An Appalachian Trail Christian Hostel – Some Preliminary Thoughts

Although I still have two years remaining of seminary, I’ve been thinking and praying a lot about what I might do after this program.
One idea I may pursue is an Appalachian Trail Christian Hostel.
Some of the elements of the hostel would be based on some of my favorite places:
1. Sangre de Cristo Seminary, CO
2. Woods Hole Hostel, VA
3. L’Abri Christian Study Center, Switzerland
What I’m looking at doing is forming a non-profit ministry. It’s primary function would be to give a place of shelter and respite to hikers on the Appalachian Trail and to mission to them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the non-hiking season it could be used as a place for restoration for burned-out pastors and missionaries.
I’m targeting the North Carolina and Virginia area of the Appalachian Trail. These southern states have a longer hiking season and a greater number of north-bound thru-hikers who haven’t given up.
If you have any ideas about how to make this project successful, I’d be glad to here them. I’m going to start writing a business plan and proposal soon.