Palmerston North Diocese
August 2013
On Wednesday 3 July 15 young adults gathered around the fireplace in the front room of Te Ahi Kaa to hear Sam Clear of Harvest Inroads tell of his epic journey of discovery.
The journey began in 2002 when, as a member of the Catholic organisation Youth Mission Team in Melbourne, Sam became aware of the extent of Christian disunity.
Four years later he embarked on a 15,500 kilometre, 568-day walk from the easternmost point of Brazil, Cape Branco, through South, Central and North America to Northern Canada, across Siberia on the trans-Siberian railway and then on foot from Moscow to the westernmost point of Spain, Finisterre.
As well as the dramatic physical journey, Sam described a deepening of faith – he grew in trust and understanding. Initially he thought that issues relating to Christian unity were focused on truth, but he was challenged by an experience of great hospitality in the midst of great poverty, to learn that all is useless without love.
At first he thought that trusting in God required him to intelligently heed wise council, but a life-threatening situation taught him that God’s deepest rewards are to be found when we take a total leap of faith. Sam’s challenges continued on his return home through a broken relationship which he said was the area where we most need to listen to and trust God.
Before heading to Hamilton Diocese on 4 July, Sam also captivated audiences at St Joseph’s Parish New Plymouth, St Peter’s College Palmerston North, St John’s College Hastings and Sacred Heart College Napier.
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