It might not be your typical “missions trip” but a prayer hike into the woods with national Christian leaders and their friends on the journey toward faith in Christ has been one of the most important things we’ve done so far.

On our second hike, we pitched our tent on the shores of a breathtaking lake nestled in towering pine trees, complete with picnic tables, running water and even a volleyball net (which got some serious use I might add.) Amazing.

Our trek team was joined by four of our national partners and five other young adults they’d met through the local campus ministry. The days were loosely organized around conversation, some informal worship and deep times of discussion in the evening.

Our discussions began as we compared our thoughts on friendship and led to a shared conclusion that Jesus has to be the truest friend anyone could have. The second day, after admitting together how impossible it seems to be truly good, our five friends wrestled with the standard God showed us through his commandments and through the life of Jesus.

That’s when the five of them decided to follow Jesus. Some had made decisions like this before but never really followed through on it. Join us as we pray for God to provide them with the strength and courage to walk with Him in a way that others will be drawn to do the same.

-Karalee