The training session in Georgia lasted from Feb 28th to March 6th and included a lot of instruction on how to minister on the trail along with an actual hike. The first two days included going over trail culture terminology and how to plan each section of a hike. We also did training on how to shop effectively at food stops and how to plan for day to day needs and meal organization. Craig and I started the section hike on March 2 on the 8.8 mile approach trail and finishes up at Neals Gap around 31 miles into the trail. During the hike we covered hiking strategies proper procedures and etiquette on the trail and how to plan good strategies for each upcoming day. We also did a lot of work on how to asses the needs of each hiker we meet and what would be an appropriate or effective way to share testimony with them. After the successful completion of the section we did an assessment of gear and a general debriefing to focus on what we could learn from this hike. The session was an awesome experience and was truly a blessing. God was truly with us on this hike and showed me a lot. I learned a lot and now have a much better grasp of what areas I need improvement in as well as how best to utilize my strengths. Thank you to all that helped to make this possible and continue to pray for the success and progress of this mission.~ Matt Clonch
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