Pastor Steve's Camino

A Camino of Celebration and Prayer

I'm Pastor Steve, an American-born minister currently serving in the United Kingdom. As I approach my 60th birthday next summer (12 June, 2026), I'm embarking on a meaningful journey to celebrate this milestone. From the end of June to the beginning of August 2026, along with my lovely wife, Tasha, I'll be walking the centuries-old Spanish pilgrimage route called the Camino Primitivo (one of the routes of the Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James). You can read more about the Camino de Santiago and the Camino Primitivo below. Our pilgrimage will be devoted to giving thanks to God for His goodness in our lives, and listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. A namesake of St. James (my name is James Stephen Fountain), I feel that I have been called to this spiritual path, where I'll take time to reflect, pray, and seek guidance. By the time we’re done, we will have walked from the cathedral of San Salvador at Oviedo to the Cathedral of St. James at Santiago de Compostela (arriving on the Feast of St James), and on to the sea at Finisterre and Muxia, a distance of about 300 miles.

But this journey isn't just about me; I'll also be lifting up loved ones and those in need in prayer. I'd like to extend an invitation to you: please share your prayers of thanksgiving and petition with me, and I'll carry them with me on my journey. I'll pray for you and leave your prayers at the cathedrals and sacred sites along the way, lighting a candle and entrusting them to the Lord. Your support and prayers would mean the world to me as I prepare for this life-changing experience.

To ensure that I can fully focus on this spiritual journey, I'm seeking financial support to cover the costs of travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses. Your contribution will help make this pilgrimage a reality, allowing me to dedicate myself to prayer, reflection, and the company of my wife, Tasha. Please note, I'll be happy to carry your prayers whether you donate or not.

Of course, we'll be frugal with every penny, staying in places like the albergues (church and government-run hostels) and monasteries along the route, and carefully managing our resources, because all funds remaining after expenses will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, a cause close to our hearts as many of you know.

In addition to joining in prayer with you, we'll light a candle for you and your prayers will be left physically at the cathedrals in Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela, as well as at Finisterre and Muxia, and at sacred sites along the way.

Thank you for making this calling a reality – your support means the world to us.

I’ll be creating a Facebook page where you can follow our preparation for and progress toward the Camino as well as our journey to Santiago and beyond. Stay tuned for more information about that and be sure to check it out when it appears.

The Camino de Santiago

Also known as the Way of St. James, the Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes stretching across Europe, and converging on the city of Santiago de Compostela, famous for its stunning cathedral housing the remains of Saint James the Greater. The Camino Primitivo, or the Original Way, is a route that begins in Oviedo, covering about 320 kilometers through northern Spain. This path is believed to be the first pilgrimage route to Santiago, dating back to the 9th century when King Alfonso II of Asturias made the journey. The Camino offers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and spiritual significance, attracting pilgrims worldwide.