|PIC1|What motivates a teenager and a pensioner to rise to new heights, even the top of Mount Sinai? Helping the vulnerable is the impetus for different people taking up the Sinai Desert Challenge initiated by Siloam Christian Ministries.

From April 18 to 25, a group of varied individuals will hike and camp out with Bedouin guides. Their sponsorship will raise funds for vital projects worldwide.

Each participant has their own story to tell, about how their concern for disadvantaged people was first aroused. An adventurer in her retirement years, Pam Hasted of Fleet in Hampshire, leads rambles locally.

She explains her motivation, "A small charity, Siloam has many projects and there is a hands-on approach to see that all is going well. Everything is done with uncompromising love: money used with love works miracles."

Based on his overseas experience, Charlie Wager of Warwick notes, "India, where I visited many of the Siloam projects, was a real eye opener to the poverty that some of the poorest children in the world have to suffer.

"It makes me realise how extremely blessed we are here at home. So I am asking people to dig deep and make a donation to help me out, because they will be making a difference to many children’s lives around the world."

Siloam's UK Director, Richard Norton, said people had been contacting the ministry because they saw the trek as an opportunity to show the practical aspects of Christianity to those who may not share their faith.

"Friends who are not committed Christians themselves are happy to come alongside them in sponsorship and, at the same time, recognise our faith driven priorities in caring for the vulnerable," he said.

In addition to helping others, trekkers will scramble up slopes to watch the sunrise over Mount Sinai – rising to the challenge in every way.