Every time we step out of our usual environment, we are, in a sense, traveling, whether we are traveling to another town, state, or country; traveling for vacation, work, to see something new, or to visit family and friends. No matter where we go, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to let our lives reflect Christ, therefore all our travel is faith-based. But if we plan to share Jesus, learn more about him, or worship with others while traveling, it’s what people often consider to be faith-based travel.
I’ve had many travel opportunities and I put them in two categories. First are those where you grow in your faith through learning about God and praising him; for example, traveling to Israel. I’ve done this pilgrimage three times with various church groups, each uniquely different. Experiencing the Holy Land with friends and your pastor is the ultimate learning and worshipping experience. I remember gazing out on Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives and realizing I was looking at Mount Moriah, where God instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son. I witnessed King David’s city and where Solomon had built the temple. Jesus taught, healed, died on the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead, all within what I could see from that vantage point. It made the Bible come alive and sharing it with friends was special.
I’ve also traveled with a company called Inspiration Cruises where you take a cruise with a Christian teacher—I’ve gone with David Jeremiah several times. You get to experience the beauty of creation, gather daily to hear the Word taught and explained, and worship with hundreds of people from all over the country. It’s truly a foretaste of the feast to come!
The other category of travel is more mission-oriented. I’ve been blessed to go on mission trips to China, India, Crimea, Senegal, Madagascar, Haiti, Nicaragua (several times), Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas (after Hurricane Dorian). Some of these were vision trips and some were working mission trips. I’ve used my vocation as a dental hygienist to give lessons not only to students but also to the teachers who can reinforce what I explain after I leave. I usually take toothbrushes for everyone, offer fluoride treatments, and do clinical work like treating gum disease. Some dental treatments require having a team like the Christian Dental Society that can handle the logistics of sterilization. No matter what I do, there is always an opportunity to share my testimony of how my life changed after becoming a follower of Jesus. Because Jesus loves me, and he loves them, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. I feel compelled to take care of my family. In Thailand, I was able to connect with a mission that rescues children from sex trafficking. I gave them a dental lesson and shared my faith with them.
Even when taking a leisure trip, there is always a way to share the love of Christ with others. As we heard in a recent sermon, “Always be ready to give a defense… for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). When we travel, let’s travel with purpose, whether it is a planned mission trip or a casual visit to family and friends. Remember, all travel can be faith-based travel. Pray that God will give you opportunities to share his Good News.
by Debbie Bailey
