The Living Water Emmaus Community, newly formed in 2008, is based in Gainesville, FL and encompasses Alachua and its neighboring counties. This community came into existence after more than 20 years and 300 walkers through the Aldersgate Walk to Emmaus. It is, largely, the fruit of the Aldersgate Community. Through prayer, guidance and support from the Aldersgate board and the Upper Room board, members in the Gainesville area entered into a formal agreement with Upper Room in Nashville to conduct activities in accordance with the Upper Room Manual for the Walk to Emmaus. The Upper Room has generously offered detailed and personal guidance through the service of a representative who has assisted in the development of this new community and will see that all who serve are trained in the Upper Room model. The Living Water Walk to Emmaus will be exactly like every other Walk to Emmaus offered throughout the country. The first Living Water Walk to Emmaus will take place in April 2009 serving 24 pilgrims.

The name, Living Water, reflects the abundance of springs and rivers that flow through this part of God’s country and the vision that love and service to our Lord will flow out of this new community with equal abundance. The purpose of the Community shall be to inspire, challenge, and equip church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, places of work, and the world community through the Emmaus experience.