I’ve enjoyed reading your journal updates. They feed my faith and are an encouragement as I, too, continue to be a light in dark places.

My tour is ending next week and I will soon return to normalcy with my “beloved”. Looking forward to our next visit, hopefully before year’s-end. BTW, how’s your foot?

Much Love,
“Uncle John”

My father and I were hiking along the Old Speck Trail today (7/5/08) in the Mahoosuc’s range on the ME/NH border when we ran into your husband. He told us the cause of him hiking the AT and told us to shoot you a message and to check out his website. We wanted to let you know that he’s a very jolly man who is alive and doing well. He cannot wait to get to Gorham, NH to visit Burger King, home of the Whopper. He plans to endulge in one of those. Take care!

Chad and Jack

Beginning the first week of April, 2008, I will be interviewed every ten days or so about my views on “fatherhood” and the American family in general – from a Christian perspective.

They will also be posting and broadcasting my “live” call-ins as I hike4fathers across America. They will rebroadcast these “on the spot” reports during their morning drive time… yeah!

Please visit Wayfm 90.7 and say “Thank you!” for their love of the family and God! While you are at it, consider financially supporting their efforts to bring good, clean music ministry and entertainment into your home and community too!

Here is their website address:
http://www.wayradio.org/

They have also offered to get me a ride from Bangor to Baxter State Park early Sunday morning so I can begin hiking the A.T. on behalf of the American father!

Thanks folks!

Calvary Chapel of Bangor, Maine
Bangor, Maine
http://www.ccbangor.org/

As of this post, 56% of my trail expenses are covered – now, I am working toward the support of my large family’s monthly expenses while I am on the trail.

So, here are the ones who have committed financial support toward my effort to encourage fathers and their families:

90.7 Way FM Christian Radio
Brunswick, GA

Sgt. Michael Gonzalez
Afghanistan Campaign
United States Army

New Living Water Church of God
Townsend, Georgia

St. Simons Community Church
St. Simons Island, Georgia

Joe and Veronica Nadeau
Brunswick, Georgia

John and Caroline Miller
Tallahassee, Florida

The Whole Bateman Family
Brunswick, Georgia

If you would like to make a financial contribution toward Hike4Fathers, simply email me on this journal and I will direct you to the appropriate donation link!

William Bateman
Suite 131
139 Altama Connector
Brunswick, GA 31525

I am now working on food and “zero” day sponsorships. As you can see, I still have a ways to go and about 100 days until I take my first steps at the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail – and heading southbound 2,175 miles…

Thank you for considering supporting my efforts to promote the role of fathers in north America – and the valuable role they play in their families, communities and nation!

William “Spanky” Bateman

Please send your kindest financial gift to:

William Bateman
Suite 131
139 Altama Connector
Brunswick, GA 31525

Questions? Email me at: cody@codybateman.org

James 1:27

I was invited to present my “Hike4Fathers’ initiative to a local missions board at a fellowship located in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

It was a wondeful opportunity for my presenting my views on fatherhood, a father’s faith and my love for Jesus Christ.

That same fellowship has agreed to sponsor my equipment and emergency cost… a sponsorship of $2,000.00!

This represents 28% of my total “Hike4Fathers” budgetary requirements. I owe a debt of gratitude to Jesus Christ and to the fellowship of St. Simons Community Church.

James 1:27

If you would like to underwrite any or all the remaining budget for my upcoming “Hike4Fathers”, simply email me at: cody@codybateman.org