Have more questions?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions section for answers.
* What is a virtual trail and how does it work? Jesus Trails Challenge tracks your steps using your cell phone's health app. As you walk throughout the day, your steps are converted to distance on your virtual trail. Enjoy watching your progress in real time on the trail’s interactive map as you walk where Jesus walked. You can also enter the street view to see what the area looks like today. This is a great way to exercise your mind, body and soul.
* How do I purchase a trail? It’s simple. On this website, find the trail that you want to embark upon. Click on the “Join the Trail” button. Fill out the required information and purchase the trail. You will receive a “Welcome” email with a special code and step by step instructions. Next, download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Open the app and log into the app. From your “Welcome” email, enter the code and your trail will be automatically placed in your app. When you finish your trail challenge and you want to start a new trial, you can go to our website www.JesusTrailsChallenge.com and purchase a new one, or you can purchase it directly from the app. People normally begin their journey right when you purchase their trail and download our app, however, we recommend that you use your join code right away, as it will automatically expire if not used within 45 days of purchase.
* What should I do after I have made an account and purchased a trail? Before you begin on your trail, check your profile page. You can upload your picture, if you want, which will appear on your personalized marker on the trail in the interactive map. If you do not use a picture, then your initials will be used automatically. Make sure that you have set your preference on how we will keep track of your distance, by allowing our app to communicate with your health app. This will allow your marker to move on the interactive map to track your steps. Currently, our app recognizes Apple Health and Google Fit. If you do not have a compatible health app, you can either download a compatible health app onto your cell phone, or you can manually enter your distance each day. After you have checked your information on your profile page to make sure that it is all correct, then you are set to begin your journey.
* How much does each trail cost? The cost of a trail is listed with the description of the trail. Trails may cost different amounts, depending on different factors. We have tried to keep the cost of each trail as low as we can, so that as many people can enjoy all of the different trails we have to offer.
* Should I consult my doctor before beginning a trail? Walking can be great exercise, but with any exercise routine, you should always consult your doctor to make sure that this is right for you.
* How are my steps calculated to make my marker move forward on the map? How do I connect my health app? Go to your profile page. Your distance can be calculated by using one of the following: Automatically. This is the easiest way. Simply allow our app to communicate with your health app ( Apple Health or Google Fit) and we will take care of the rest. Enable “Health App Sync”. On iOS, you'll be prompted to grant access to Apple Health. On Android, you will connect to Google Fit or Health Connect. This will allow our app to calculate your distance which is updated in real time, approximately every 5-10 minutes! OR Manually - Add your daily distance manually. Once entered, your marker on the map will move based upon your input. Should I do automatic or manual? We do recommend automatic. This is easy, less work for you, and allows you to focus on the meaning of the trail. Distance is calculated using the standard calculation of approximately2.5 feet or 0.762 meters per step. This is adjusted based on your stride length depending on your health app setting. What if I want to take a break? If you do not want your steps to be calculated, then make sure you change your tracking to manual and not automatic. Then when you want to resume, you can change back to automatic.
* How do I earn and receive my medal? Complete the distance of your purchased trail though walking in your daily life. When you have successfully completed the total distance of the trail, you will receive notification of your accomplishment. You will be asked to confirm your shipping address. You will then receive your medal in the mail within, on average, 2-4 weeks. We will try our hardest to get you your medal as soon as possible. Please also see Which countries do you accept entries from? below for more details.
* Can I do two or more trails at the same time? You can do two of more trails at the same time. If you want your distance to apply to all trails at the same time, then if you have chosen your distance to be calculated automatically, your distance will be changed on all trails at the same time. If you have two or more open, uncompleted trails and you do not want your distance to be applied to all trails at the same time, then make sure your distance is selected to manual and you can then manually enter your distance for the open trail that you desire. If you are entering your distance manually and not automatically, then enter your steps manually for each trail that you want the steps to apply to.
* Is there a time limit to begin and finish a trail? If you have a join code, if it is not used within 45 days of purchase, it will automatically expire. If you have entered your join code, or if your trail has automatically loaded on your app, you will need to start your trail within 90 days from the date of purchase or it will automatically expire. Once you begin a trail, the amount of time it will take you to complete a trail is governed by your health and physically abilities. You choose how long it will take to finish a trail. If you walked at least 1.5 to 2 miles (3,000-4,000 steps) per day, you should be able to complete most trails within 1-2 months. However, regardless of the above, all purchases or open trails will expire 12 months after the date of purchase. So if you do not finish your trail prior to the expiration date, it will automatically be closed and you will not receive your completion medal.
* Should I listen to the Bible reading and/or music while I walk or jog? Your safety is very important. If you have headphones on or a loud speaker while you are walking or jogging, then you may not be aware of all of your surroundings, i.e. cars, emergency vehicles, animals, other people, etc. We do not want you to have any distractions while using the app. If you cannot safely listen to the readings or music while walking or jogging, then listen to them prior to or after your walk or jog. The pictures on our app and website showing people using their headphones while walking/jogging are for illustrative/commercial purposes only and not intended to show you how to use the app. Always consider what is the safest way for you to use all of the wonderful benefits of this app before embarking on your journey.
* Which countries and locations do you accept entries from? Our app is open to the whole world, except where prohibited by law. We will make every effort to ship medals globally, however, there are some addresses and some countries that have delivery restrictions due to international regulations and/or operational challenges and we are unable to ship medals to customers in those areas. For example, see FAQ’s at USPS.com. It is up to you, the customer, to determine if you are in one of those areas. If so, we apologize that we cannot send you the medal. There is no discount to the price of the trial if you live in an area that we cannot deliver the medal to.
* How do I contact support? Need additional help? Feel free to contact us by email at info@jesustrailschallenge.com. We will reply as soon as possible to help you with your questions.