Several churches in Macon
Baptist Association serve thru-hikers with Appalachian Trail Servants.
“Many of the hikers are in
transition and are looking for something,” said Jeff King, associational
missionary.
“We want to show the love of Christ to them through acts of kindness.”
With around 50 miles of the
Appalachian Trail across Macon County, King said volunteers set up at two or
three trailheads.
“We will have chairs,
drinks, food, batteries, toilet paper, etc.,” he said. “We share with them who
we are and try to plant a seed of Christ’s love in their life.”
King pointed out that
Christians serve hikers all along the Trail.
When hikers reach Macon
County they usually are two to three weeks into their journey.
On average it
takes about six months to finish the Appalachian Trail.
“We are involved in the
beginning of the harvest process for these hikers,” King said.
Working with Craig and Suzy Miles has enabled the association’s participants to help this underserved
population.
Volunteers setup between March and May when the Trail is at its
busiest.
The Miles are Mission
Service Corps missionaries with the North American Mission Board. They are
featured in this year’s Week of Prayer March 7-13.
“Craig and Suzy have put
together a two-hour training session for people who want to serve on the AT,”
he said. “The training helps folks understand AT hikers, what is needed to
carry-out the ministry to the hikers, and some do’s and don’ts.”
Visit www.trailministry.org
to find out more about Appalachian Trail Servants, how you can donate or how
you can serve.
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