This morning, Nomad’s Land began their Second Annual Pilgrimage Fundraiser Walk in Trussville, aimed at raising money for a faith-based outreach.

The 45 mile walk will culminate on Sunday at the 40 acre Nomad’s Land in Attalla. Participants are raising money by asking sponsors to donate tax-deductible contributions for each mile that they walk. The money raised will go to fund improvements being made on the property.

Last year people from California, Texas, North Carolina, Minnesota, Kansas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama and a family from Europe joined in the pilgrimage.  Kevin Simpson and James Fridy of Birmingham will attempt to walk the entire pilgrimage in one day.

After the pilgrimage is completed on Sunday, a potluck celebration will be held on the property.

The walk was the brainchild of Beau Armistead, who runs Nomad Supply, an outreach that for nine years has gone to music festivals to give away food, water and first aid to nomadic youth who follow bands across the country such as Widespread Panic or and other jam bands.

Nomad Supply partnered Kingdom Promotions to purchase Nomad’s Land, formerly a 40-acre horse farm. The compound acts as a base camp for the Christian outreach the group provides to youth who are often addicted to drugs or have no clear goals in life.

“I think it’s amazing how God has brought it all about,” Armistead said. “We’ve gotten to know many other people over the years who do the same type  of thing.”

The number of people living on Nomad’s Land varies. Many are traveling, providing Bible-based outreaches. A few families live there full-time, as well, Armistead said.

“The walk is a pilgrimage where we’re walking down the side of the road as nomads,” Armistead said. “It fits more the demographic of who we are here to serve and it fits with who we are, too. I’m really excited about the aspect of conversation and sort of leaving the hustle and bustle for a few days.”

Joshua Hanson, with Kingdom Promotions, a partner in Nomad’s Land, said, “We’re trying to create a place for nomads to come out and rest and come to Jesus and get off of drugs and alcohol.

“A lot of them are really hurt, hooked on drugs and alcohol and we try to pray with them and love on them,” Hanson said of the visits the group does locally to the Rainbow Family, who often gather in Talladega National Forest. “A lot of times we’ll bring clothes out. It’s a really diverse group, you’ll have doctors and lawyers show out there.”

Nomad’s Land is funded by Kingdom Promotions and other organizations who provide staffing for events like Auburn football games, Talladega Superspeedway events, the Superbowl, PGA tournaments and others that need a large number of people for a short period.

The group also takes old school buses and turn them into recreational vehicles.

This summer they took another bus to Washington to a Rainbow gathering of 20,000 street people and runaways. “Really its all the outcasts of society meet out in the woods,” Hanson said. “And it’s not just kids, it’s Vietnam vets, too.”

He explained, “We’re all on a pilgrimage, and maybe you’re not walking down Highway 11, but if you don’t know Jesus, maybe ask him to reveal himself. If anyone sees us walking down the road or is addicted to drugs, they’re welcome to come walk and talk with us.”

Anyone is welcome to attend Sunday’s potluck dinner in Attalla. There will be an abundance of food and music, as well as a bonfire into the night.

To contact the group while on their walk, call 785-447-0768.

More information is also at Thenomadsland.org or search for Nomad’s Land on Facebook.