05/17/2026
Tidewater Emmaus family,
Fall Walk applications are now open for Pilgrims, Sponsors, and Team members!
We are excited and prayerful about what God is already preparing for TW-140 and TW-141. If you have been discerning whether to serve on team, now is the time to apply. If you know someone who may be ready for a Walk, please begin praying, encouraging, and sponsoring with care.
As we open applications, we also want to share an important update. Beginning with the Fall Walks, all application fees for Pilgrims, Sponsors, and Team members have been increased by $25.
This decision was not made lightly. Like many ministries and our recent changes to our new facility, it has its costs for lodging, food, supplies, facility use, and the practical needs that make each Walk possible. Our desire is to keep the Walk as affordable as we can while still being faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us. The additional $25 helps us continue providing a welcoming and Spirit-filled weekend without placing the full burden on any one part of the community.
We also want to remind everyone of an important payment requirement. Application fees must be paid before team training begins for Team members and before the Walk begins for Pilgrims, unless prior financial arrangements have been made. We never want finances to be the reason someone cannot attend or serve, so please communicate early if assistance or payment arrangements are needed. Any community or board member can assist helping to make these arrangements possible.
We also want to speak clearly and lovingly about another effort many of you have heard about: helping Camp Cale with mattress improvements.
Tidewater Emmaus continues to receive and welcome donations for our own ministry needs, scholarship support, weekend expenses, and future Walks. That has not changed. At the same time, we believe generosity is part of our witness. Camp Cale has been a gracious host and ministry partner, and when we have the opportunity to bless the place that helps us welcome Pilgrims and Team members, we believe that is a good and faithful thing.
Supporting Camp Cale does not mean Tidewater Emmaus has no financial needs. It means we are choosing to live with open hands. We are working to sustain our own ministry responsibly while also helping improve the environment where future Pilgrims and Teamers will encounter the love of Christ.
In simple terms: the fee increase helps us cover the real cost of our Walks. Donations help us extend grace, support scholarships, strengthen the ministry, and bless others as we are able.
What a blessing to see so many of your hands in the air at Hickory UMC, praying out loud to such a wonderful Lord of Lords. So very good indeed.
On behalf of the TWE BoD - Thank you for your faithfulness, your prayers, your service, and your generosity. We are grateful for this community and excited for what God will do this fall.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10
🤟 DeColores
-Andy Barron, TW-86
Tidewater Emmaus CLD
The board takes seriously its responsibility to be the instrument of the Holy Spirit in selecting the pilgrims and teams for Emmaus walks. The following directions address how the board gives consideration for those applying to sponsor or team.
