Just for a quick update right now we’re in Troutdale, VA, and have been here for the past few days waiting for a friends foot to feel better. We recently passed through Damascus, VA where the usual “Trail Days” festival takes place. Trail days celebrates the A.T., the thru-hikers, and the general love for the outdoors. They have the usual live music and give-always from different venders that most fests have. What I didn’t realize is how much ministry goes on there. Then part of me thought, “well duh!” Lol
The boom in trail ministry isn’t just at trail days though. It’s also here in Troutdale with the local Baptist church and all over the trail with different trail angels. The Blueberry Patch is a free hostel ministry run out of Hiawasee, Ga, and might I add has some of the best homemade blueberry syrup you’ve ever tasted! Even YWAM (Youth with a Mission) another missions organization is having their students do outreach on the trail while thru-hiking.
You see a while back somewhere in North Carolina I just got exhausted spiritually. I was in need of community. Like minded community. Where I could be with other Christians for a while. I was to a point where I was getting super discouraged and warn out spiritually. I contacted my friend meg and spoke to her about it. She left a note on our squad page and asked if my whole squad could pray for me to find community. Sure enough God provided as he always does. It’s good to be able to not not come along side other ministries on the trail, but just to have them next to you. To be surrounded by people who know the same Savior you do. It’s kind of like putting your sore aching Spiritual muscles in a nice big hot tub. Lol
If you want to keep following this crazy journey just subscribe on the left, and if you would like to support me financially or with a food drop or a place to stay just leave a comment below and I can email you back! Love y’all and thank you so much for all the love and support!
-Steven Buffington (Grunt)
