ASCENDING TOGETHER
What happens when two women say “yes” to a God-sized dream? When they lean into friendship, faith, and the hard work of collaboration? You get something like The Heart of Pilgrimage—a Bible study born not just from study and prayer, but from mosquito-ridden mission trips, summit climbs, and countless cups of coffee.
In this podcast and article, Tracy and Lisa pull back the curtain on what it really looked like to write a Bible study together—and why we believe “together” is one of the most powerful words in the Kingdom of God.
THE SPARK OF TOGETHERNESS
Our journey began years ago in a small café in Vancouver, Washington. A mutual friend introduced us, sensing a shared passion for women, justice, and the Word of God. That first conversation was vulnerable, honest, and Spirit-led. It led to a whirlwind trip to Bangladesh, where we shared beds in humid rooms and witnessed firsthand the plight of vulnerable women.
From there, our friendship deepened. We climbed Mount Kilimanjaro together. We led conferences. We dreamed. And eventually, we wrote our first Bible study. But it was our second project—The Heart of Pilgrimage—that truly tested and refined our partnership.
THE MECHANICS OF COLLABORATION
Writing a Bible study together isn’t just about theology and structure—it’s about trust, communication, and honoring each other’s strengths.
We prayed. We planned. We blocked off four intense days to write – scheduling everything from meals to walks to quiet work time. Tracy brought the vision and passion for the Psalms of Ascent. Lisa brought structure, outlines, and a knack for turning ideas into action.
We gave voice to our preferences. We traded off when one of us got stuck. We worked 12-hour days, fueled by purpose and the occasional crockpot meal. And we finished—on time, with joy.
THE OBSTACLES (AND THE GROWTH)
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Togetherness requires humility. It means letting go of pride, inviting feedback, and trusting others to carry the vision forward.
When it came time to film the companion videos for the study, everything changed. Rain, logistics, and production needs forced us to pivot. Lisa, who thrives off-the-cuff, had to prepare scripted content. Tracy had to let go of control. We borrowed clothes, gave up our one day of rest in the middle of a difficult Freedom Challenge, and leaned hard on our team.
And it worked. Because we trusted each other. Because we trusted God.
WHY TOGETHER MATTERS
This Bible study isn’t just about pilgrimage—it’s a product of one. A journey of faith, friendship, and formation. And we believe it’s a model for what’s possible when women say yes to doing good, doing more than they thought possible, and doing it together.
So whether you’re dreaming up a new project, leading a Bible study, or just longing for deeper community—take the risk. Invite someone in. Pray. Plan. And trust that God will meet you in the process.
JOIN THE JOURNEY
The Heart of Pilgrimage: A Four-Week Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent is now available on Amazon. You can do the study on your own, with a friend, or join our online group this fall.
Let’s keep doing good.
Let’s do more than we ever thought possible.
And let’s do it together.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Listen to the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/842389/episodes/17439163
Learn more and join a group: https://www.thefreedomchallenge.com/bible-studies
ABOUT TRACY & LISA
Tracy Daugherty
As the director of The Freedom Challenge, Tracy has more than 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry and church planting with her husband, Dan. Based in San Diego County, California, she holds a bachelor’s degree in theology and is an experienced Bible teacher and speaker. She continues to witness the power of women as environment changers, as culture setters and as forces of good in the world.
Lisa Da Silva
Lisa Da Silva is passionate about people, passionate about the world, and passionate about how the living, infallible Word of God can transform both. As the director of Arise Ministries Collective, Lisa longs for the day when women find freedom to use it for the glory of God and the furthering of His Kingdom. Lisa lives with her husband of 26 years and two young-adult children in Vancouver, Washington.
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