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I’ve been blessed to travel often both for ministry and vacation.
Many of us love to travel, and I, along with most of you, love to hear about travel hacks to make our trips cheaper and easier. Rick Steves, Globe Trekker, and Samantha Brown live a life of travel made possible by their insights and travel hacks, which are shared in books and videos.
Most of my travels have been mission-oriented, with a more Kingdom-serving element than mere tourism. Below are my Bible Travel Hacks — not only for short-term missions but for any trip that you plan.
Bible Travel Hack #1: Go With God
In Exodus, we find the Israelites quickly doubting God’s power when Pharoah’s army pursued them. They had a huge stumble by worshipping the golden calf, and with that background, God tells Moses to continue leading His people toward the Promised Land.
Moses says to God, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” To which God responds, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:12-16, ESV).
The phrase “Go with God” comes from this exchange between Moses and God. Please, on your trip, “Go with God!”
Bible Travel Hack #2: Pray for Safety
You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip . . . Because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound (Proverbs 3:23-26, The Message).
The primary goal of any trip I take is to return home safely.
I’ve encountered pickpockets, an on-land plane crash, taking planes experiencing an engine power failure, turbulence, sickness, money stolen (miraculously recovered), passport lost (miraculously found), and many other adventures.
Yes, purchase plane tickets, reserve hotel rooms, and rent a car, but mostly ask others to pray for you!
Bible Travel Hack #3: A Reading Plan
There’s no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else (Ecclesiastes 12:12).
I take one book about practical ministry, one book about theology, philosophy, or the history of the Bible (only one), and the rest are fiction novels or inspiring biographies. While traveling, I want my “insatiable reading impulse” to calm itself with the creativity of great writers.
I love Baldacci, Grisham, and James Patterson — I know. Not Jane Austin or Shakespeare quality, but I act like they are so that I can indulge myself guilt-free.
Bible Hack #4: Look for God Opportunities
Paul talks about making the most of our opportunities (Ephesians 5:15). I’ve been amazed at the many opportunities travel provides for meeting great saints, for answered prayers, for provision, and for expanding our Kingdom awareness.
That’s it! Pastor Grant’s Bible Travel Hacks. I’m traveling now, and today, I will be speaking to about 100 church leaders from around the Philippines on First Steps Discipleship.
Please pray for me!
Ask for safety, great ministry, and good health for my entire trip. I’ll be back at the beginning of July. My wife Barbara, along with Rick and Heather Ives, are traveling with me.