Have you ever had a good friend, someone who made a real difference in your life, someone you were proud to call your friend? I have, and I have to confess that more than once in my life, I have lost contact with a friend like that. Sure I can claim that life got busy, that we grew apart, that time and location made it difficult to stay in touch. But all of those are just excuses, aren't they?

 

Well, this is how I feel about the Walk to Emmaus sometimes. You are reading this newsletter because the Walk to Emmaus made a difference in your life. Like me, that time and the people you shared it with will always hold a special place in your heart. My Walk almost 21 years ago continues to influence my walk with Christ to this day. So why don't you and I talk about what the Walk means to us with our friends, family, church members, co-workers, customers, vendors, acquaintances, and anyone who will listen? And why do we now struggle getting the minimum number of Pilgrims necessary to hold 5 Walks per year when we used to have 8-10 almost full Walks a few years ago?

 

We all know that the Emmaus experience is not a necessary part of anyone's Christian journey, and that it is not for everyone. But because of what it means to us, we are and should be it's greatest ambassadors.   This doesn't mean that we should go into SALES mode, or stand on the street corner and shout to passing cars about Emmaus. But what it could mean is making an intentional effort to share what Christ has done in your life through your Emmaus experience.

 

When was the last time you sponsored a Pilgrim? I confess that it has been almost 2 years for me. How many opportunities have I missed in that time to share the Emmaus experience and what it means to me with someone? Sponsorship is one of the most important ways that the Emmaus community can support Emmaus, our individual Pilgrims, and new leaders for our local churches.

 

A lot of people write about New Year's Resolutions in January. That is not what this is about. But if you did want to resolve that right now you will get out a piece of paper, and write down the names of 5-10 people in your life who might benefit from this 72 hour journey, that would be an awesome way to start the new year. Now take that piece of paper and use a magnet to affix it to the front of your refrigerator. Begin praying about which one of these people you will talk to first about the Walk. Give yourself a rough time frame for making contact. It can be something as simple as, "It has been a while since we have talked. Let's get together." Don't get discouraged. It won't be the right time for everyone you speak with. But know that if you make that connection with just 1 person, and they decide to take a Walk, God will bless their time. And you will be blessed as well!

 

DeColores,