Ken Thompson Treks for Treasures
The Treasure Ken Thompson, of the First Reformed Church of Grandville, is about to begin a "Trek for Treasures", to help out World Mission, based in Grandville. This fund-raising effort will allow World Mission to get "Treasures", solar-powered audio Bibles, into remote parts of the world, including the 10/40 window. The Treasures are available in up to 4,500 languages. The solar panel on the unit allows the sun's rays or a light bulb to energize the player to play the gospel. One unit can reach as many as 144 people and many groups meet to listen to the Treasure. They are utilized by pastors in churches in these areas where so many of the people are oral learners. I asked Ken what inspired him to start his trek. "After seeing so many people around the world who have never had the opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus Christ it is hard to not follow God's calling to be 'witnesses to the ends of the earth'" Ken said. "Going on mission trips and delivering audio Bibles has been a blessing and has always been a time for strengthening my faith and following God's calling. I have always loved backpacking and I think combining my interest in backpacking and serving the Lord is a great opportunity to reach the unreached with the word of God."
As to his travel plans, Ken replied, "I will be hiking the Eastern Continental Trail (4500 miles) from Key West, Florida to Canada via Maine. The trail is linked by the Key West road walk, Florida Trail, Alabama road walk, Pinhoti Trail, Benton MacKaye Trail, Appalachian Trail, and International Appalachian Trail. I will be trekking through Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine to the Canadian border." As to his departure, Ken said, "I leave Key West on December 4th and hope to reach Canada in October." So it is a ten-month trek Ken has planned.
When asked about possible challenges in achieving his goal, Ken replied, "Both mental and physical challenges: sleeping under a tarp with mosquitoes, rain, cold, day after day; the physical challenge of hiking fifteen to seventeen miles a day for ten months. Ken said he has already received rewarding aspects from his planned trek, which includes "All the people coming together to support me in prayer and encouragement; a closer relationship with God by trusting Him more and putting everything into His hands."
Ken's church, the First Reformed Church of Grandville, and several members of the World Mission staff, will be at his home church on November 29 for the morning service to see him off with prayers and well wishes.
