As an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, imb (International Mission Board) has nearly 16 million members and a constant through-flow of travellers on global missions. As such, imb takes exemplary measures to ensure travellers’ safety.

A theology of risk
Every congregation needs to define its own theology of risk. Members and clergy need to agree on what physical and other risks the church and its members are willing to take. In a word, they need to establish their tolerance to risk.

First, this is an excellent spiritual exercise. (What does the Bible say about risk?) Second, it’s a practical way for a church to formally define the levels of risk congregants can expect while on the mission field. Essentially, it defines what is and isn’t worth sacrificing for.

Contingency planning crisis policy
Contingencies come in all shapes, sizes and degrees of severity. And, they nearly always involve not only those travelling, but also those back home.

Contingency planning begins with crisis policies that can mitigate concerns and define a proactive crisis-response mechanism for the congregation. As an example of mitigating risk via crisis policy, the church should have a policy requiring all mission participants to carry international travel insurance. That way, if something happens while they’re abroad (illness or injury, for example), they can be assured of necessary treatment and safe transport back home.

Crisis policies can also define who would serve on a crisis team in the event of an ongoing issue — especially one that involves the media. Who will speak on behalf of the church? Who will handle member care? Who will update the church website with pertinent information?

While policy plans can always be changed during a crisis, an organization does not want to be defining policy in the midst of one.

Pre-planning for safety
Doing the homework on a travel destination is critical. Preparing to travel from point A to point B within that location can be just as important.

To this end, churches should provide mission team members with a basic safety orientation — how to lower their profile while in public and what to wear/carry so as not to stick out, to name a few.

It’s also helpful to leverage the help of individuals in your church who have practical experience in international travel, safety and security, or even law enforcement. It might also be a good idea to set up a mock passport control/customs check for mission participants prior to departure. Training like this helps them learn what to say (or not to say) when interacting with local immigration officers. This kind of “drill” is more helpful than you might think.

The more pre-planning, training and rehearsing your church can do prior to its mission team’s travel, the better off everyone involved will be.

Scott Brawner is director of risk management for International Mission Board, SBC. www.going.imb.org

By Eva Marie Everson and Miriam Feinberg Vamosh

As far back as I can remember, I have wanted to visit the Holy Land. Then in 2002, I received a call from Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, inviting me, a Christian journalist, to visit Israel on a 10-day press tour. Though initially pessimistic, I accepted the offer and became more and more elated as the day of departure drew near.

Friends who had been before said, “You’ll never be the same.” Or, “Once is never enough.” I knew I’d never be the same, but I was fairly certain once would be enough.
I was wrong.

In 2002, tourism was down. Church groups and individual travelers were cancelling reservations and putting their plans on hold. But when I returned in 2007, I found the land overflowing with tourists. Some were biblical students who wanted to understand better what they would one day teach others. Most were pilgrims who sought to see the land of the Bible. Some traveled with tours; others traveled alone or within an intimate group. But none of us leave by the same door we entered; Israel changes its pilgrims.

Scripture-for-life lessons
For both individuals and groups, the Bible comes alive in Israel like nowhere else. This is especially true in a group led by a pastor and a guide. The trained guide focuses peoples’ attention on the special nuances of each site, and explains the intersection of history, geography and archaeology, enabling individuals to take Scripture-for-life lessons away with them from the very landscape Jesus and all the biblical characters knew.

Touring Israel with a group also allows a feeling of community and the ability to grow spiritually and intellectually together. Being in a group allows for getting to know people on a different level than before.

If you choose to come on your own, you’ll also grow in your love of Scripture while discovering the sights in your own way and at your own pace. That could mean spending a half-day sitting on Mount Tabor or Mount Gilboa, letting the landscape flow across your field of vision for as long as you want. Individual travelers are free to hire a private guide who will help with planning but still allow for personal space and scheduling.

Only in israel
Only in Israel can you scan the landscape in Megiddo and view the location where many of the stories of the Bible took place.

Only in Israel can you walk into the depths of the desert, Ein Avdat, and be reminded of the spiritual desert you once walked and how God brought you out of it.

Only in Israel can you hike up the back of a mountain then peer over its rocky ledge to see the path Jesus would have taken from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee. From this bird’s eye view, you can spot the seaport of Magdala where Mary Magdalene lived, the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha where tradition says Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish and Capernaum, the fishing village where Jesus and five of his disciples called home.

Only in Israel can you take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, or walk inside the Western Wall Tunnel and see the amazing dimensions of the largest building project in the Western world.

The result is a new knowledge that stems from understanding the spiritual truths behind the stories Jesus told.

Where faith and hearts unite
For many Christians, coming to Israel means interacting with Jews for the first time. The Israel trip is a chance to get to know contemporary Jews, learn about Jewish history and consider the places, even the painful ones, where Jewish and Christian history intersect.

Israel allows its Christian visitors the opportunity to better understand the root of their faith in Judaism. Here, prophecy is fulfilled as Jews and Christians intermingle and Christians are embraced in the most precious kind of welcome. In Israel, Christians have a better opportunity to understand that Jewish history, persisting and flourishing against all odds, is part of God’s plan. In Israel, both Christians and Jews are encouraged to leave behind the baggage that has hampered dialogue for generations and accept one another with God’s love.

If there is one irrefutable basic human need, it’s water. For Greenville, SC-based Water of Life Ministries (givefreshwater.org), providing access to clean drinking water for those who have none is both an earthly mission statement and a calling from God.

In Liberia, West Africa, more than a decade’s worth of civil wars has left the country with a dilapidated infrastructure and almost no reliable source of good water. According to Roland Bergeron, founder and president of Water of Life, even Monrovia, Liberia’s capital with roughly one million residents, lacks an operating water system.

Volunteers like Bergeron, who has spent the last six years leading groups on more than 30 short-term mission trips to Africa, aim to change this. Groups that partner with Water of Life spend nearly 12 days living in a village, drilling rigs, building and repairing wells and running medical clinics.“Water ministry is something tangible you can do for people,” Bergeron says. “It is one of the basic necessities of life, relieves suffering quickly and turns out to be a great platform to spread the Gospel.”

A heart for Liberia
Southside Fellowship of Greenville, SC, has a heart for Africa partly because one of its members grew up in Liberia and wanted to mobilize the congregation to serve there. This mobilization grew into a church-wide ministry focus called LAMP (Liberia-Africa Mission partnerships), which aligned itself with several organizations including Water of Life and samaritan’s purse, to send a steady stream of groups to Liberia.

Kerry Buttram, pastor for global outreach at Southside Fellowship, says their groups tend to focus on two areas: providing safe drinking water and healthcare. Since 2006 the church has sent seven teams; Buttram led the most recent trip in november 2008.

“Our team worked in four villages conducting Community Health Education (CHE) classes for 160 people,” he says. “Each CHE class includes a health/hygiene lesson and a Bible story. We also came prepared to conduct four mobile medical clinics and support the Water of Life well rehabilitation team that works to clean and repair wells in each community.

”Medical and water ministries work hand-in-hand to bring health to a community. Healthcare clinics help the sick become well, and access to good water prevents those who are well from becoming sick.

“Bad” or contaminated water causes an astounding number of Liberians’ health problems. “When a community has bad water they spend a lot of their time being sick,” says Bergeron. “Most of the population has suffered from diarrhea for as long as they can remember. All sorts of intestinal problems arise, and bad water is the primary method of transmission for cholera, a disease that can and does kill quite a few people.”

A new well and access to clean drinking water considerably improves the health of a community. “When we clean up the water supply you wouldn’t believe the amount of illness that disappears almost immediately,” he says. “Infant mortality decreases and sickness rates drop significantly.”

Physical and spiritual health
Water of Life typically brings medical professionals to set up and run healthcare clinics in addition to building new rigs for the villagers.“The need is so great for these services,” Bergeron explains. “If there are 300 people living in the village, I guarantee at least 300, usually 400 people will show up to be treated because word spreads to surrounding communities.”

Common issues medical volunteers treat in Liberia include everything from chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, cancer, heart failure, asthma and diabetes, to common conditions like diarrhea and dehydration.

“Probably what we treat more than anything else is malaria, which is endemic to Liberia,” says Bergeron. “The estimate is that 50 percent of the people have malaria as we speak, and the other 50 percent is just about to get it.” The clinics also stitch people up, clean wounds and administer antibiotics. Bergeron says if they find someone that is seriously ill, they transport them to Monrovia and get them checked into a hospital for treatment, always free of charge.

Buttram explains that the experience can be overwhelming when volunteers are dealing with situations that could mean life or death for other people. “As a missions pastor, I was deeply moved to see God using the people on our team to incarnate Jesus’ love to broken, hurting people. When our medical volunteers are thrown into tough situations where there are limited resources, there’s a great opportunity to utterly depend on God.”

Water and medical ministries meet physical needs. But volunteer groups from Water of Life and Southside Fellowship are interested in more than the physical.

“God commands us to meet physical needs,” Bergeron says. “But meeting a physical need with no attention to the spiritual is not what our group is interested in. We use the physical as a platform for the spiritual; it earns us the right to be heard.” Buttram believes the spiritual benefits are not limited to the Liberians but extend to volunteers as well. “A short-term mission to Africa can be a transformational experience, especially as one gets to know the stories of our African friends. Nearly every Liberian we met has experienced tremendous hardship. Our team members return home with a new perspective on what the essentials of life really are. these people are no longer statistics, they are friends and family.”

Pilgrims are moved by the conviction of roman martyrs and the beauty of Italy’s Basilicas.

Italy has long been a primary destination for catholic travelers seeking out their spiritual roots. With the Vatican, and the most powerful denomination in the world based in Rome, it is easy to understand why so many of the faithful have made the journey. In fact, religious tourism in Italy brings in more than 4.5 billion dollars each year. Within the last five to 10 years, many more Protestant Christians are becoming a part of that figure. They are discovering why this country provides such a powerful and tangible connection to their own faith.

“The beginning of real Christianity is not in Jerusalem, it is in Rome,” says Dr. Gaetano Sottile, president and founder of Italy for Christ. Based in Rome, his organization presents the Gospel to Italians through evangelistic outreaches and by working with local churches. He also plays host to many American pastors who, along with members of their congregation, help with ministry outreaches while soaking up some early christian history.

“All roads lead to Rome and from Rome we can reach the world,” Sottile says. He is passionate about the inspiration a trip to Italy provides believers and sees that many ministries are beginning to figure this out.

Christian martyrs of Rome“
“What a wonderful time for Christians to come to the Colosseum and experience the faith of the  martyrs,” Sottile says. The Colosseum’s beauty hides its cruel history — one that was brutal for early Christians. A large cross now stands in the center of the structure, a powerful reminder of their faith and courage. Remembering the faith of the martyrs is a unique inspiration to be faithful until the end.

A must see highlight is a visit to the catacombs — the ancient underground Christian cemeteries that provide precious insight into the early church. It was here, during times of persecution, that Christians would hold worship services. There are more than 60 catacombs with hundreds of miles of labyrinth tunnels and tens of thousands of tombs. Today, five catacombs are open to the public and serve as an archive of the early church. Paintings, sculptures and symbolic engravings, such as the fish (the symbol of Christ) and the anchor (the symbol of salvation), decorate the walls of these tombs, all telling the story of early church doctrine and faith.

For many Christians a visit to the Mamertine prison is an unforgettable experience. The Apostle Paul was incarcerated here for preaching the Gospel. “The most moving place in Rome is where Paul was in prison because it’s the real prison, and when you’re there, you are so conscious of his commitment to christ,” says Norman Mccrummen, pastor of Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, Mobile, AL.

Mccrummen took 25 church members to Italy a few years ago and still remembers how it impacted his group. “I saw it in their faces and heard it in their comments,” he says. “The sense of awe that they were standing in that place; seeing them touch the stones of the walls and realizing these were the actual stones.”

“If you want to touch early Christianity, go to Rome” says Brian Zahnd, pastor of Word of Life church, St. Joseph, Mo. Zahnd has traveled the world during his more than 25 years of ministry. In January he visited Rome and Assisi and says it was the best trip he has ever taken. He has spent the last year studying the life of St. Francis of Assisi, and then made the meaningful journey to see it all firsthand.

St. Francis of Assisi
“We need to rescue St. Francis from Catholic exclusivity,” Zahnd says. “His conversion, his life, his impact upon society is profoundly inspirational. He is extraordinary, and it’s a shame that protestants haven’t been more aware of him.”

Assisi is a small town in Umbria, on the border of Tuscany in Central Italy. Although only 3,000 people call this picturesque hill town home, each year four to five million spiritual pilgrims fill it’s winding medieval streets, visiting the town’s main attraction — the Basilica of St. Francis. It was built as a memorial to him in the mid-1200s and his tomb rests there. This beautiful Basilica is one of the artistic and religious highlights of Europe, frescoed from top to bottom by the leading artists of the day.

“He was a reformer, a revivalist and a creative preacher. He was a proto evangelical, in the sense that he preached the Gospel in such a way as to expect people to be converted by it,” Zahnd says.

There are many places throughout Italy that are significant and meaningful to the believer. As the owner of  Journeys of Faith tours, Wildwood, MO, a company specializing in Christian Heritage Tours of Europe, I have found that most of my customer inquiries are about trips to Italy, rather than the traditional hotspot for European Christian travel — Germany.

Reformation history buffs can trace its roots back to Italy. They need only look at early church reformers like Girolamo Savonarola, who was martyred in Florence in 1498, St. Francis of Assisi and peter Waldo from France. Waldo’s amazingly enlightened biblical teachings in the 12th century became the foundation for the Waldensian Christian Church. These persecuted Christians fled to northwestern Italy, where thousands still live today. And of course it was while he was visiting Rome and climbing the Scala Santa (Holy stairs) on his knees, that Martin Luther first began to question his own beliefs — questions that would ultimately lead to his launching of the reformation in 1517.

“So where did the whole thing start? Right here in Rome,” Sottile says. And those who decide to make the journey will find it well worth  their while.

By Jill Ortiz and Bob Bergtholdt

As our plane gently nestled into the landing strip at Lourdes, we found ourselves surrounded by emerald green mountains, a fairytale village and smiling faces. Our earlier worries and fears lightened as we were greeted by the noble Knights and Dames of Malta on our journey of hope and faith.

We were soon immersed in the great traditions of the church: The washing of the feet, the anointing of the sick, a candlelight procession and inspirational masses in historically rich gilded cathedrals.

The physical beauty of Lourdes is unparalleled from the golden Basilica to the sanctity of the Grotto, where the Blessed Mother appeared to 14-year-old (St.) Bernadette Soubirous on February 11, 1858, and reportedly 17 more times.

Lourdes is a small market town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, famous for the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The 150^th Jubilee of the first apparition occurred on Feb. 11, 2008 with an outdoor mass attended by some 45,000 pilgrims.

One divine experience to another
It soon became evident that the spirit of Lourdes was reflected on the faces of the malades and our companions, as we were transported from one divine experience to another.

Malades is an affectionate term for those with maladies, and the Order of Malta selects 50 malades who are taken to Lourdes as guests of the order. The spiritual aspect of the pilgrimage is centered on the malades and their companions.

The baths were especially powerful, as we were immersed in water like no other–neither cold nor wet–an utterly different kind of immersion altogether. As we gently entered the baths, the gift of praying for others soon became a moment of healing for ourselves..

Each and every face exited the baths with a new and refreshed expression. Some overwhelmed with emotion, while others exuded great peace and tranquility, as if the hand of God had touched them.

On the third day, 25,000 pilgrims assembled for a candlelight procession. Golden light illuminated the loving faces of the faithful as we quietly walked to the Basilica to become a sea of light gathered in his name. Soft voices in deep conversation with newly found friends filled the air, and as our candles drew dim our inner light grew with every inspirational moment.

On the fifth day we gathered for the International Mass at the Subterranean Basilica. This majestic Mass was filled with ceremonial grace and reverence at its highest, as the thousands of singing voices in four different languages became one. The grandeur of this Mass was especially amazing; as we witnessed more than 300 clergy dispense Holy Communion for all in a matter of minutes. The sense of spiritual harmony united us all as we found ourselves, once again, immersed in God’s grace.

Friendships deepened

As our pilgrimage drew to a close, the friendships and conversations deepened with each event. We saw a transformation in each of us that redefined our understanding of miracles. And the children among us were especially beautiful, as they quietly watched and participated in each event without revealing the suffering that had brought them to Lourdes. As our priests bestowed the cleansing grace of reconciliation, we shared our every word, our every thought, be it joyous or sorrowful, as if we were with a trusted friend of old. Each and every day we learned from our priests as they, too, experienced transformation in this divine gathering of souls seeking God’s grace.

We prayed as one, we learned as one and we cared for each other whether we were Malades, Priests, Knights, Dames or Companions. This was truly a glimpse of humanity at its best, a glimpse of heaven on earth, a glimpse of our true nature in the most beautiful surroundings imaginable.

We returned to our homes and loved ones with a sense of duty to share the magnificence and sanctity of this pilgrimage to Lourdes, and God’s love was never more evident to us.

Jill Ortiz is the Lourdes Pilgrimage Director for the Western Association, Order of Malta, and lives in Trabuco Canyon, CA. Bob Bergtholdt was a malade with the 2011 Lourdes Pilgrimage and lives in Foster City, CA.

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Organizing a trip of this magnitude

Planning a pilgrimage is a fine balance of organization of the journey and consideration of the spiritual journey for those going. All the details, both the small and large, are important in providing comfort, security and “setting the stage.” You’re not just concerned with getting them there, but also the experience they will have in Lourdes.

I’ve been on the Lourdes pilgrimage 13 times prior to being responsible for planning this one. There are hundreds of details to cover to make it all look easy. The selection process of the malades involves many people and is probably one-half of the organization time of the trip.

My hope was that through organization the anxiety of those who have never traveled outside the U.S. would be eased. Being available for questions, plus having other avenues for them to get answers, such as a website, helped answer any questions that they had.

I made a book with all the details and paperwork I might need in Lourdes. I remember getting to a point when I closed the book and thought, “I am as prepared as I can be.” At that point, I was able to completely relax.

Once in Lourdes, my focus became more of an overseer. As one priest said, “pick well and get out of their way.” Careful consideration was given to the selection of each leader. While my job was to give them the tools they needed, I did not micromanage how they used the tools. Many times over the pilgrimage, I would be very grateful for the contribution of others. Under a head captain, “Ted” McAniff, KM, our captains who each managed one of our seven teams, were terrific and handled the day-to-day assignment of duties of those on their team.

Our Head Brancardier, David Churton, KM, and his team of brancardiers who overlooked the logistics for each of our venues, were a godsend. Under our pilgrimage medical director, Dan Field, KM, MD and his team of doctors and nurses, we all stayed healthy. Our principal chaplain, Msgr. Steven Otellini,  made each Mass and blessing meaningful and run smoothly. With each of us carrying part of the load, it was lighter on all of us.

Staying calm, being available was my greatest contribution while in Lourdes. What I didn’t expect, was that I too would be on pilgrimage. I thought I would be so busy trying to make sure everything ran smoothly that I would not stop and enjoy it.

I was able to get to know a few of the malades. Many of them go to Lourdes with various expectations, both physical and spiritual. What they find is acceptance, whether by others who accept them as “Joe or Jane,” who happen to be sick, or acceptance of their health challenge they have been given.

For many, they get so involved with their disease, that they lose sight of who they are. Watching their journey, how touched they are, and the unexpected blessings they received will be a memory I will remember with both smiles and tears. Seeing other malades or their companions come back with a renewed strength to face their challenges is what makes all the time planning of the pilgrimage meaningful.

Then there are those who have physical changes that the doctors can’t explain. Everyone comes back from Lourdes changed — malades, companions and those who go to help. Our Lady of Lourdes touches each of us. Bottom line, we are there on a pilgrimage. For each of us, the pilgrimage will have a different meaning.  

–Jill Ortiz

The Israel Ministry of Tourism once again invites a group of megachurch pastors on an educational tour.

I first visited Israel in 1993; since then I have returned 17 times. On most of those occasions I have taken other people with me. There are two reasons for these trips. First, I fell in love with the land and people of Israel. Secondly, I want as many people as possible to experience the profound spiritual impact I experienced in the Land of the Bible.

My greatest joy is introducing pastors and Christian leaders to Israel for the very first time. These are individuals who have devoted their lives to studying the Bible. They know the biblical places: the mountains and rivers, the places of battle and the sites of miracles. They know all there is to know about the Book. But for all too many this is a land that exists only in their mind’s eye. When pastors visit Israel, they discover new truth and perspective — they experience a unique spiritual dynamic. I love watching their eyes light up as God brings new understanding and insight.

This spring I was invited by the Israel Ministry of Tourism to again host their annual Megachurch Pastors Educational Tour of Israel. This is one of my most enjoyable experiences in my role as the Christian advisor to the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

Adventure of a lifetime
Reserved only for Christian leaders and their wives who meet the strict qualifications, this nine-day adventure is the trip of a lifetime. This exclusive opportunity is for senior pastors who have never been to Israel, and who lead churches where peak attendance exceeded 2,000 people in the past year. The trip includes six full days in Israel loaded with historical, cultural and spiritual experiences and it is fully underwritten by the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

In April 2011 six pastors, and five of their wives, participated in this spiritual adventure. We all met for the first time at JFK airport in New York. We would be flying together on the EL AL Airlines 11:50 PM flight. However, upon arrival we discovered that our flight had been delayed. This gave us several additional hours to get acquainted before we began our journey together.

This group included several denominations: Lutheran (ELCA and LCC), Non-Denominational Charismatic, Assemblies of God, Christian Missionary Alliance, and Non-Denominational Evangelicals. Yet, within minutes the entire group bonded and began to enjoy each other’s company like they had been friends for years.

Because our flight was late departing, we were several hours late arriving in Israel. But that didn’t slow us down. We were treated to an amazing welcome dinner in Tel Aviv. Then after a brief visit to Jaffa (biblical Joppa) we reached the Dan Panorama Hotel for a short but much appreciated night’s sleep.

The next morning after enjoying the almost endless variety of food at our Israeli breakfast, we headed up the Mediterranean coast. Each of the pastors had been given two devotional assignments and they were ready to share their hearts as well as receive. As we visited the various biblical sites, the appropriate leader would share his thoughts about the scripture that took place in the very location we were standing. The impact is tangible and profound.

During our first day we visited Caesarea, one of the largest excavations in Israel, Mount Carmel, where Elijah fought the prophets of Baal, Acre (Akko) the biblical port of Ptolemais and later the capital city of the Crusades. Finally we drove inland to the Sea of Galilee.

Our second day was spent around the Sea of Galilee, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, sailing on the Sea of Galilee, visiting the Golan Heights and the Yarmuk River Valley and concluding our day with a baptismal service in the Jordan River.

On the third day it was time to head to Jerusalem, but not before stopping at Nazareth Village, Megiddo (Valley of Armageddon), Bet Shean and Qumran on the way.

The fourth day was Sunday and we decided to head to the Dead Sea for the day. We visited Masada (the most visited site in all of Israel) and the Masada Museum, floated in the Dead Sea, stopped by En Gedi and paused for several of our group to enjoy a camel ride.

Jerusalem in two days
Only two days remained and all of Jerusalem lay before us. It’s almost impossible to visit Jerusalem in two days but we did our best. The biblical Jerusalem included the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Caiaphas’ house, the Upper Room, the Western Wall, Southern Temple Steps, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Garden Tomb. In modern Jerusalem we visited the Israel Museum, the Biblelands Museum and Yad Vashem.

It’s important to note that while we visited many sites, stayed in beautiful hotels and enjoyed some amazing food, we would often pause to read the Bible and pray.

Jim Mindling, senior pastor, Church of the Open Door, Cleveland, OH, says, “We are thoroughly taken by the reality of Scripture as we see it come to life here in Israel. It is more than words on a page, history in letters. We are thankful that these facts are written for us to further believe. This life-altering experience only highlights what we are now able to see because we have seen with our own eyes this amazing place.”

Many of the biblical sites had a profound impact on our group. Sitting on the Mount of Beatitudes gave special meaning to the words of the Sermon on the Mount. Sailing on the Sea of Galilee and realizing this is the water upon which Jesus walked.

Each of the pastors experienced a spiritual transformation and determined to return again with people from their congregations. This was not because of any promotional effort or specially orchestrated event. As they experienced the land of Israel for themselves they came to realize how spiritually significant the trip would be for their people.

Mark Johnson, Calvary Temple, Springfield, MO, comments, “I must say it’s a bit overwhelming to be in all of these significant places that I have heard, read and studied most all of my life. It has been so faith affirming. I’m extremely grateful God has given us this opportunity.”

Mark Dreistadt is president of Infinity Concepts, Export, PA, a firm that represents the IMOT. www.goisrael.com

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Participating pastors

• Larry Argenbright, senior pastor  |  Bethany Lutheran Church, Elkhorn, NE
• Arlen Salte, CEO  |  Break Forth Ministries, Alberta, Canada
• James Mindling, senior pastor  |  Church of the Open Door, Cleveland, OH
• Nasir Siddiki, senior pastor  |  Wisdom Ministries, Tulsa, OK
• Mark Johnson, senior pastor  |  Calvary Temple Christian Center, Springfield, MO
• Terry Fulks, senior pastor  |  Crosspoint Community Church, Oconomowoc, WI

If you would like to know more about planning your life-changing trip to Israel order your free Christian Leader’s Tool Kit at www.IsraelToolKit.com.

If you are a senior pastor of a church with a peak attendance of 2,000 or more and have never been to Israel — you may qualify to participate in the next Pastors Educational Tour of Israel. Email mark@infinityconcepts.net to get more information and begin the application process.

Christian mission trip opportunities abound in areas that take into account unique skills and attributes.

It’s estimated that 1.6 million American Christians travel to remote areas of the world on short-term mission vacations annually. Roger Peterson, president of STEM International (Short Term Evangelical Missions), estimates that 50,000 churches in the United States are sending members out on mission vacation trips each year.

Have you ever thought about being involved in international volunteer organizations?

Christian mission trips and opportunities abound. However, finding and deciding on an organization where you can do volunteer work abroad and find fulfillment – given your unique skills, personality and desires – can be a challenge.

Most people looking for such opportunities probably don’t realize the variety of activities in which they could be involved. Positions requiring skills such as accounting, teaching, administrative, business, computer, construction, electrical, counseling, language, medical, plumbing, music, tutoring and website management are available. And these are just the tip of the iceberg once you start researching.

Myriad of opportunities
When it comes to overseas mission work, people often think in terms of directly sharing the Gospel or being involved in Bible translation work. However, it is common to miss the myriad of opportunities to provide support to other full-time missionaries. For instance, being able to help missionaries with a construction project is a calling that has been extremely joyous and rewarding for many.

If you enjoy or have experience in teaching, perhaps you could consider specific projects to help others, like advising teachers in the developing world, compiling handbooks and materials, giving online learning support to missionary families, or helping establish specialized schools.

Other volunteer projects can include: building schools, helping in clinics, farming, conducting rainforest conservation, tree planting, computer training, health and environmental education, and youth work.

The decision to serve others with your talents and skills brings you such a wide range of opportunity. You will find that you grow and develop spiritually, progress professionally, work practically, expand relationally and grow personally.

Match talents and skills
Wycliffe Associates believes they have a great opportunity to match talents and skills with volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can go at any time, for as long as they wish. This could be on a volunteer short-term mission vacation basis, a full-time basis, or anything in between.

If fears about capability and adequacy are a concern, many quality organizations provide volunteers with training, language preparation and/or field support, empowering them to make an impact that will last long after they leave.

While volunteering overseas can be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience, those who want to gain international experience but don’t want to travel overseas can volunteer with one of the many international community organizations based in the United States. Consider redirecting your vacation time toward international volunteer organizations and find that the “vacation” of choice for many is in the mission field.

Bruce Smith is president of Wycliffe Associates, Orlando, FL. Since 1967 Wycliffe Associates has supported the worldwide
efforts of Bible translators.  www.wycliffeassociates.org

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See the world and the word

WordSpring Discovery Center in Orlando offers an opportunity to see the world and the Word in a whole new way. Immerse yourself in a living cultural adventure as you explore the history of the Bible, the world’s languages and the ongoing work of Bible translation. Multimedia presentations, interactive computer games and simulations, audio dramas, and hands-on activities for all ages broaden horizons and refresh the spirit. Lunch and snacks are available in Café Karibuni. The Village Shop features exotic and unique gifts from around the world as well as missions resources. www.wycliffe.org/wordspring — From website

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A launching pad for mission

The Wycliffe Associates Volunteer Mobilization Center in Orlando is strategically located next to the Wycliffe U.S.A. headquarters. Built by volunteers, the newly completed Volunteer Mobilization Center is the launching pad for sending out a growing number of talented, skilled volunteers from across the U.S. to share the load with Bible translators. Our goal is to have volunteers providing 250,000 hours of service in critical international roles in 2010. Orlando is where they receive training, logistical support and encouragement.

Volunteers from across the country travel to Orlando to spend days, weeks, and even months filling important jobs that are vital to the translation of the Scriptures into remaining languages.

During the winter months, the Volunteer Center’s RV site overflows with volunteers who want to make a difference. Many of them, after getting their feet wet in Orlando, realize that it is not only possible, but exciting and fulfilling to devote their time and energy to get God’s Word to those who need it. They decide to plunge in and do volunteer work overseas, where the need is greatest and where they can make the maximum difference. — Bruce Smith

One-of-a-kind museum offers groups a high-tech tour through biblical history.

The pages of the Bible come to life for visitors of the acclaimed Answers in Genesis Creation Museum, located in Petersburg, KY – two exits west of the Cincinnati Airport and within a day’s drive of almost two-thirds of the continental U.S. This $27 million “walk through history” museum counters evolutionary natural history museums that turn minds against Scripture.

This one-of-a-kind, high-tech museum features: life-size animatronics, striking videos, a state-of-the-art planetarium, a Special Effects Theater, both kid-friendly and scientific exhibits, outdoor nature gardens, a Japanese-style koi pond, a petting zoo and much more.

Spread out over 75,000 square feet incorporating up to 40-foot ceilings to contain some of its massive exhibits, the museum goes beyond telling the compelling story of the c

reation of life on this planet to proclaiming the Bible as supreme authority in all matters it addresses.

Church and school groups

Both church and school groups have found the museum to be an exciting, entertaining and educational destination for all ages. The many special accommodations for groups include discount tickets, several pavilions for outdoor eating, seating for picnic lunches at tables near the pavilions, pre-arranged box lunches or meal vouchers for the museum’s restaurants and catering for larger groups. Meeting space is also available, and groups may even arrange for specific speakers and topics for their groups, based upon availability and with an additional fee.

As the museum presents its walk through the history of the Bible, visitors will see real dinosaur bones (and a clutch of eggs and other exceptional fossils), examine a superb mineral collection, take a tour of the universe inside a state-of-the-art 78-seat planetarium and experience what they would typically find in a first-class natural history museum. Outside, there is mile-long nature trail around a scenic three-acre lake that takes visitors through the beautiful botanical garden, which ends at a unique petting zoo.

The museum’s striking exhibits demonstrate to guests that the Bible is the “true history book of the universe” as they take a time journey through a visual presentation of the “Seven C’s of History” according to Scripture: Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross and Consummation.

Interactive exhibits

The “Knee-High Museum” children’s exhibits include child-friendly and interactive additions to existing displays. The first set of Knee-High exhibits appears in the “Walk Through History” portion of the museum. Children can explore Critter Canyon, where a brightly colored handprint invites them to investigate.

The Voyage of the Ark Room boasts another exciting interactive exhibit for children and adults alike. A life-like Noah is sitting at his desk, ready to answer questions about the flood. Children choose a question on the monitor and see the animatronic Noah come to life.

Having just celebrated its fourth anniversary, the museum has attracted more than 1.3 million visitors and the world’s major media. Opened to the public on May 28, 2007, attendance ran so strong the first summer that the Creation Museum saw 250,000 guests by October — a number it hadn’t expected to see until the end of the first year. Despite a struggling economy, museum attendance has remained steady, reaching the one millionth
visitor milestone in less than three years, on April 26, 2010.

Mark Looy is co-founder and Chief Communications Officer for Answers in Genesis and its Creation Museum. www.creationmuseum.org

By Jeff Gulleson

Rodger Murchison, associate pastor of the First Baptist Church of Augusta in Georgia, faced a missions pastor’s worst fear — the death of a team member while on a mission trip. When the enthusiastic group of nine assembled in the church parking lot to head for earthquake-ravaged Chile, no one could have guessed one of their group members would not return with them.

At 59 years old, Debbie Williams was an active member of her church and community. She and her husband had spent more than three decades serving those in need on various short-term medical trips. Their plans to assist a Chilean clinic seemed routine for this active couple. But Debbie fell ill on the flight. When the plane landed, she was rushed to a nearby hospital. Sadly, nothing could be done to save her.

The possibility of such a tragedy must cross the mind of every missions pastor. But those who have faced the reality will tell you it is much more horrendous than most pastors can imagine. And if that weren’t enough, a team member can always fall ill or become injured and require medical evacuation in order to return home to the United States.

Financial hardship

Not only do these procedures require mounds of paperwork, but without travel insurance they are also cause financial hardship. The family of Don Jenkins of Ashland, KY, was stuck with a bill of $90,000 after he tripped and hit his head while on a mission to Costa Rica. The family of Britt Leis had to pay $55,000 just for his medical evacuation after he was mugged in Ecuador. No doctor or missions pastor could have foreseen or prevented these events.

But even in the midst of grief and the miles of red-tape required to return Debbie’s body to the U.S., Murchison could pause to be thankful. You see, it was Debbie who had urged him to add team travel insurance to his last-minute plans. And in the midst of tragedy, team travel insurance would see her returned to her family.

So what can travel insurance do for your short-term missions team?

1. Cover overseas medical bills. While missions pastors always remember to insist that their team members secure a passport for their trip, few remember to have them check their health insurance for international coverage. Medicare and many domestic health insurance plans do not cover services rendered outside of the country. And the new health care bill has not changed this lack of coverage. Short-term team travel insurance can cover any medical emergencies the team might encounter.

2. Provide medical evacuation for ill or injured team members. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and the need for it can arise suddenly and unexpectedly. However, there are no domestic medical plans that cover medical evacuation even if they might cover services at an overseas hospital. Travel insurance is the only way to obtain this type of coverage.

3. Return the remains of a deceased team member. When tragedy strikes, flying the body of a deceased team member home can be as expensive as medical evacuation. And on top of all the red tape, flight arrangements are commonly tricky. Most travel insurance plans include an often overlooked benefit that can be invaluable in such as situation. Insurance representatives experienced in making arrangements in out-of-the-way places can often be reached with just a phone call.

4. Offer assistance and peace of mind. In fact, you may find the unnoticed benefits of travel insurance to be the most valuable. A traveler in Vietnam who suffered a perforated ulcer discovered this. Insurance representatives determined that the medical facilities available in the area were inadequate for his care and arranged a medical evacuation for him to nearby Thailand where he could obtain proper medical treatment. The transfer undoubtedly saved his life.

Additional services

And the services a good travel insurance broker can arrange for you don’t end there. Scouting trips necessary to set up mission trips can be covered by an individual travel plan offering the same benefits as team plans.

If you commonly make multiple missions trips each year, a multi-trip travel insurance plan will save you money while covering all of your missions travel. Trip cancellation insurance covers the cost of your flight should political unrest, a missed connection or natural disaster disrupt your plans.

In spite of its many benefits, travel insurance coverage is relatively inexpensive. So before you finalize your plans for the next missions trip, remember to contact a qualified travel insurance broker. You’ll be glad you did.

Jeff Gulleson founded Good Neighbor Insurance, Gilbert, AZ, a firm that specializes in international health, travel and life insurance. [www.gninsurance.com]

By Mark Dreistadt

“I never realized how significant a trip to Israel could be” was the universal response of the pastors and wives sitting around a table at the Scots Hotel near the Sea of Galilee. These individuals were the second group of megachurch leaders to be hosted by the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) in a new initiative to encourage every megachurch pastor in the United States to have a personal Israel experience.

The trip took place this past February but the journey actually began several months earlier as Infinity Concepts, representing IMOT, began to search for qualified candidates. The guidelines specified that a candidate should be a senior pastor who had never been to Israel with a church with a peak attendance of 2,500 or more in the past six months. The application process included a registration form along with a copy of each person’s passport and pastor’s ordination certificate.

Once each pastor was vetted and approved, we began to correspond through email to prepare their hearts and minds for this life-changing experience. As the day of departure grew closer, there was a growing anticipation in everyone’s heart about what would take place. It’s sometimes hard for people to understand how a few days in the Holy Land can transform your life and ministry.

Hidden treasures await

For a busy pastor to carve eight or nine days out of their schedule for a trip to Israel is not an easy matter. Bishop Brandon Porter, pastor of Greater Community Temple COGIC in Cleveland, TN, says, “The trip to Israel for me was a blessing in disguise. Because of my schedule I was somewhat apprehensive about taking those eight days away for a trip, not really knowing the hidden treasures awaiting me.”

When the day arrived and we all met each other for the first time before the flight, there was an immediate bonding of the entire group. I believe this was because of the commonalities of ministry at the megachurch level and the shared anticipation that we would all encounter God in a very special way in Israel.

We arrived in Israel late afternoon, quickly cleared passport control, baggage and customs, and were met by our Israeli guide. We climbed on the bus that would be our daily means of transportation for the next several days and headed to the Sea of Galilee.

While everyone was weary from the flight, we were excited about being in Israel. During the next six days we walked where Jesus did. Each day was packed with biblical sites, historical and cultural adventures, and life-changing experiences. This was a study tour; we often paused at biblical locations to read the Bible and pray.

Each of the pastors was assigned locations where they would deliver a message based on the events that transpired on the place where they stood.

Centuries of biblical history

We traveled from the Mediterranean coast to Galilee; from Galilee down the Jordan River Valley to the Dead Sea; from the Dead Sea up to Jerusalem; and from Jerusalem back to the Coast. A relatively small geographical area, this region encompasses centuries of biblical history, unique geography and diverse culture.

Among the many highlights of the trip was the Mount of Beatitudes. “As the Sermon on the Mount was read out loud I felt overwhelmed. It was like I was there with Jesus speaking to me,” says Vince Nelson, pastor, Lima Community Church, Lima, OH.

Pastor Philip Griffin from First Wesleyan Church in Battle Creek, MI says, “I’ve been able to put stories and events I’ve read and re-read into a literal context and gain a better understanding on so much.”

Other biblical sites evoke similar reactions. One of the most profound is the Garden of Gethsemane. John Hampton, former pastor of First Christian Church in Canton, OH (newly appointed pastor of Journey Christian Church, Apopka, FL)  says, “Spending some time praying and worshiping in the Garden of Gethsemane is something I will never forget. If that is all I got to do on this trip, the time and effort to come to Israel for that alone would be worth it.” Pastor Marvin Parker from Broadview Baptist Church in Chicago, IL, comments, “Today our hearts were so full. There were many tears and testimonies to the goodness and faithfulness of God.”

Study at the sites

The group studied the Bible at sacred sites including Mount Carmel, Nazareth, En Gedi, the Mount of Olives and the Garden Tomb.

Pastor Derrick Hutchins of Orlando Institutional COGIC in Orlando, FL, describing his experience in Israel quotes Oliver Wendell Holmes, “The mind, once expanded to the dimensions of larger ideas, never returns to its original size.” Our minds and spirits were definitively expanded by our spiritual adventure in Israel.

“I do believe that there is nothing that can replace actually being here with the opportunity to frame the Biblical stories. I am leaving with a deeper passion for Scripture, as well as a love for Israel and the people here,” comments Griffin.

Pastor Kevin Taylor from Kenosha First Assembly of God in Kenosha, WI, sums up the trip when he says, “What a time it’s been; life-changing. They say when you come here you’ll never be the same.”

Each of the pastors returned from Israel having been deeply and profoundly transformed by their experience. They all intend to return again and bring others with them.

Mark Dreistadt is president of Infinity Concepts, Export, PA, a firm that represents the Israel Ministry of Tourism. www.goisrael.com

Photos courtesy of Mark Dreistadt.

If you would like to know more about planning your life-changing trip to Israel order your free Christian Leader’s Tool Kit at www.IsraelToolKit.com.

If you are a senior pastor of a church with a peak attendance of 2,500 or more and you have never been to Israel you may qualify to participate in the next Pastors Educational Tour of Israel. Please email: mark@infinityconcepts.net.