Last summer, Kelly Nall’s parents basically asked her, “How would you like to travel to Spain, meet people from all over the world and share the gospel with them?” to which she replied, “When should I start packing?” This is a summer mission trip with Kelly’s name written all over it.

She will have yet another opportunity to do the same this summer. Joining in the work begun by Campus Crusade missionaries who converted a barn into a hostel along The Camino, her purpose will be to show hospitality and the love of Jesus with pilgrims along their journey.

El Camino de Santiago, The Way of St. James is an epic journey that starts in France and ends in Spain at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This 500 mile journey has become a bucket list experience, mainly because it is a pilgrimage that takes you to the tomb of the Apostle James. The legend says that when the Apostle James died, his bones were walked from St. John’s France all the way to the cathedral. Since the 10th or 11th century, this has become a popular Catholic pilgrimage, as well as a spiritual journey for those seeking clarity, healing and truth.

Last summer Kelly recalls that she met people from 45 different countries. She rotated working on the Welcome Team which included encouraging people to stop for rest, clean restrooms, coffee and Bibles, the Clean-Up Crew washing bedding and bathrooms, as well as the Kitchen Crew where she helped cook family style meals for those who decided to stay the night there.

Each night they would share a reflection time and prayer requests, watch the Jesus film and play a game that led to many opening up about their lives and the beliefs that they held. Hearing others’ beliefs has given Kelly an eye-opening insight into humanity and grown her love for people. She longs to see them embrace the truth and be reconciled to God.

Kelly recalls, “putting a face with the confused, the seeking and false beliefs increases the urgency with which we share the gospel.”

So many people on the Camino are curious and seeking truth. They are on the last leg of the journey and are feeling weak and dependent, both physically and spiritually. God is using the hostel as a place of healing in the dark places, an opportunity to bring the hurting and confused back to the truth. God has given Kelly compassion and mercy towards these lost souls, her heart cry has been that of, “I know the truth and I want to share it with you!”

She has asked us to pray that these pilgrims will re-think the purpose of their lives, for opportunities to share the gospel and ultimately, salvation of souls. She would also love prayer for unity and for the believers to encourage one another in the faith. New Life, this is a chance to pray together that Kelly and her team will be a beacon of hope for these weary pilgrims and lead them in the way everlasting.

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20    

Written by New Life Communications Director, Kendra Duty