Testimonials

I love everything about the outdoors. My family has always loved to hike and camp. So, when the opportunity to go hiking and then setting up camp in the woods for a few days came along it was easy to say yes. For some that was hard to believe since I probably seem "girly". Of course, there was some fear of what to expect and lots of " what if" questions but what I can say is the experience outweighs any questions or fears. I think in choosing to step away from the busyness of life you find what matters. Nothing comes from busyness but everything can come from stillness. For me this is the scripture that God used to speak to me.

​

“Therefore, I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her." Hosea 2:14

 

He spoke directly to me. He spoke to me through the crossing of the river, He spoke to me in the sitting by still waters, He spoke to me in the flowers in the midst of brush, He spoke to me through the quiet times set aside for just me and Him, He spoke to me through others as we sat around the fire at night. He led me and He spoke to me. As we walked out of the woods on the last day my concern was not whether I smelled or what my hair looked like but how full of joy I was because my soul was refreshed. He had breathed into me new life. The Father of heavens sitting on His throne had taken time to lead me into the wilderness and speak tenderly to my heart. No greater love!! No greater experience. If I could do it monthly I would. So let the fear go. It will be worth it.

I have to say that I was a little reluctant to go on the trip in April. I had never hiked with a backpack, never the less 3 1/2 days of hiking, cooking meals, and sleeping in a tent. I had seen posts on Facebook of women that I knew that had been on this trip. The pictures and testimonials were awesome.

 

My daughter-in-law and son had started hiking and they loved it. I decided to book the trip for me and my daughter-in-law to do together. We went on the Spring trip of 2016 in April. 

 

We all got our backpacks out to pack for the trip. I had no idea what I was doing. One of the ladies that had been on the hiking trip before said...let all your apprehensions. over thinking. and self-doubting go. That's when the trip changed.

 

It was an amazing experience to get away, get closer to God, and definitely get out of your comfort zone. I met new women with whom I grew so close to. We prayed, shared, laughed, and cried together. Every aspect made me a stronger and more confident woman because these women encourage and motivate you to try things you never thought you would do.

 

I would encourage anyone to go on this amazing hiking trip with these awesome women that have become very important to me.

The trip was life changing for me. It is amazing what the Lord will do when His people stop and listen. 

​

This trip forced me to step away from the distractions of this world. Away from work, away from cell phone reception, away from all of the noise in my life, I was able to get still and hear the creator of the universe speak clearly. 

​

There is something innate about being in God's creation that draws me closer to Him. This trip through Arkansas Wilderness Ministry was the medium that allowed that opportunity.

I had only backpacked twice prior to my experience with Arkansas Wilderness Ministry. 

​

AWM offers an experience unlike any other ministry experience or backpacking experience I've had. 

There is something about being in the backcountry that strips away all the masks we hide behind in our everyday life. There are opportunities to see the hand of God in ways we don't experience in our everyday lives. 

​

The Bible studies, personal times of reflection, and moments spent around the campfire- are all now sacred things my soul longs for. 

Even on tough hikes, when the weather is less than ideal, I see how perfectly the Lord ordains and controls- not only nature but every aspect of our lives 

​

Jesus modeled stepping away and going into the wilderness, yet so many women don't think they are capable or brave enough to experience the wilderness themselves.

​

AWM provides an experience where women are allowed to be brave and vulnerable.

 

Join us for a wilderness experience and find out what the Lord has in store for you. This is a commitment you'll never regret saying "yes!" to.