address the scriptural roles of fathers, mothers or children, he added.

The program's spiritual aspect also is reflected in nature itself, Jenny said. "The first chapter of Romans talks about God's general revelation — about himself being revealed in nature. Certainly you can take a canoe trip and you can see the complexity and beauty. You can come to the conclusion that there is a God. … Where there is a watch there is a watchmaker."

"It's amazing when you go out there you really see God's handiwork," Rebekah agreed. "We saw the northern lights one night (in Canada). It's the fist time I'd ever seen them. I remember staring at the sky and thinking only God could make them."

Despite the religious overtones, Jenny said non-Christians also attend the trips. "In fact I have repeat people," he noted. "It's certainly not up to me (whether attendees follow Christ). I don't beat anybody over the head or corner them. … I just trust the Holy Sprit does his job. That's what takes all the pressure off me."

Although Jenny has been informally hosting trips since the 1980s, the ministry became official several years ago after he retired from his job as a program manager at Lucent Technology.

Since then, he has hosted at least four trips a year. Additional trips have also been hosted through Grove City College and through Belhaven College in Jackson, Miss. Jenny teaches a Wilderness Ministries course at both schools.

The trips usually last between one and two weeks. Since most trips involve group travel by van and the canoes are already owned by the church, costs are not usually prohibitive, he said. Cost per adult for the French River trip, for instance, averaged about $175, with per child costs reduced proportionately. A price cap was established for families, he added.

Although the van and canoes are owned by the church, Jenny sometimes pools resources with another church.

Before signing someone up for a trip, Jenny conducts an interview to be sure their skill level is appropriate for the more difficult adventures. A longtime outdoorsman, Jenny said taking those precautions ensures a safe experience for everyone on the trail.

"You're always evaluating and you're always doing risk assessment. So you don't do dumb things. And if you do run into trouble then you have to know how to get help," he said of the various kinds of technology now available.

"I get updates for Red Cross first aid and CPR," he said. "I've done stitches. I've never set a limb or anything like that — thank the Good Lord," he said.

The following trips are being planned by Tumpline Ministries, a Christ-centered wilderness adventure program offered through Gospel Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Middlesex Township. Groups range from seven to 20 people.For more information, call the church at 724-898-3322 or log on to www.tumpline.org.- Trip to Buffalo River National Park, Ark. — March 11 through 18. Offered as part of Wilderness Ministries course at Belhaven College in Jackson, Miss.- Canoe trip on the west branch of the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania — May 16 to 18. For home-schooled students.- Kilarney Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada — May 22 to June 3. Offered as part of a Wilderness Ministries class at Grove City College.- Rails to Trails bicycle trip from McKeesport to Washington, D.C. — June 26 through 30. For ages 14 and older.- Wilderness canoe trip on the Pipestone River in northwestern Ontario — July 8 to 15.- Duck and goose hunt in Churchill, Manitoba, the polar bear capital of the world. — September.Backpacking trip to Patagonia, Chile — January 2007.