Fourth-Day Faith stories submitted by others:
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The following submitted by: Bill Rowe, Heartland Emmaus Walk
Emmaus Walk number 16 was in the fall
season of 2001. That was the time that changed my life. Just a few short days
before I went on this 72 hour journey, the United States was rocked with
disaster. The World Trade Center was left in ruins and Americans everywhere were
praying openly in the streets, at work, and yes, even on the television. I
remember leaving home for Camp Wilderness located in Lawson Missouri. My sponsor
spiritually guided me every step of the way, but in the back of my mind I could
not release the desire to control my destiny. I really wanted to be home with my
loving wife and daughter. How would I know what was happening to my world if I
couldn’t call home or even listen to the news. Since I had no watch I could only
wonder when the news was to be broadcast. Without having control I wouldn’t even
know if my family was safe. As we neared the camp my sponsor said a short prayer
aloud. He prayed that I would release my desire of control to Jesus for this 72
hour period, and that I would open my heart to God’s work that was intended for
this weekend.
By the end of this three day experience, God had entered into the deepest pores of my being. I asked God for
forgiveness and for the strength to keep this closest to Christ feeling with me.
I know now what it truly means when people say “GOD LOVES ME”. Every day past
these three days of my Emmaus Walk are my 4th days. I have had many 4th
days since the fall of 2001. Life has continued, war rambles on, and the world
is still changing, but one thing that has never changed since then is the love
that I feel from my God and for my God. This love manifests itself through my
family, my Church, and through my Emmaus brothers and sisters. I look with
anticipation to serve God through my church and the Emmaus Community.
Most of these 4th
days are filled with silent prayers of thanks. I used to recite many learned
prayers from my childhood. I would occasionally pray out loud so that others
would know that I do pray. Now I can feel the prayers that come from my heart.
These are the prayers that I know God hears and responds to. I pray thankfully
for my loving family and I pray often for my friends and sponsor.
God has answered every one
of my prayers. I know He knows me. He speaks with me in my soul. He lets me
know that I am forgiven every time I fall short of His desires. I have heard
these words many times in my 55 years of life, but now I understand.
I CAN FEEL IT!!! The rest
of my 4th days will be filled with all that life has to offer, and
when my last 4th day arrives I will celebrate with Him an eternity. I
have known Jesus all my life, but now I know he lives in me.
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The following submitted by: Scott Bird, New Mexico Walk
When my brother asked if I would like to go to this three day Christian thing I
said no on 3 different occasions because I thought I already knew God. He
finally told me he had sent in my application, paid my way and expected me to
travel to New Mexico to spend the weekend with him on a Walk to Emmaus in the
summer of 2000. During those three days I experienced the Lord in a very
personal and powerful way. I realized He was asking me to let go of the control
that I had tried so hard to hold over my wife. When I let go and let God have
control, He changed my life in a dramatic way. The experience saved my marriage
and helped me deal with an anger problem I have wrestled with all of my life. I
praise God for the love he showed me that weekend, for the love He’s allowed me
to experience with my family, and for the love Bev and I have experienced with
so many of you in the Emmaus community!
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The following submitted by: Leslie Cook, Heartland Emmaus Walk
Words aren’t adequate to fully explain all that my Walk to Emmaus, # 11, in the
spring of 1999 meant to me. My marriage was failing and I was wondering where
God was in my life. I could not see His hand at work anymore. The first time I
was asked to go I said no and found an excuse to stay home! The second time I
felt I had nothing to lose and at least it would be a three day break from a
troubled marriage.
If only I had known all that God had in store for me I would have been begging
to go much sooner! God completely changed my focus during those three days! He
helped me to see that I could only change myself, no one else. He alone had the
power to bring about change in others! I found myself praying for a husband I
had lost all respect for. He did not know Christ and didn’t want to know Christ!
Every Sunday it was a battle with him just for me to go to Church. As soon as I
turned my husband over to God I felt a peace I had never known. Even when I
returned home I found that peace went with me. I continued to pray for my
husband’s conversion but I asked God to intervene and send someone else that he
might listen to since he most definitely wasn’t listening to me!
Within a few short months my husband began attending church with me! Shortly
after that he asked Jesus Christ into his heart and Christ began to change him
immediately! I could watch the changes take place almost minute by minute! It
was hard work for me to allow him to be changed by Christ and I had to
continually pray so that I would not become a stumbling block for him.
Since 1999, not only has my husband been on a Walk, he has changed careers and
is in the process of becoming a full time Pastor! He currently serves 2 churches
in North Missouri every Sunday! Praise the Lord!
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The following submitted by: Cara Pilch,
Central Texas Emmaus Walk
Getting me on the road was the easy part…actually
arriving, now that is my story. I wanted to go on this weekend – everyone at
church was doing it, so must I! I was on a waiting list for 18 months before I
finally received the notice that I could attend. I really could not see the big
who-haw. Wasn’t it just another Christian retreat like so many others I had
attended? Little did I know that my life would be changed by these three days.
My walk in February 1998 was filled with awe and wonder. Always the servant, I
never knew that I was so loved by God. I knew it was my job to be a servant. I
knew that God wanted me to do good works. What I never understood was that the
gift was grace, His Grace. Until I finally was setting still, looking into the
face of God, and knowing that He was God. I had finally received the gift of His
Grace. I had let being busy with church-work interfere with my spiritual life
and learned I was not participating in the work of the Church. I learned how to
discern between busy and labor of love. I learned that God loved me and there
was nothing I had to do or could do about it.
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The following submitted by: Bev Bird,
Heartland Emmaus Walk
In August of 2000, my husband's brother called and said he had signed him up for
this Emmaus walk thing. We went to New Mexico for Scott's weekend. After Scott's
walk, he was visibly changed. Bible verses appeared written on the mirrors in
our house (even the little one in my jewelry box)! He had closeness and a new
happiness I had not seen in many years- happiness within.
We did not know how or where to get involved with Emmaus in Kansas; but Scott
was determined to find out. We became acquainted with the Heartland community in
the fall of 2000, but the women’s walk was full. I waited 6 months to go. During
my walk I found a new closeness to God, and acceptance for who I am in God's
plan of things. The peace that passes understanding I sang about as a child came
to full life!
We now have a blessed and happy marriage, no anger issues, and hearts ready to
serve God wherever He leads us. Scott has begun seminary classes, and we have
been blessed with a whole new family of loving Christian friends!
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The following submitted by: Sam Adams, Sunflower Walk
My adult Sunday school teacher attended a Walk, and I saw something different in
him that I wanted for myself and Carol. So we found a sponsor and attended a
Walk in the Fall of 1992. The Sam that was at Sendoff was not the same Sam at
Closing. I looked the same on the outside, but my heart had been changed. The
old was gone, and I was brand new on the inside. Sometime during the weekend, I
came face to face with Jesus Christ, and was changed. Before my Walk, I had
always worried about parts of Scripture that I didn't understand, or that seemed
to conflict with other Scriptures, but no longer. I knew that it wasn't
important whether I understood everything in the Bible or not, but that I had a
growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The idea of the Holy Spirit
also had always been a mystery to me. No more! I knew what the Holy Spirit was,
because I felt the Holy Spirit in me. I had always given to charities and the
church before the Walk; but I became more generous, and more importantly, I
became a cheerful giver after the Walk. I realize now that God is in us, and all
around us. I expected a faith enhancing weekend, but received a life change
instead.
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The following submitted by: Peggy Tingle, Heartland Emmaus Walk
When I think of my Walk to Emmaus experience I remain full of gratitude for the
forgiveness that I received from my Savior during those three days. I had
suffered with feelings of guilt and shame for many years because I turned my
back on Him after the unexpected death of my mother in 1993. I would sit around
and repeatedly ask myself how a loving God could take away this remarkable woman
when I needed her so desperately. Who was going to help me with our three month
old daughter? I was bitter and angry with the one relationship that could offer
me life, happiness, and understanding. My own selfishness and shame kept me out
of relationship with Him for five long years. A loving neighbor brought me back
to a dynamic Church experience and Bible study friends invited me on my Walk.
What an experience it is to realize that through accepting his forgiveness and
grace I could once again be happy. Happy to enjoy my faithful, patient, and
loving husband, our precious daughters, Church friends, Emmaus friends, and
shine my own little light for all the world to see. There is nothing more
important to me than being in relationship with Him, and it is through Him,
going forward, I will put my trust and loyalty.
In thinking about my fourth days it is easy for me to recap… I continually try
to fill my fourth days with fruit…the fruits of the spirit that is…love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
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The following submitted by: Susan Michael, Heartland Emmaus Walk
I was a single woman for many years and
prayed to God constantly for a good Christian husband. One day while I was out
with friends I met Larry. As we chatted and got to know each other he asked me, "Have you ever heard of the Walk
to Emmaus?" When I said that I hadn't, he went on to explain it to me. I knew
I had found my Christian man. We were married six months later, and I went on
the next walk.
During the walk I felt touched by God in a way I had never known before. It's
hard to put the feelings into words, but to say that my life was changed in a dramatic, intensely emotional way is an understatement. To this day I don't
fully understand the feelings or process, but I know that I am a product of
God's grace and love, which has turned my life around and brought me into a
close relationship with God.
Is my life perfect now? Hardly. But my marriage to a Christian partner, my
desire to learn and be active in my church, and living an increasingly Spirit
filled life I owe in large part to my experience at the Emmaus walk.
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The following submitted by: Jim Colwell, Heartland Emmaus Walk
It's hard to believe that I went on my Walk TEN years ago. It seems like only
yesterday that I stood in front of the Community on Sunday afternoon to answer
the two questions. I think I was the first Pilgrim to speak. When I got to the
podium, the first thing I noticed was that the two questions were NOT on the
podium! Fortunately, I remembered what they were. Before I began to speak, I
looked at my name tag so I would not forget my name. That cracked everybody up,
but they thought I was TRYING to be funny.
After Closing was finished, my 4th days began. It would be great to say that
everything from then on has been a walk in the park. It hasn't been.
My 4th days have been a constant faith struggle. While that may seem like a bad
thing it really isn't. The difference between my faith walk before the Walk and
after the Walk has been the Holy Spirit revealing to me that my faith in God is
worth the struggle. Before the Walk I never allowed my faith to be
put to the test. I would give in to whatever was challenging my faith. It's
different now.
Before the Walk, I only wanted the salvation part. Now I need more. Now I need
to do more. Now I need to give more. Now I need to be more. This need is not a
need coming from a debt that has to be repaid. It is a need from within my heart
to be as much like Christ as I can be, because that is what he has called me to
do.
One of the most important passages of scripture for me is found in 2 Timothy
3:12. It says, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ
Jesus will be persecuted." When I don't stand up to the struggles I will
not suffer persecution. If I am not suffering for my faith I am not struggling
in faith. Because of the work of the Holy Spirit during my Walk and the many
days since, I choose to struggle. Sometimes I fall, but with the grace of God
and a community of faith supporting me, the struggle continues. And the defeats
are now being overshadowed by the victories.
DeColores!
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The following submitted by: Berneta
Palmer, Northern Colorado Emmaus Community
It was walk # 10, October 14-17,2004, in Allenspark, Colorado. My son had been my sponsor and as we drove to Allenspark, said he thought I might learn something from the experience. He was right............my life has been forever changed.
The depth of love that was experienced there is indescribable. It seemed there were invisible "welcome" signs in every room, and with all of those who were working on the Walk. After one day, we pilgrims began to pick up on the warmth and expressions of love.
There were those who drove, sometimes many miles, to be with us for those special meetings and the night we were "graduated" to our Fourth Day; and we received many messages from around the United States as well as the world. Even the cooks who were a part of the staff of the Resort where we stayed, were caught up in the work of The Holy Spirit!
I felt like a vessel that had been filled to overflowing.
For months I couldn't talk about it without tears of joy spilling over.
Now in my Fourth days, I know that I can tap into the "overflow" and pass it on to others. I know now that I have only to call on the Holy Spirit for guidance and help in all situations. God is with us, always!
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The following submitted by: Deanna Berger-Sitlington, Heartland Emmaus Walk
I was just finishing up my disciple class with Pastor Sammy's wife, Lalita, when she asked me about Emmaus walk coming up. I didn't feel worthy to be in disciple class, let alone be on "the walk". After all, I came to Ottawa Community Church via Celebrate Recovery. I knew my past and assumed everyone else did. I am SO grateful for Lalita, Scott and Bev, and other Emmaus communtiy people who faithfully prayed for me while I 'mulled' it over. I attended the walk and was blown away by the ever presence of the Lord, by the love, care, and prayer of strangers. By the end of the walk, there were no strangers. God, in all his wisdom, had brought me to a place where I HAD to make a choice: to either serve Him and the Body of Christ whole heartly or serve myself. I am grateful to share with you that I did make that choice, I have served Him everyday since walk 26. No longer do I "feel" unworthy to serve Him or of His love, nor do I "feel" that I have nothing to offer the Body of Christ. It is because of my unworthiness I find love, peace, joy, and acceptence in serving the Body of Christ. I'll always continue to pray for Heartland Emmaus has they help bring prilgrims, like myself ,face to face with our Savior, Christ Jesus. I have never experienced such a life changing experience and growth as I did at Camp Wilderness. Praise the Lord and Blessings to all of the Emmaus Community.
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The following submitted by: Robert L Trafter, Heartland Emmaus Walk
My fourth days have been long and hard. I have had many some back to back
others taking years to come. I am now free from cancer after 14 years of dealing
with a male breast cancer. God has put his hand on my life for a reason. I pray
daily sometimes hourly for his guidance. My walk has taken me to some of the
darkest places on earth. The light of Christ has opened my eyes to things I
could not have ever seen as a man or on my own. The Holy Sprit has protected me
at times that I could not understand. I am now righting some of the wrongs I see
on this earth in hopes that one day when I do stand before God I hear the words
well done my son.
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The following submitted by: Terry Cook, Heartland Emmaus Walk
I had been a new believer in Jesus Christ when I attended Heartland Emmaus walk #13. Even though Christ had brought a lot of peace into my heart prior to the walk I was able to release some hurts that I had buried deep in my heart. It was the walk that helped me to answer my call to ordained ministry as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. My fourth days have been spent in awe of the amazing things that God is doing each and every day. The Walk to Emmaus is truly a life-changing event!
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The following submitted by:
Linda Zemke, Heartland Emmaus Walk
Emmaus Walk #34 (in the fall of 2010) was definitely a life-changing experience for me. As a recovering alcoholic, even though sober for many years, I had always "known" that I could not truly love others as God loves me and as many people I know seem to truly love others. The people on my walk showed how wrong I was,and it was just my pride (MY deadliest sin) keeping me from knowing that I truly CAN love just as they love me, and just as He loves me. My sponsors and friends from the Emmaus community in my church and the walk experience opened up my heart and mind to that and so many other possibilities -- and made it possible for me to really begin growing in my relationship with Jesus Christ. The feeling that I had on my first "fourth day" has not waned and I look forward to serving the Emmaus community with my heart and hands in the future.
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The following submitting by: Tammie Sims,
Emmaus - Dallas
I took my walk in 1994.
During my Walk, I became more aware of God's Love & Grace & Presence than I ever
had been. The 17 years since my initial Walk have not always been easy. I've
been through divorce, physical health declines, death of family members,
difficulty raising my teenagers as a single mom, etc. My Walk enabled me to have
the courage to keep moving forward and to seek God in unexpected places. And, my
Walk has strengthened me to take on many different leadership and participant
roles in my churches (I have moved a few times) and in my community. I won't
tell you it's been an easy 17 years, and I won't tell you that God and I have
seen eye-to-eye on things, and I won't tell you I've lived my life perfectly.
What I can and will tell you is that I came out of my Walk a better, stronger
woman who was able to begin a very much needed healing journey that I know I
could not have begun without that specific time away with God and other
Christian women who would walk along side of me for a long time. Through the
years, my connections with Emmaus Communities have also been a truly beneficial
in that I have made so many FABULOUS Christian friends and have been able to
continuing connecting with God on deeper levels through reunion groups,
gatherings and being a team member on other Walks.
My prayer for you is that you will make a step to take this journey called the
Walk to Emmaus. I promise you that God will meet you exactly where you are and
will show you exactly what you need to see during this time you commit to God!
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The following submitting by: Scott Bird,
Emmaus - New Mexico, Walk 208
"And they said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32)
One of my earliest childhood memories is of slowly coming out from a deep sleep. You know that fuzzy place between being asleep and awake. being disoriented, but hearing someone talking. It was my parents talking to each other in the kitchen. My heart was warm! I felt safe and oh so comforted in the knowledge that these two people were only a few feet away and they loved me.
During the weekend event known as the Walk to Emmaus, there is a moment when one becomes intensely aware that there is a similar kind of love taking place. A care and compassion that can only be described as grace, because it's expressed with God's love. Throughout the weekend one sees that there are those who have wrapped their arms around you. Someone is taking care of all the meals; praying for you day and night by people whom you may not even know. Tiny gifts of love are poured forth and there are people assigned to meet your every need. The bathrooms are cleaned, not by a paid janitorial staff, but by volunteers who are part of the body of Christ, who have come to spend their weekend in devoted service to ensure that your time with God is as deep and meaningful as possible.
Like that childhood memory, this moment brings a strange and wonderful warming of the heart. Wow! Someone loved you enough to invite you to this weekend. Then there are many others loving on you as well.
Many whom you don't even know, who are sacrificing themselves and their weekend to make it safe and comfortable in an extraordinary outpouring as part of the Body of Christ. This revelation confirms and puts an exclamation point on the fact that the Body of Christ is big, powerfully filled with God's love and IS ALIVE!
For me, even though I already believed in Jesus, the weekend that happened over ten years ago now, confirmed that Jesus Christ is ALIVE! The scriptures were revealed and my heart was warmed beyond description! I owe an incredible debt to that band of brothers and sisters, most of whom I never knew before, nor have I met since. They allowed me the opportunity to wake up from that fuzzy place in my spiritual life to recognize that Jesus Christ lived, died and rose on that Easter morning so many years ago.
Praise be to God! HE'S ALIVE!
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