Borrowed from the Sunday, November 26, 2006 Edition of The East Tennessee Catholic Newspaper

'Hiking4Jesus' keeping Tom Wiesner and Preston Fields busy
Youth from Chattanooga to the Five Rivers Deanery may be seen wearing green “Hiking4Jesus” bracelets or T-shirts, named for the new and rapidly growing ministry of diocesan natives Tom Wiesner and Preston Fields.

Mr. Wiesner and Mr. Fields have been crisscrossing the diocese over the past few months, speaking at high school youth-group and college meetings, rallies, and retreats. They were recently the featured speakers at a “Bring a Friend Night” at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City.

“When I first saw Preston and Tom’s presentation of their story of Christian friendship, I knew they had something amazing that was going to change lives,” said Melanie Thomas, youth minister at St. Thomas. “I booked them right away to come speak to my youth. They instantly formed a connection with the teens and held them mesmerized throughout the entire evening.

“Preston and Tom combine Scripture, music, personal witness, and games to deliver their message. The result is emotional, uplifting, and a positive message for the youth of today, who face so much in their day-to-day lives that challenges them. I’d say Hiking4Jesus is just starting a long and promising journey.”

Mr. Wiesner, a Catholic recording artist from Knoxville, is an ER nurse for Covenant Health. Mr. Fields is director of Volunteer Services at Maryville College.

On the name of their ministry, their website states that “hiking is a great escape for those of us who feel like we spend our lives wandering. In the mountains the destinations are clear, the paths are oftentimes clearly marked, and there are even clear rules and warnings along the way, like ‘don’t feed the bears’ and ‘watch for falling rocks.’ Everything you need for the journey is on your back and reality is simple.”

“Sharing our faith with others through our friendship is the key to this ministry,” said Mr. Wiesner. “I feel it is so important for our youth today to find what’s truly real in life. Working hard to find true Christian friendships and developing a relationship with Jesus Christ are perhaps some of the best foundation stones to build on.”

Mr. Fields said that “the response from the community has been overwhelming. We’re constantly getting notes and e-mails from the young people, youth ministers, and parents about how much they appreciate our ministry.

“I have no idea where this ministry will take us, but I’m confident that with Christ in my heart and my best friend by my side, it’s going to be quite an adventure.”

Mr. Fields and Mr. Wiesner present on a variety of topics, including Christian friendship and social justice. The two are scheduled to appear at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa on Dec. 13 and at a retreat Jan. 30 at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga.

For more information, visit www.hiking4jesus.com.