Welcome to the
Heart of Florida
Walk to Emmaus

Empowering leaders to be the hands and feet of Christ.


What to bring on the weekend

  • Bible
  • Flashlight
  • Umbrella
  • Bedding – Sheets, Pillow, Blanket (extra light weight blankets for “Tent”)
  • Jacket or sweater
  • Comfortable Clothes
  • Towel
  • Washcloth
  • Toiletries
  • Medication if needed
  • Any special food that you may need (be sure to let your sponsor know about any dietary issues you may have)

What should a participant (pilgrim) expect during the weekend?

The Walk to Emmaus is an ecumenical program that invites and involves Christians of many different denominations. Attendees (Pilgrims) will be presented with 15 talks over the course of three days given by either a Lay Person or a member of the Clergy. After each talk you will have time for reflection and group discussion. The Walk to Emmaus is a tightly designed event that is conducted with discipline according to a manual that is universally standard. Emmaus is offered only with the permission and under the guidelines of The Upper Room. This ensures a proven format and a common experience that should be trustworthy from weekend to weekend wherever Emmaus is being offered.

What is The Equal Commitment Rule?

Emmaus is for both married and single persons. Both are equally welcomed.In the case of married persons, the Upper Room provides guidance known as “The Equal Commitment Rule” designed to reflect the hope for marriages and families. The concern is that the Walk is not meant to be a divisive influence, but rather an opportunity for new spiritual bonds for couples and families.It is not unusual for husbands and wives to be the motivation for one another to participate in the Walk and to come away from the experience with a deeper commitment to one another, to their family, to their church and to the Emmaus community.There are instances in which spouses must take their Walks at different times or places. There are also instances when one spouse truly wants to attend and the other continues to be unwilling to participate. In those cases, a request can be made of the Board with explanation of the circumstances. The Board will review and pray about the situation for six months as they consider the request for single participation.

How do I get to the Heart of Florida Walk to Emmaus?

The Heart of Florida Walk to Emmaus is held at:Masterpiece Gardens
3900 Great Masterpiece Rd
Lake Wales, FL 33898

For more information about the Conference Center, please see: https://www.masterpiecegardensretreatcenter.com/
You will find more information regarding directions at: https://www.masterpiecegardensretreatcenter.com/pages.asp?pageid=107707

Why do I need a sponsor for the Heart of Florida Walk to Emmaus?

Each person attending a Heart of Florida Walk to Emmaus must have a sponsor who has already attended a Walk. Your sponsor will assist you with the application, will make sure you have what you need for the weekend, assist you in getting to and from the campgrounds and also will make a commitment to assist in any family needs you may have during the weekend so that you are free to fully experience the Walk.If you are interested in going on a Walk to Emmaus, but do not have a sponsor, please contact the Heart of Florida, Walk to Emmaus Community Lay Director. We can help you decide whether or not you would find the Emmaus experience helpful. We can also help you find a sponsor in your local area.

What does the HOF Board of Directors Do?

The local Emmaus Board of Directors is the body that governs the local Emmaus movement and oversees the quality of the program. The Board of Directors is the link between the local Emmaus community and Upper Room Ministires and is responsible for fulfilling the covenant with Upper Room Ministries as stated in the Letter of Agreement.

“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;”