Strength for the Journey, Part I

Strength for the journey.

We all need strength for the journey, don't we?

This is a multi-layered topic, as it is also the name of a yearly retreat in the Holston Conference.

Let's explore the history of "Strength for the Journey", what strength looks like in general, what things might give us strength for the journey, and what this retreat is all about.

First, let me share how I got here.

I first learned about "Strength For The Journey" as a lay person while attending Burks UMC. It was one of the ministries in the Holston Conference that Burks UMC contributed to. I think it was listed on "The Advance", a list of organizations, ministries, and missionaries that can help a church become a "5 Star Church" by donating. Here is a PDF of "The Advance". "Strength for the Journey" is still listed. It falls under category "I" "Support for Action Ministries".  It is Holston Project #300. 

It is a ministry that has had my attention for years. I had always hoped to learn more, to attend. But my schedule wouldn't permit and I was involved on the conference level with the Hispanic Ministries Team (a team I enjoyed serving with for years.) 

At last year's conference, I went by the Strength for the Journey and spoke with John King. I bought a t-shirt from a previous year to support them. I shared with John my interest and he told me to talk with his wife Gaye. 

I later learned John had some stained glass supplies and glass he was willing to sell as he was decreasing his stained glass time. I went to their house in December to purchase some items and we talked about "Strength for the Journey". The timing of the retreat fit my schedule and the theme of "Wilderness" was right up my alley. I committed to being part of the staff. 

Yesterday I drove the three hour trip to Steiner Bell Lodge on the Wafloy Mountain Village Retreat Center in Gatlinburg, TN. It was a beautiful day to drive and the mountains were beautiful. Upon my arrival, the GPS sent me to the main entrance. I was lucky and blessed that a colleague turned in that same road and I flagged him down. He told me it was one road further and I followed him.

I followed him up the winding narrow road to the top. It reminded me of the road to the Hinton Center in Hayesville, NC. But more narrow and more winding. It isn't a road I would want to do in the dark.

When I got to the top, I saw the building and the welcome sign. 

Though it was my first time here and there was much unknown, I was able to lean into the new adventure. I'm still leaning. We had a staff meeting last night and it was good to get to know people and to go over the week. There are three of us "newbies" this year. Some of the participants came in yesterday and I am getting to know them. The rest of the participants come today. We begin a journey of wilderness together.

There will be tie-dye, hiking, small groups, and much more. Because of the predicted rain, we were encouraged to take a look at the view before the staff meeting. I went out on the front porch. This was the view.

Wow.

How beautiful are the mountains.

I'm not sure what this week has for me fully or what I have to offer. I do know that I am here to be fully present, to walk with, to listen, to share the love of Christ. I have a feeling that I will get much more than I give. I met one participant last night who shared about a book she wrote. I ordered it and it will be waiting for me when I get home. 

I will share from my perspective and experience without giving away any confidentiality.

I promised some history at the start of this blog post.

For all the details, you can click on the link: Strength for the Journey Holston Conference.

Here is some information found there:

Strength for the Journey (SFTJ) is a compassionate ministry of the Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church that provides a safe, caring, and healing community for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Through annual retreats and year-round connection, participants find space for spiritual renewal, emotional healing, and supportive fellowship.

A Place of Renewal

Since 1997, Holston’s Strength for the Journey retreats have offered a peaceful sanctuary in the Smoky Mountains where participants can rest, reflect, and reconnect with God and one another. Each retreat is designed to:

• Heal your spirit and nourish your body

• Provide time for reflection, recreation, and rest

• Encourage open discussion, spiritual guidance, and worship

• Offer opportunities for art, journaling, hiking, and community connection

Every aspect of the retreat is centered on love, acceptance, and renewal. Participants often describe the experience as “a place to be me, to be who I am without judgment” and “a time that strengthens me to live with renewed energy and joy.”

Rooted in Compassion

Originating in 1988 in the California-Pacific Conference, Strength for the Journey has spread across the country, reflecting the Church’s calling to embody compassion and hope. The Holston Conference was the first in the Southeast to host a retreat, beginning in 1997. Today, this vital ministry continues through the generous support of churches, individuals, and organizations across multiple denominations.

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This PDF gives a little more history of the beginnings in 1988 and tells how to set up a retreat. This guide is from 2018, so there might have an updated version somewhere. I am proud of our Holston Conference for being the first in the Southeast to start a retreat in 1997.

In my research, I found information from Cal-Pac Conference on a documentary. 

Here are two links:

Cal-Pac Article 

The Body of Christ Has Aids Documentary

I also found a song "Strength for the Journey" by Michael John Pourier, written in 1988,

Here are some links to read about it:

Strength for the Journey song information

Strength for the Journey songsheet

Where and how do you need strength in your journey?

Maybe there is something here in this post that offers you hope, encouragement, strength. 

Thanks for joining me on my journey. I look forward to learning more about Strength for the Journey this week and to offering and receiving strength for the journey.

Peace, 

Deb