Hitting the Trail

10HITTING THE TRAIL FINDING COMMUNITY WHILE EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

by Natalie Cunningham

Canyon Hills is passionate about seeing people connect with one another. CH Trails is a new way to see that passion come alive by seeing people come together through exploring God’s creation. This group goes on monthly hikes to better know one another and grow in the love and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Heather Reed had just moved to Bakersfield when she began attending Canyon Hills. She started looking for ways to get involved and began going to several ministries to find where God wanted to use her. At around this same time, she found a love for the great outdoors through hiking. She found local hiking groups to join, but could not help but wish there was a ministry like this at Canyon Hills. She felt strongly that God had called her to start a hiking group that kept Jesus at the center. Heather soon connected with Franko and Misty Besinaiz who had been wanting to start a similar group. As she plugged in with other believers who shared the same interests as her, CH Trails was established.

The heart behind CH Trails is for believers and nonbelievers alike to freely come and experience the love of Jesus through community. On their monthly hikes, someone from the group shares something the Lord has put on their hearts or a simple testimony. Sharing a small “nugget” has opened the door for attenders to share their personal struggles, victories, and even receive prayer while hiking!

Misty says, “I can be frazzled and having difficulty escaping the busyness, but once I get out of my car and on the trail, the cares of the world are temporarily suspended and my heart and thoughts are clear and open to my Lord. It is our desire that others will also find this kind of peace and community as we fellowship, embrace new friends and encourage one another along the trail. As we help one another over physical obstacles, it often opens the doors to life's obstacles where we can share the love and hope we have in Jesus and pray along the way.”

CH Trails hopes to provide a place for you to not only push your body in new ways, but to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus. If you are interested in joining CH Trails for an upcoming meetup, you can connect with the group on the new Canyon Hills app.