Walk to Emmaus develops leaders, helps
equip participants for Christian action

By Wilson Heacock
Former Lay Director, Rio Grande Valley
Among the prickly pear cactus, mesquite, aloe plants and Texas wildflowers, you can hear the chorus of our feathered friends, including the green jay, chachalaca, white wing dove and great kiskadee.
For nearly 20 years, many people have enjoyed the beautiful natural setting of Methodist Camp Thicket near Weslaco in the Rio Grande Valley. Methodist Camp Thicket is a vital part of numerous ministries that serve children, teenagers and adults throughout the Rio Grande Valley and the
McAllen District.
Throughout the years, numerous men and women have attended the Walk to Emmaus at Camp Thicket. After spending three days learning, laughing, singing, praying, worshiping and participating in small groups, participants are encouraged to be servant-leaders and to expand their own spiritual lives through worship, study and active participation in their local churches.
The Walk to Emmaus gets its name from the story in Luke 24:13-35, which provides the central image for the three-day experience and follow-up.
The purpose of Emmaus is to develop leaders for the church. Emmaus will inspire, challenge and equip participants for Christian action in their homes, churches and places of work. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled lives to be lived and shared with others.
One servant leader in the Rio Grande Valley was Ed Bormann. He was a true disciple and worked tirelessly for the Lord. He was a strong supporter for the Walk to Emmaus in the Valley. He served on the first men’s Emmaus Walk in the Rio Grande Valley: Walk No. 29 in January 1986.
After serving on the team, Bormann organized a Reunion Group, which met weekly at his home. Bormann was a charter member of St. Mark UMC, McAllen.
Bormann passed away on Easter this year at age 84. We give God thanks for his life and his service to the Rio Grande Valley Emmaus/Chrysalis Community.
Methodist Camp Thicket offers a great setting to experience the Walk to Emmaus. Visit the Valley Emmaus Web site at www.valleyemmaus.com for more information.