Men's Hike

Back in April, all of the guys went away for three days as part of the program here at the Missionary Training Center. We left Thursday afternoon and headed down to a State Park in Arkansas, returning at midnight that Sunday having hiked thirty-five miles. We could bring anything we desired as long as we could carry it. Everything, that is, except for a tent!

We got a taste of the great outdoors by sleeping under the stars!

Some may be wondering why a men's hike was made a part of the training program here at the MTC. It is a new addition and we were the first group to participate. It has great significance for what we will be doing in the near future overseas as tribal men, especially in Papua New Guinea, often go on long hikes together. Whether they leave for hunting or fishing, ritualistic purposes, shaman or ancestral worship, the fact is that these men who are important figures in the tribe will often be gone out of the village for days or even weeks.

Building relationships is one of the most important parts of ministry! Not only will going on these
hikes with them help me gain a better understanding of their language and culture but, when the time comes to teach them God's Word, these relationships will have become solid friendships built on trust and mutual respect for one another.

Part of this hike was to give us the experience of hiking a long distance, sleeping outdoors and continuing to invest in solid friendships. But it was also meant to give us an idea of what these hikes will be like overseas so we can prepare ourselves physically in order that we may be effective in  reaching these people with the Gospel of Christ.


The 72-hour hike was an encouraging time but it also brought on many challenges. One of which was to carry a teammate for about eight miles of up and down mountainous terrain to reach our destination for the day. The goal was to foster teamwork principles into our hearts and minds and, while it was difficult, I learned a lot!


Upon reflection, while I enjoyed the hike, it was hard. A lot of it was difficult and painful and just not fun. The weekend was meant to pull us out of our comfort zones and push us to our limits. So yes, it was hard as no one likes to be stretched. But it was very beneficial. I had the chance to see myself and my character from a different perspective in a different environment. I learned how I function on a team and how I can better my functioning on a team. I had the opportunity to learn, be challenged, and stretched to my limits and I thank the Lord for growing me!

God revealed to me just how I still need to grow and He opened my eyes to see things that I need to begin implementing in my own life for future ministry in cross-cultural missions. He continues to grow me and mold me into the image of His Son and for that I would say that this Men's Hike was a huge success!

United in Christ,

Cameron and Caitlin

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