When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 1 Cor 13:11-12
The Montana Intensive
The Montana Intensive Program is a world-class experience where men will be challenged like men and will be treated like men.
“The spiritual life cannot be made suburban. It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.” Howard Macey
You are being invited on a journey into the wild, into a story that is bigger than you. Are you ready to reconstruct your view of God, to uncover your place in His story, and to vigorously choose the narrow path in the wilds of Montana? His Kingdom is waiting for such men. And this world is desperate for them.
WHAT IS THE MONTANA INTENSIVE?
The Mission of Tend the Fire Ministries is to affect LASTING CHANGE in men; to help men reset their priorities based on the Master’s leading, and to help them assume their role as the spiritual leader of their homes in a Godly, Biblical way.
And that’s what the Montana Intensive is about. It’s about finding the heart of a man, getting him away…to create reliance…to bring him to his knees in worship and in wonder in His presence…and to show him a bigger story, His story.
“For if you are going to know who you truly are as a man, if you are going to find a life worth living, if you are going to love a woman deeply and not pass on your confusion to your children, you simply must get your heart back. You must head up into the high country of the soul, into the wild and uncharted regions and track down that elusive prey.” John Eldredge
And so we will take men out; out to the mountains and the rivers, to walk where God walks. This is not some retreat center in the mountains, just the mountains. A tent, a fire, and millions of acres of wild; in the hopes of causing real, lasting change in a man; to reorient and sharpen him; to disciple and foster lifelong brotherhood. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Prov 17:17
“You must ask God what he thinks of you, and you must stay with the question until you have an answer.” John Eldredge
Ask the question and come find the answer. Join us in Montana for an experience that will change your life.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deut 6:4
What is the desire of your heart? You were not meant to live a life of mild conformity. “The spiritual life cannot be made suburban. It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.” Howard Macey
Montana Intensive Program (MIP)
That said, while we will be communing with nature, you will not be sleeping on the ground beside the river. TTF has the tents, pads and cots needed for a good night sleep.
The beginning, middle and end of every day will be filled with great food highlighting the four food groups: pork, beef, chicken, and fish. Also jerky.
TTF will be providing fly rods and flies, drift boats/rafts, the knowledge of local guides and a cooler full of food and drinks. Your job is to stay in the boat.
You only need to bring clothes and some basic personal items.
Please bring the following:
Clothing – expect warm days (80-90’s) and cool nights (30’s):
- Hiking boots
- Layering clothing – short/long sleeve, pants/shorts
- Wool socks
- Light gloves
- Long underwear (for skinny guys)
- Rain gear (waterproof jacket and pants)
- Warm jacket (fleece)
- Water shoes (Chacos, Tevas, etc)
- Good hat (can get warm on the river)
- Swim trunks
- Camp hangout clothes (warm, gets cold at night)
- Camp shoes
- Sunglasses (with croakies)
Gear:
- Sleeping bag (rated to 30F at least)
- Daypack
- Sunscreen
- Earplugs (without them, the sound of the bear breaking into the next tent over may keep you awake)
- Bible
- Notebook & pen
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Camera (phones will have no service and there is no way to charge them; plus if we catch you with your phone we will immediately throw it and you in the river)
Flights into Kalispell (recommended)
- Arrive in Kalispell no later than 2pm on Saturday
- Depart Kalispell anytime the following Friday
Flights into Missoula (two hour drive to MIP from Missoula)
- Arrive in Missoula no later than noon on Saturday
- Depart Missoula anytime after 10am the following Friday
Saturday
- Arrive in Montana – woohoo!
- Meet the fellas at Basecamp 160. Basecamp 160 is 160 acres of pristine Montana woodland, complete with 5 fishable lakes, wall tents and one big fire pit. Basecamp 160 is just west of Glacier National Park and is 40 miles south of the Canadian border, with nothing but national forest between 160’s northern edge and Canada. This will serve as our staging site.
- Fly fishing training
- Bear awareness training
- Gear prep for trip
- Bonfire BBQ and opening session- MIP Intro (Montana Intensive Program)
Sunday-Monday
- Stretch our legs in Glacier National Park
- MIP Connect & Inspire sessions
- MIP Sharpen sessions
- Make our way to the Middle Fork River and set up camp
Tuesday – Wednesday
- Floating/fly fishing on Middle Fork
- MIP Sharpen & Engage sessions
Thursday
- Basecamp 160
- MIP Engage sessions
- MIP Re-entry sessions
- IRNMN covenant
- Bonfire BBQ and closing session
Friday
- Head Home
Physical Requirements:
Time on the river will require limited physical ability. Day hikes will be strenuous, but not aggressive. Most men in reasonable shape will have no problem with the hike. We will traverse at a pace suitable for everyone.
Final Important Notes:
Valuables:
We advise leaving all valuables, including expensive watches and rings (except for your all important wedding ring), at home. If necessary we will keep valuables you forgot to leave at Basecamp 160. However, we reserve the right to pawn those if a bear eats you.
Prescriptions or other Health Issues:
Please let us know if you have any specific prescriptions or other health related needs that we should be aware of.