Welcome to this second blog in my series on Taking Faith Adventures.
Faith Adventures may not be the most convenient to take, but when the opportunity presents itself, I encourage you to lean into it and seize it. The rewards of going are just out of this world! Kathy and I have had the privilege of going on several trips without the children. They have been special bonding times for us, serving together in different communities; and as a result, our marriage has been blessed.
Going as a family has also been hugely impactful for us. We started taking our children internationally when they were about 14 years old. They had done smaller local trips with the church youth groups but once they were a little older, they were able to embrace the total experience and fully get involved. We’ve had the opportunity to visit many different places with them and I believe it has shaped a lot of who they have become. Having grown up in the United States with everything that is available to us here, faith adventures offered them a balanced perspective and allowed them to see a totally different way of life. They always returned with a renewed mindset.
One of the best experiences we shared together was assembling and distributing wheelchairs to those in need. Putting together a wheelchair that you know is going to give mobility to someone who has been on the ground their entire lives and then helping them into their chair is truly humbling. We’ve also served together in a babies’ rescue home, assisted at a children’s after-school program and worked with many other organizations; with each experience being unique and impactful.
Kathy and I have also taken the children on trips individually. Ashely and I went on a faith adventure when she was in high school – to Chile – and we worked with one of the ministries there. As a father, it was an honor to watch up close her heart for service. She worked in various capacities, was stretched and grew. Whilst there, she was invited to speak at a high school assembly – with just one afternoon’s notice. She accepted and through a translator, stood up and shared her testimony with her high school peers. It was incredible to watch.
Many of the faith adventures I have taken individually or as a family have been with our church. As you consider taking an adventure with your family, I encourage you to go with a group that have experience in this area. Particularly for international trips – where logistics such as visas, hotels, transport, vaccines, cultural sensitivity etc. all need to be factored in. An organization would also train and equip you beforehand to ensure you have a successful trip.
One thing I’ve appreciated travelling with our church is they have already established connections with various churches and ministries on the ground. All the necessary considerations have been made and you’re assured of partnering with an organization whose values match yours. Going as a group also deepens your experience as you benefit from the perspective and views of others in the group with you.
ACTION STEPS
Faith Adventures are a great lifestyle habit to form as a family; all our children have loved the experiences we’ve been on together. I encourage you to start them early and make it a part of your family’s culture. It’s a wonderful space for them to grow, discover and explore their unique God-given gifts.
