25. Jun 2025

Crianlarich - Inversnaid

Photo 1: "Loch Lomond"
This is the last lake that I will be walking along side on the West Highland Way, the first part today and the rest the next two days. Early in the morning a young couple from Germany came my way. The dad was carring a baby boy on his back. I stopped and said: "You are carrying a very precious load!" The boy's name was Bejamin. I asked if they knew the biblical story behind that name. They did not. So I explained how Rachel was the dear wife of Jacob and died giving birth to Bejamin. With her last words she named the child "Ben-Oni", Son of my Sorrow. Jacob did not want his son being blamed for his mother's death by bearing that name all of his life, so he changed it to "Ben-Jamin", Son of my Right Hand, meaning one who is blessed and has favor. I then asked if they would like for me to say a prayer of blessing for their child. Benjamin was all smiles as I did. It was a great start in the new day.

Photo 2: Shortly thereafter Ethen and I crossed paths. He is a young man who just recently made the turning point towards Jesus. I was able to encourage him in his walk with Jesus and pray for his journey through life.

Photo 3: There were so many people coming my way the first part of the day that I prayed that God would just help me connect with those he wanted me to talk to. One special surprise was running into these two girls, Corry and Cayla, who work at the Black Forest Christian Accademy just south of Stuttgart. They know Kirk and Amy Priest who have a hospitality house near the school and are good friends and my Area Directors from the Assemblies of God. God just seems to know where are feet are taking us...

Photo 4: "Willy hoping rocks to get over the stream of water"
Not far from here I saw an older man walking by himself carrying a bag on his side. We started to talk. His name is Gorden and he was walking to help ease the pain of grief. Just about a year ago his beloved wife and their dog died about the same time. Gorden had the ashes of his wife and their dog with him in that bag. My heart went out to him. I shared the hope that we have in Jesus who rose from the dead and broke the power of death. I then prayed for Gorden that God would comfort his heart as only God can do. I know Gorden was touched by that moment. I was as well.

Photo 5: The walk along this part of Loch Lomond was quite challenging, very rough terrain, step and rocky climbs and descents. I was glad to make it to the hostel safe and sound... it just took a bit of time.