Be encouraged

March 20, 2019

Location: Franklin, Ga.

Mile: 109.4

Please Read: I Thessalonians 5: 11-18

Verse 11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just in fact you are doing”.

In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he encourages the Thessalonians to encourage and build each other up. In fact, Paul acknowledges that they are doing so.

As the AT Chaplain, my role also is to encourage and build up other hikers. However, I do have to acknowledge, that other hikers bring me much more encouragement and build me up all during the day.

Those in the hiker community are all working toward the same goal of completing the Appalachian Trail. We all realize that we need each other to meet our individual goals.

Lord Jesus, help me to encourage and build others up in their relationship with you!

This has been a week of small goals met. (1) I completed Georgia and passed into North Carolina. 13 states to go, (2) completed the first 100 miles, 2000+ miles to go, and (3) completed my first 12 mile day. I’ve intentionally kept my miles at about 8 miles per day to avoid early injury. However, it’s time to step my mileage up to 10-12 miles per day. At some point the mileage will need to increase to 12-18 miles per day.


Crossing over from Georgia to North Carolina

Celebration photo after climbing Albert Mountain and then climbing the steps of the fire tower.

This sign to a Methodist Church was only a few feet off the trail.

l/r Chappy Jack, Grandson David, my Pretty Girl Courtney, and my son D.J.

My son and his family were vacationing in Gatlinburg. They drove to Franklin, picked me up, and I spent the night with them. Great breakfast before they dropped me.back off in Franklin and they headed home.

Blessings and thanks to all. Be encouraged!

Chappy Jack

11 Replies to “Be encouraged”

  1. Chappy Jack,
    Prayers for safety and encouragement. My state is next…TN.
    granny good news (aka Julie Wilbur)

  2. Really enjoy and appreciate hearing about your journey, something I have wanted to do most of my life. Godspeed my friend!

  3. God bless you in your journey, and I know you are going to have many opportunities to minister to others. What stories you will have at the end of this year.

  4. So happy to know you are doing good! We love you and are praying for you Jack!
    Tenna and Hal West❤️

  5. We are so proud of you! And you are in our prayers. My Son, Garrett and Daughter in Law, Kalie are on day 4 Also part of the Holston conference

  6. Thanks for the update…and you will know when it is time to increase your daily mileage.
    Blessings

  7. Enjoy reading your blogs and wish I could be your traveling companion but I guess an 81 year old hiker would have a hard time keeping up with your new daily goals. Have added you to my prayer list and will pray for your safety each day.
    Looking forward to your messages.
    Bill Miller

Comments are closed.