Take A Hike
May 21, 2017
Since the day the Campbell's arrived in May 2012, Pastor Campbell's heart's desire has been to launch a ministry to the hikers. Our church sits right along the Appalachian Trail. What better way to show God's love than to provide a place of rest and rejuvenation for the weary walking by. It started with a dream, then a logo, and today we hike the AT to officially launch our ministry to the hikers.
May 22, 2017
Well, while 'Sarge' tried to get us in shape for the hike after church every Sunday, it seems we forgot the elevation part. Carrying 65 pound backpacks that included frozen deer meat, water bottles, stoves, etc. Sarge's hip went out so we only made it to Darlington Shelter from Boiling Springs. After attempting to 'sleep it off' in a shelter, in the cold... on a board... we had to call the church van to pick 'Sarge' up.. everyone decided to walk 'Sarge' to the van. This is when it was hot during the day and cold at night. Everyone felt the ac from the van, and all jumped in the van with 'Sarge'. We learned a lot on that one night hike, but now the Hikers have named our Sarge, "Short Stop", because she stopped our trip short. And now the Hostel begins.
Well, while 'Sarge' tried to get us in shape for the hike after church every Sunday, it seems we forgot the elevation part. Carrying 65 pound backpacks that included frozen deer meat, water bottles, stoves, etc. Sarge's hip went out so we only made it to Darlington Shelter from Boiling Springs. After attempting to 'sleep it off' in a shelter, in the cold... on a board... we had to call the church van to pick 'Sarge' up.. everyone decided to walk 'Sarge' to the van. This is when it was hot during the day and cold at night. Everyone felt the ac from the van, and all jumped in the van with 'Sarge'. We learned a lot on that one night hike, but now the Hikers have named our Sarge, "Short Stop", because she stopped our trip short. And now the Hostel begins.
May 29, 2017
We are currently offering shelter from the elements underneath the pavilion, indoor shelter, toilet facilities, shower facilities, food and water, Wi-Fi and electric for charging of devices along with, most importantly, prayer as they continue their travels.
This has been a long awaited vision of Pastor Campbell with a vision to grow even more!
We are currently offering shelter from the elements underneath the pavilion, indoor shelter, toilet facilities, shower facilities, food and water, Wi-Fi and electric for charging of devices along with, most importantly, prayer as they continue their travels.
This has been a long awaited vision of Pastor Campbell with a vision to grow even more!
June 20, 2017
Guys! This is so cool. Since May 24th, we have served 230 hikers that have come through Duncannon as they hike the Appalachian Trail. Some are headed North, some South and some are called Flip-floppers and hike just a portion of the AT. Regardless, all are in need of a Savior and what better way to show the love of Jesus than to serve. We've had at least one hiker a week join us for Sunday morning service. This past week, we had several, including one man who stood and shared this, "You have no idea how this church is blessing those who walk on your sidewalk that are hurting and broken."
Please continue to partner with us in prayer as we minister to those who are "walking our sidewalk." They come from all over the country and the world. There is no telling how this ministry will impact the Kingdom. Pray for the hikers, the pastoral and volunteer staff at DAG and the local businesses who are catching the vision. Pray for wisdom, strength and resources. I wish I could share every story with each of you, but just know we could not continue this ministry without your prayer support. Thank you!
Guys! This is so cool. Since May 24th, we have served 230 hikers that have come through Duncannon as they hike the Appalachian Trail. Some are headed North, some South and some are called Flip-floppers and hike just a portion of the AT. Regardless, all are in need of a Savior and what better way to show the love of Jesus than to serve. We've had at least one hiker a week join us for Sunday morning service. This past week, we had several, including one man who stood and shared this, "You have no idea how this church is blessing those who walk on your sidewalk that are hurting and broken."
Please continue to partner with us in prayer as we minister to those who are "walking our sidewalk." They come from all over the country and the world. There is no telling how this ministry will impact the Kingdom. Pray for the hikers, the pastoral and volunteer staff at DAG and the local businesses who are catching the vision. Pray for wisdom, strength and resources. I wish I could share every story with each of you, but just know we could not continue this ministry without your prayer support. Thank you!
July 4, 2017
Happy Independence Day!
To date, we have happily served 419 hikers. While all are thankful and most are courteous, with recommendations from other hikers, we have decided to post some ground rules today. The rules can be viewed in the pictures below along with some fun pictures that the hikers took and posted on the Appalachian Trail Class of 2017 Facebook page to thank DAG for our hospitality.
Happy Independence Day!
To date, we have happily served 419 hikers. While all are thankful and most are courteous, with recommendations from other hikers, we have decided to post some ground rules today. The rules can be viewed in the pictures below along with some fun pictures that the hikers took and posted on the Appalachian Trail Class of 2017 Facebook page to thank DAG for our hospitality.
July 13, 2017
Have you picked up the Perry County Times yet? Here's just a little sneak peak of what was published... "It's about offering people kindness," Campbell said. "I got tired of preaching these sermons and not being the sermon."
September 4, 2017
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! We have decided to close our shelter for the remainder of the season. We have some maintenance that needs done to the shower and we want to make improvements before we re-open for the next season. THANK YOU for an amazing first season. We have been blessed by our new AT friends. Please know we pray for you daily and trust we will see many of you again.
October 24, 2017
Check out the "Trail Angels" article written in PE News https://penews.org/news/trail-angels
May 27, 2018
We're so thrilled to announce that we have officially launched our Appalachian Trail Ministry for the summer and look forward to making new friends from all around the world!
There's also a newly remodeled bathroom. You will not want to miss this shower!
June-July, 2018
Have you seen the Hiker's Garden? With hard work and daily dedication, our guests are welcome to peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, watermelon, cantaloupe, basil, strawberries, grapes and tomatoes!
Hiker's Log:
6/2 - "The garden swing out back is enchanted it seems to be benevolent - enjoy" ~ Sireh
7/9 - "Extremely grateful for the kindness :) Thank you for the warm hospitality, the fabulous shower, and (perhaps most especially) the zucchini that was a taste of my own garden that is fallow back home this year." ~ Carebear + Boss
July 2, 2018
It's truly our honor to serve those passing by or stopping to stay at the church along the way! Here is our church Board intermingled with our largest group of hiker's this year.
It's truly our honor to serve those passing by or stopping to stay at the church along the way! Here is our church Board intermingled with our largest group of hiker's this year.
September 12, 2018
Check out the newest DAG Family Member, her name is Finlee.
"The Pastor helped me find a home for a poor little kitten I found on the trail within minutes of me arriving! Wow, what a beautiful place. Thank you so much to everyone who maintains it." ~ Much Love, Bomber
May 17, 2019
We have opened our doors to the 2019 Hiker's Ministry!
While there is no need to count the number of hikers we host, we will count on those prayers for God's will in this ministry.
May 18, 2019
We shared with our fellow Hiker Hosting Church the following message and it just bring all of us great joy that we can work together to host hikers as they journey through our beautiful little town of Duncannon, PA
"This has been great - the whole family is here and we just had the best spaghetti dinner at the other church in town. I missed the P.O. & the Outfitter which got me down but the hospitality in Duncannon is the best. Thanks guys!" ~ Grits - Bisguad (Head knocker & stretch)
June 6, 2019
Trail Magic is defined as an unexpected act of kindness, which is a quintessential part of the Appalachian Trail experience for many long-distance hikers. Well, while they consider our Ministry "trail magic", we considered one particular guests kindness "trail magic"... Check out the Instagram message we got this day and pictures were attached!
Our hearts were overwhelmed with this unexpected act of kindness today. We just aim for our guests to rest and get reinvigorated for their travels, but this... speechless.
July 25, 2019
It really is our pleasure to serve as Christ would. We always want to humbly serve as Christ and for no other reason but to be like him. May God bless all who pass by!
August 23, 2019
Just ran across this post on the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Class of 2019 Facebook page.
September 27, 2019
Today we will be closing our doors for the 2019 Season. We have been humbly blessed by our AT friends and the continuous support of our church family, as well as, the community. We will continue to pray for hikers passing by and God's will for their lives and our Hiker's Ministry. See you next year!
May 2020
We regret to inform you that due to the Pandemic, we will not be opening the shelter this year.
March 25, 2021
The Lord continues to bless us in our Ministry to the community and to the Hikers. A special thank you to Lowes for donating an outdoor kitchen and well... the picture says it all.
April 30, 2021
We have sincerely missed our 2020 hiker friends but we are excited to announce that we are now open for 2021. This year, the grapes around the swing will produce, providing a refreshing treat as you rest your feet. In the garden, we planted potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers and lettuce for all to enjoy when ripe. Our goal this year is to keep the refrigerator and cupboards stocked with eggs, orange juice, pancake mix and syrup for you to enjoy a breakfast before you go.
Last, but not least, we will serve dinner every Friday at 6:30 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you!
June 23, 2021
We are officially on Guthook Guides, as of today, and you will NOT miss the blue blazes painted on the sidewalk, the sign saying "Hikers Welcome, Enter Here" and the blue footprints to guide you to the church hostel.
July, 2021
A special THANK YOU to our trail angel, Flowers! During Flowers' stay, cleaned the hostel spotless and we pray God be with you and bless you in a way that only he can. We hope to hear from you from time to time.
Love & Prayers,
Pastor Campbell and Short Stop
May 1, 2022
We have had a few visitors before we opened, but we are officially open and we are praying for a blessed year beyond belief for our Hikers passing through.
May 8, 2022
For Mother's Day this year, Short Stop has shared her gift with the Hikers so they can sit comfortably while hanging out at DAG. An outdoor couch has been added to the Hikers Garden. Happy Mother's Day to all our Mama Hikers out there. P.S. The couch is Moose (Pastor's cat) approved!
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May 8, 2022
For Mother's Day this year, Short Stop has shared her gift with the Hikers so they can sit comfortably while hanging out at DAG. An outdoor couch has been added to the Hikers Garden. Happy Mother's Day to all our Mama Hikers out there.
May 12-16, 2022
New this year, we were blessed with raised beds for the Hikers Garden to help contain the weeds. On May 16th, we had our first tent of 2022. AND, we had a special guest, Larry the Log and Shawn who is hiking the trail to help raise money to support wounded Veterans. You can donate to his cause at gofund.me/f99da2db
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May 25, 2022 A special THANK YOU to New Blooms Greenhouse who blessed the Hikers Ministry with all the free vegetables to plant in the garden this year. |
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May 28, 2022
Hikers enjoying Duncannon's Memorial Day Parade (with Pastor waiving in the background).
June 5-11, 2022
The Hikers Ministry, and even the Duncannon Community, were blessed with a special youth group from Ohio this week.
One scripture comes to mind to sum them up.
In Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other's burdens, and in doing so, you fulfill the law of Christ."
Short Stop was weary, overwhelmed and discouraged but this group was an answer to prayers.
This group cleaned the property, inside and out. They finished the Hikers Garden. They handed water to thirsty hikers. They fixed a broken water fountain, a broken garage door and attempted to fix the basketball hoop which has needed fixed for many years. They cleaned up the "no dumping area" that people seem to dump on and they added grass seed. They guided Hikers, they added lights to the dark stairwell, they carried the load of the towels while here (which is no light task). They cleaned and organized the garage for church storage. If that wasn't enough, they took hikers to stores, out to eat, helped a lady, did yard work for a couple who just lost their parents, cleaned and set up the Pavilion / cleaned grills. They implemented a foot soak area for aching feet.
This group provided such an overwhelming sense of encouragement during their stay.
Here are a few pics to share:
June 20, 2022 - Our newest amenity to the Hikers Ministry: Foot Soak Area
It's funny when you know it's a God thing. Short Stop thought to look in the garage for her foot spa, then the Ohio Group comes and cleans out the garage to find it AND they add bins to soak your feet, they also got Epsom salt.
Hiker, Willow, happily debuts advertising our new amenity below, while she soaks her feet, and soaks up the sun. #TakeASeatAndPamperYourFeetAtDAG
It's funny when you know it's a God thing. Short Stop thought to look in the garage for her foot spa, then the Ohio Group comes and cleans out the garage to find it AND they add bins to soak your feet, they also got Epsom salt.
Hiker, Willow, happily debuts advertising our new amenity below, while she soaks her feet, and soaks up the sun. #TakeASeatAndPamperYourFeetAtDAG
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June 21, 2022
The lights are on to pitch a tent as we have a packed house inside. I think "the Bubble" is here!
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June 28, 2022
We have added a drying line outside for all of your belongings, after all these stormy days. |
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July 3, 2022
Yep, "the Bubble" is here.
After careful decision, it has been going quicker to catch up on towels at the laundromat. There was only one clean towel left.
#BeASermonNotPreachASermon
Yep, "the Bubble" is here.
After careful decision, it has been going quicker to catch up on towels at the laundromat. There was only one clean towel left.
#BeASermonNotPreachASermon
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July 4, 2022
Short Stop grilled guys! It must be Independence Day! The Hikers enjoyed the holiday with grilled Hot Dogs and Hamburgers, Mediterranean Pasta Salad and Chips.
Short Stop grilled guys! It must be Independence Day! The Hikers enjoyed the holiday with grilled Hot Dogs and Hamburgers, Mediterranean Pasta Salad and Chips.
July 6, 2022
Our growing garden
Our growing garden
Our growing garden
Our growing garden
Our growing garden
Our growing garden
Donation Wish List
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Food
Gatorade Water Ice Cream Pancake Mix Syrup Eggs |
Household Items
Toilet Paper Paper Towels Laundry Detergent Shampoo / Conditioner Body Wash Hand Soap Dish Liquid Socks Epsom Salt |
A special thank you to:
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