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P.O. Box 742 Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 734-0355
A backpacking and adventure ministry. |
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The first time I met L.B. was the first summer I came up to help out, in 1996. I was put in a group with Rob Blackburn and L.B. Izzi so that I could learn some of the ropes, since I knew basically nothing. I remember L.B. taking me aside and passing on helpful hints...like finding the perfect rock to rest my pack on, so that it takes the weight off my shoulders (a very fitting tip from a man known as the Sweeper).
L.B. didn't use words to express his love very often; he loved singing but usually didn't sing himself. Even so, through his actions it was clear that he loved Christ and he loved us. I know this is one way in which he will always inspire me: to let my actions speak louder than my words, so that I don't just talk about Christian love, but show it.
If you have more pictures you'd like to be on this page, or stories to share, please email them to me! In God's love, Mary
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News | Location | Leadership | Common Q&A | L.B. Izzi |
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On
September 3, 2000, Wilderness Trail held a ceremony at our property in Virginia
to officially name our new lodge "The Sweeper's Place." L.B. Izzi, who passed
away in the spring of 2000, was one of the founding members of Wilderness Trail;
because he preferred to hike behind his groups at Trail, looking after those who
were having the most trouble, he quickly gained the nickname, "The Sweeper."
Naming our lodge after L.B. not only gives due credit to his vision and faith in
Wilderness Trail, but will also continually recenter us to act more like this
truly Christ-like man. 
During
that week of hiking I learned a lot from L.B., but what was impressed on me most
was this: that even though I hadn't met him before, he embodied what I loved
about Wilderness Trail. He was genuinely patient and his compassion was
completely unconditional. If you were whining non-stop, or pitching a fit, or
refusing to walk any more--basically, if you were at your very worst--L.B. still
loved you and had confidence that you would make it to camp. He truly loved
like Jesus does. 
This page is a tribute to L.B. Izzi,
not because he deserves it, although he certainly does. More so, this page is
to remind all of us of the standard that L.B. set. To inspire us to be brave
enough to chase our dreams and to trust that God can make all things possible.
And to challenge us that, in everything we do, our actions speak of Christ's
love.