When I tell people that I am a Faith-Based travel agent, the response is almost always “Oh, you sell trips to the Holy Land.” Well, yes, that is one part of what I do, but not entirely.
So, what do I mean by Faith-based travel?
Faith-Based Travel Is An Attitude
Lets face it, traveling can be stressful and it usually brings out the worst in people. You will experience unexpected obstacles, lost luggage, canceled and missed flights, hotel rooms not ready when you arrive and so much more.
How you handle those challanges is your witness about God’s Grace. If you blow up and act like every other frustrated traveler you are not being a good Godly witness. However, if you take a deep breathe, remain calm and even-tempered you will stand out from the crowd.
Especially at the airport! The workers you meet in the airport deal with frustrated and even ugly travelers all day. If you remain calm and even nice you might have the only nice words they hear all day. Your attitude is your witness in stressful situations. Your goal should be for others to look at you and think “Wow, how are they so calm and even nice? I wish I could have that also!” And that is God’s Grace and forgiveness.
So yes, I do book trips to the Holy Land and other Christian related travel sites, but in reality, I am working to inspire you to show God through your actions and words while you travel. Be nice and loving to everyone you meet, especially in stressful situations.
I also encourage you to visit Churches in other countries!
We tend to get set in our ways of how we Worship. Each week we go to our home Church and see the same people and experience the same type of Church experience. Let me tell you, there is nothing like attending a Church service in a different culture. It can be such a moving experience.
On my mission trip to Romania we attended several Church services. It was eye opening! I had never experienced anything like it before. I couldn’t understand the language, but it was not needed. I felt God’s presence in that Church and saw the love and worship from everyone there. The most moving part of the service was the prayer. In Romania, when it comes time to pray everyone prays outloud all at once. It was a very moving experience to be in a room full of people all crying out to God at one time. I realized that God doesn’t need us to slow down and pray one at a time. He can hear and understand every prayer that went up that day. I will also admit that sometimes my mind wanders during the typical prayer time at Church. But that day, I was involved in the prayer time (well, not the first prayer time because I spent the whole time in awe taking it all in lol).
So, when you are traveling in a foriegn country, take time to attend a local Church and meet fellow believers from around the world. Learn how others worship and grow in your own faith. I will often share different Churches you can visit in other countries. You will be surprised how welcoming they feel and it is a great way to meet other believers from around the world!
I would love to hear your stories of visitng a Church in another country. Comment below and inspire everyone to visit a Church next time they travel.
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Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, Among whom you appear as lights in the world.
Philippians 2:14-15