by Rev. Doug Douma
Sola Appalachian Christian Retreat, Unionville, NY
the Missions Banner, June/July 2026

This is a BIG summer for us at Sola. Now our 8 year hosting Appalachian Trail hikers, we continue to have much demand for our services. But this is a BIG summer because we also have an intern joining us (the 4 year in a row that we’ve had that program) and especially because we are expecting various volunteers to assist in our labors. And top of that list is Team Timothy! For those who don’t know, Team Timothy is the short-term missions effort of the Presbyterian Missionary Union. Ten volunteers from a couple Bible Presbyterian Churches are headed our way for a week in July. And with our Field Director Casey Southerlands’s help, we have a great schedule put together for them to assist hikers, the Sola ministry itself, and the Unionville Presbyterian Church. We also hope it to be BIG summer in terms of “growing.” We’ve now got 6 chickens that are growing larger. We’ve got seed starters in the greenhouse. And of course our three children getting bigger everyday. But above all else, we pray for growth in the Lord, knowing that all things are from him and that all we do is to glorify him. So pray that we grow in the Lord, that we have the fruit of the spirit evident in all our work. We pray for that growth not only for our family, but for the volunteers, intern, hikers, and church members; all that make this mission possible here in our little village on the Appalachian Trail. Pray for our work, for we are weak but He is strong. Thank you for your support!