New kind of Trail Magic

[rickb]

Here is a new twist on Trail Magic....

The purpose of A.T. Servants is to reach both thru-hikers and short-term hikers for Christ. Miles’ organization consists of dozens of volunteer “Trail Angels,” who minister to hikers by distributing Bibles, snacks, bottled water and first-aid at designated points along the way, usually where trail gaps and roads intersect.

Separately, “Trail Chaplains” -- like the Mileses and others -- actually accompany hikers along the trail, sharing their faith and winning over hikers via personal witnessing and a strong Christian example. Last year, the couple supervised 122 A.T. Servant volunteers and assisted almost 700 hikers

Taken from full article here: http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=24270

[little bear]

I think it sounds great as a Christian and a hiker I love seeing it.

[Jack Tarlin]

As a Christian and a hiker, I think that one's faith and spirituality is an intensely personal matter.

Setting a good example in one's life and helping others is admirable. Actively preaching and proselytizing others while on the Trail is less so.

[MOWGLI]

Anyone hike with these folks this year?

[rickb]

Anyone hike with these folks this year?

You can visit here to learn more: http://www.atservants.org/trailchaplains.htm

[MOWGLI]

You can visit here to learn more: http://www.atservants.org/trailchaplains.htm

I read the article and have my opinions about prosthelyzing on the AT, but I'd be curious to hear from folks who met them in-person.

[rickb]

One of thier web pages I found intersting was this one:

Many hikers have expressed that they found a newfound faith in humanity due to gratuity that they received from Trail Angels while on the trail. While there is nothing wrong with this, with the assistance of churches as Trail Angels, maybe hikers would have a newfound faith in the church and possibly even Christ. This makes the task of the church on the AT extremely important.

Trail Angels serve the physical needs of hikers by creating kiosks where the road crosses the AT. They give hikers food, bottled water, books, and offer rides to town. Through a network of Trail Angels along the entire AT, we hope that hikers will begin to rely on the church more.

From: http://www.atservants.org/trailangels.htm

[eric_plano]

Is it magic when their are strings attached? Not trying to stir the hornet's nest here...but I have been accosted by agreesive 'witnessers' and it is not fun.

I have no problem with those who accept that I don't want to discuss it, but those individuals seem to be the minority in my experience.

[MOWGLI]

Faith Based trail magic on a federally designated trail. Did they get earmarks from Congress for this?

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

Helping those in need or in difficult circumstances is not a new concept in ministry by any means, but the AT is a new venue.

From the standpoint of ministry, approaching those on the AT makes sense because some hike the AT to heal themselves of various life difficulties and others hike at one of life's many crossroads. These are also times when many who would not normally reach out toward a higher power may be more willing to consider such things.

If these people are simply offering literature and conversation as opposed to pushing it on hikers, I see no problem. However, if they are pushing the literature, it will likely end up being trash along our trails. If they are pushing their religion, the word will get out among hikers and the ministry will be avoided - and will have hindered rather than helped people move nearer to God.

[Lone Wolf]

I wonder how they would deal with being told to "get ***ed"? I loathe aholes, especially born-agains, who preach. Actually they just give a blank stare and a smile. Pathetic. Can JC really turn water into wine? I want that brotha to walk wit my azz!

[woodsy]

Not for me thanks, I don't need saving, nor harrasment while enjoying nature.
Thanks for the warning. And I thought solicitation of any kind on the trail was against the rules.

[rickb]

Are you saying that the Devil is in the Details, FD?

[MOWGLI]

Their time would probably be better spent ministering to folks in the County Jail. But I'd still like to hear fron an '06 hiker who hiked with these folks.

[Sly]

I disagree with their assumption that hikers' spiritual needs aren't being met.

[Sly]

Since we're on religion, I heard some whack-job on C-Span this morning say Catholics weren't Christian because they pray to Mary and they're all going to end up in Hell. You could tell she was a fruitcake, trembling voice and all!

[Appalachian Tater]

One of the guys from this organization and his young daughter were at Unicoi Gap this spring. The only hint of religion was some anti-evolution literature in the middle of a huge offering of trail magic from first aid kits to donuts to water to Lipton's and eerything inbetween. I was very grateful for the water and we all were grateful for the snacks.

There was another situation later with a couple with which I was less pleased. It is difficult to avoid a religious discussion forced on you when you are a guest in someone's home without being a little rude.

[TJ aka Teej]

I disagree with their assumption that hikers' spiritual needs aren't being met.

"Remote for detachment, narrow for chosen company, winding for leisure, lonely for contemplation, it beckons not merely north and south but upward to the body, mind and soul of man." - Myron Avery, In the Maine Woods, 1934

Amen, brothers Sly and Myron

[MOWGLI]

The only hint of religion was some anti-evolution literature in the middle of a huge offering of trail magic....

Some folks just don't like change. If you don't want to evolve, that's your business.

[generoll]

Kudos to Jack. The best responce of all, in my opinion.