Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Appalachian Trail Mission

Hello all,

Each year, there are around 2,500 people who set out to hike the Appalachian Trail (or “AT”). This 2,189-mile trail spans between Georgia and Maine. Sacrificing most of life’s basic amenities, these “thru-hikers” spend upwards of six months living on only things they can carry in hopes of reaching the trail end. Enduring brutal weather conditions and multiple hardships, only one in four of the hikers who start this journey end up completing it.

So why would someone subject themselves to such enduring discomfort?  While many thru-hikers actually enjoy the simplicity and challenges of this lifestyle, studies show that a large majority of thru-hikers are seeking spiritual truth and personal significance on this journey.  Sadly, many of those who complete the physical portion of this trip still find themselves spiritually unsatisfied.

Since I was a child, I have always found myself in awe of the great outdoors. Having graduated college, the opportunity of fulfilling a lifelong dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail has come. I will be hiking with my best friend Max Nash and his dog Apollo. Max has also recently graduated from college with his bachelors in Christian Studies with a concentration on missions. With this opportunity, it is our desire and plan to use relationship evangelism, prayer, and care ministry to present hikers with the adventure of a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Gospel of grace and forgiveness in Him. During the next six months, we will be embracing this calling of radical abandonment of the comforts of the world and stepping into the path God has for us.

We will be leaving around March 10th and I will use this blog to keep everyone updated on everything that is going on as we hike the trail. Whether it is the people we meet and the relationships built or the struggles of everyday life on the trail. I will be as open as I can, to ensure you all know exactly how our journey is going.


I am looking forward to embarking on this mission, and hope that each and every one of you will follow along and continually pray for God to work through Max and I as well as our well-being.

1 comment:

  1. Wow, Jessie! I am just getting on to see your blog. Praying for you both to be safe, and to see your dreams come true. God Bless you both and all of the lives you will touch. Love, Uncle Mike and Aunt Lisa

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