No matter the size of your group or your destination, these five essentials for faith-based trips are sure to improve everyone’s experience.
1. Manners
Whether we’re at home or on the road, Manners go a long way with the people we interact with.
Matthew 7:12
“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
2. Patience
The adage, “patience is a virtue” comes to mind. Inevitably, there will be a bump in the road at some point while traveling. If everyone has a healthy dose, things will hopefully be resolved more quickly and the number of problems minimized.
Ephesians 4:1-3
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
3. Adventure
Whether travelers are concerned with world issues or just need a little extra push to get off the couch, a sense of adventure is a must to experience the best trips.
Psalm 34:8
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”
4. Curiosity
In the same vein, we all need a little bit of curiosity. With curiosity travelers might try the “weird” food, experience a hidden gem off the beaten path or have the chance to meet and interact with people who speak a different language or live another type of life. Hopefully they will be better off for these experiences, but they’ll need curiosity to get there.
1 Chronicles 28:9
“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.”
5. Wonder
To get the most out of any trip, we need a sense of wonder at the Lord’s creation. His glory and power are evident all around us, we only have to look around to see it.
Psalm 19:1-6
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.”
