Support Groups…

 

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”*

 

Riding a bike on the Appalachian Trail? It sounds like a risky adventure, doesn’t it? Just hiking along the trail would be enough of a challenge for most people. According to our friend, Paul, who is a seasoned hiker, it is even more difficult and dangerous than the famous Pacific Crest Trail.

Well, husband Al is doing just that…sort of! He was invited to join a group of friends known as “Dawn’s Team” on a Virtual Appalachian Trail mission and began “riding” the trail in mid-December.

For an entry fee, he was guaranteed a medal at the end of the 1,968.3-mile trail along with everyone on the team. No losers on that race! Some members were going to walk and/or jog; however, there were several different ways to earn miles. Snow shoveling was even listed as one of the accepted activities. A good thing with the inclement weather experienced recently in Michigan!

The people in the group began logging their miles and followed their progress on an online map. Dawn’s team started at Springer Mountain in Georgia and went northward to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Every time another 20% of the trail was covered, each member received an encouraging email from the Virtual Mission organization and a notification that a tree had been planted somewhere around the world in honor of their progress.

This has been a great incentive for Al to ride his bike daily, helping him stay motivated through the long winter months.  Having his bike on a “trainer” in his office is convenient; and the competition generated among some of the members to see who can log the most miles makes it fun. Using conversion factors, the types of activities done are changed to miles hiked making it fair for everyone.

“What else would I be doing?” he quips, after logging over 286 miles on his bike since the beginning of the mission!

How long would it take for them to complete the entire trail? With thirteen people participating on the team, leader Dawn thought they could finish in March. Eighty percent of the distance has already been completed, making it possible to reach Mt. Katahdin in two or three more weeks!

Leader Dawn, a former “coach” for Al’s weight loss program here in Michigan has been extremely supportive and encouraging. Every so often he receives a hand-written postcard from her in the mail rooting him on. Twice a week she has a zoom conference, connecting people to each other, giving out good information and sharing struggles as well as victories.

At Christmas she even held a drawing on one of the online sessions for all participants who dressed up in Christmassy outfits. Al decorated his weathered outback hat for the occasion! One of the participants had crocheted a beautiful blanket for the grand winner and for everyone else a tea towel holder plus tea towel!

Generating enthusiasm, keeping people involved, lifting spirits, inspiring them to set high goals and staying with them, cheering them on until their goals are reached…these are things that  Dawn does very well.

Now that her team is approaching the end of the Appalachian Trail, it will be interesting to see what new things she will introduce to her group of friends. Since  many of the folks are getting their COVID vaccines, perhaps some will want to go their own direction. However, for this time, the team and its coach have been a wonderful source of support for each other.

Being part of a supportive team is a great thing. We all need encouragement and at times assistance from others who care about us.

A friend who was having struggles recently told the members of a group from church  that she was feeling down and discouraged. They kindly reminded her that she should have called them! Not only “on call,” this group of “sisters” also have committed themselves to contacting each other once a week outside their regular meeting time. Our friend was extremely thankful that God had brought these special ladies into her life to give her support when needed.

As God gives us endurance and encouragement in our journeys with Him, may we support, encourage and walk hand in hand with each other. Help us O Lord to be united as Your people in this endeavor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 * Romans 15:5-6 NIV