Blog

Jim shared this with us while he was on the trail earlier this summer:

Greetings from The Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Trail, and surroundings. Summer has now come to the communities where I mostly work. We have had a few showers in the last couple weeks, and they should start to revitalize the mountain springs which are the best source of water for hikers: there is less chance of contamination, and the water often tastes incredibly good from these springs.

Unfortunately, along with the gentle showers, we’ve had a number of days with severe storms leading to flooding, trail and road washouts, trees falling, and just plain miserable times to be out. The James River, which runs through the area has come close to flood stage three times in the last month. I often sleep a few hundred yards from the James, so I get to see the effects of the rain up close. To put the rains in some perspective, I-40 was hit by a large mudslide and flood last night right where the AT crosses under it. Parts of the roadway were badly damaged. With this kind of trouble to deal with, you can imagine how long it will be before the authorities can do work on the secondary roads and trails that have been hit.

On some of the particularly miserable days, hikers are holed-up in trail shelters and taking a rest. When I bring them food, it reminds me of piranhas feeding; the first batch of food often disappears as soon as I finish bringing things out of my bags. I wait for a bit if I can, and then bring out some more food which is eaten, but perhaps more slowly. Since I can take trash, I like to give out canned goods that they would never take hiking, as well as baked goods, energy bars, chips, candy, and non-water drinks. Some of the favorite canned goods are canned fruit, ravioli, chili, and queso. I am working with some of the churches in the area to collect food left over from the numerous pot lucks that are held in this area. We can package the food in clam shell containers and freeze it, and place it at off-trail locations where there is a microwave. The people of this area are great cooks, and this food is a wonderful way to remind hikers of home, and how they are loved.

I have a number of other activities that are not hiker focused. Periodically, I offer rides for people needing to go to the hospital or doctors for appointments or tests. Because of my concerns about not being strong enough to support folks who need help getting into vehicles, I no longer offer rides in the case of such folks, but I ride along with someone else who can do the driving and the maneuvering into the car. This way I can provide companionship and help with understanding instructions from providers. I also make grocery trips for people who cannot get out themselves; thank goodness for online ordering and store information! I have some wonderful visits with people who cannot get out much on their own, either in health care facilities, or at home. God has abundantly blessed me with opportunities to serve.

The weekend of June 6 a number of churches and businesses continued the tradition of Troutville Trail days. We provided meals Friday night, three meals on Saturday from various other folks, and breakfast on Sunday. Hikers also had the opportunity to camp at the town park, get a shower, load up with lots of snacks and supplies for free, and get rides to needed services such as doctors or podiatrists. A highlight for me was Friday night when we had run out of the fried chicken, salads, side dishes and desserts only about an hour and 15 minutes into dinner time. There were more hikers than we’d had in past years, and they were very hungry. All that was left was a square of mac and cheese casserole about an inch and a half on a side. I met with the ladies serving the food, and we made plans to get more food at local fast-food places (fried chicken, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy) and the local grocery for more sweets and desserts. I went on my way to do my part of this plan. Unbeknownst to us, four local people heard our conversation and independently also went out and bought food! We not only were able to feed all the hikers who came in, but in the end, we had more fried chicken than we had started with. The whole event reminded me of the Biblical story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish.

Our church has been blessed to welcome a number of new believers to the family of God. We had four baptisms this month, and may have more before the summer is over. In the summer, our Wednesday night program is held at Limestone Park, a ministry which has a great swimming pool, tennis and paddleboard courts and other recreational areas. The young people get to play for a couple hours, we feed them dinner, and end the evening with a time of music and a message. It is a joyous thing to me to see teens still in their wet swimsuits with their notebooks and Bibles out following the message and praising God. At the end of the month, I will be giving the message at church so the pastor can have a well-deserved vacation. At the end of the coming week, the Buchanan Carnival begins, two weeks of rides, food, fireworks and fun. We will offer free drinks and snacks to the usually hot visitors, as well as a variety of Christian materials and opportunity to talk for those who desire. We do this right across the street from the park where the carnival is held. Many people walk by us there. In addition, as a Gideon, I’ll be helping distribute New Testaments and Life Books to any who desire. The Gideons also have a table right inside the entrance to the carnival. I also distribute materials about Jesus at some local campgrounds, laundromats and hotels.      

I’ll end this with this thought: through all the heat, hard work and challenges I feel an immeasurable sense of contentment in my life. I wake up in the morning rejoicing that I am wherever I am, and I go to sleep at night happy at whatever has happened in the day. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”— Philippians 4:11-13. I love being alive in God’s world.

Blessings to you,

Jim