Community History Page

El Shaddai Emmaus

The Walk to Emmaus is...

The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders.  The program's approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all."

The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with a 72-hour short course in Christianity, comprised of fifteen talks by lay and clergy on the themes of God's grace, disciplines of Christian discipleship, and what it means to be the church.  The course is wrapped in prayer and meditation, special times of worship and daily celebration of Holy Communion.  The Emmaus Walk typically begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday evening.  Men and women attend separate weekends.   (What is Emmaus by Stephen D. Bryant. 1995. Upper Room Press)

The El Shaddai Walk to Emmaus Community started in September 1992.  We are dedicated to serving Jesus Christ and being His disciples in our world.  We will renew our churches and bring all Christians to a new understanding of Piety, Study, and Christian Action through the servanthood of Christ.

El Shaddai Chrysalis

What is Chrysalis...?

Before it becomes a butterfly, a caterpillar goes through a growth stage during which it is called a "chrysalis."  On the surface it may not look like much is happening, but the delicate chrysalis process changes the fuzzy caterpillar into an awesome butterfly with wings of intricate designs and intense colors.  The chrysalis process symbolizes how Christ can transform you into something beyond your dreams.  It happens when you grow beyond yourself, opening your life to Jesus' power and love. 

"Chrysalis" is the name chosen for the youth and young adult version of The Walk to Emmaus, its parent movement, because it symbolizes the spiritual growth that is essential between adolescence and adulthood.  That growth is as crucial for youth as the cocoon is for the caterpillar.  It is that precious time of nurturing a person's faith for discipleship. 

Chrysalis "Flights" (for 10 through 12 graders) and "Journeys" ( for young adults, ages 19-24) are three-day events.  This three-day spiritual renewal time provides an opportunity for you to learn more about faith, to experience Christian love and support, and to make new faith commitments.  The point is to inspire, challenge and equip you for a closer friendship with Christ and for Christian action at home, church, school, and community.

Chrysalis lifts up a way for you to enjoy Christ's friendship and love and to be Christ's friend and partner in the world.  The three days focus on God's grace, your experience with Christ as friend, what it means to be the body of Christ, and giving love to a needy world.

El Shaddai Chrysalis began in Augus 2003 with our first Flights at Yucaipa United Methodist Church.  Our first lay directors were Sharon Boen and Galen Shotts.

El Shaddai Kairos

Kairos is similar to The Walk to Emmaus experience but it is in a prison setting.  The pilgrims are not necessarily Christian leaders or even know Jesus, therefore it is an exciting environment to demonstrate the love of God and bring people to Jesus Christ!  Currently, El Shaddai Kairos is ministering to two prisons in the area:  Ironwood and Calapatria state prisons.  We are always in need of agape, dedicated people to work, or just come to closing on Sunday night.

Ralph Hogan is the contact for El Shaddai Kairos in our area.  If you would like to work a Kairos, send agape, or attend a closing, please email us and we will send you his information.