Most of the time when we vacation it is to “vacate” from our everyday lives and to sort of check out and recharge our batteries. I used to believe I had to turn my brain off to truly recover from my frantic life. I can recall returning from leisurely vacations that left me feeling like I needed another getaway the day after I returned home. Now, after many years of traveling I have come to realize that true refreshing only comes from an invigorating of my spirit.

In order for me to be able to experience this revitalizing effect in my travels I discovered the only requirement was an open and willing heart and God would take care of the rest. In a way, I liken it to the spirit of openness we need to have as believers in sharing the Gospel. We never really know what providential meetings the Lord is orchestrating for us.

I am convinced that every destination has the potential to allow us to uncover the faith-enriching aspects. It doesn’t matter if you are spending a week on a beach in the Caribbean, cruising through the Mediterranean, road tripping through the United States with the family, serving on a mission team in remote Papua New Guinea or at your annual church retreat. Possessing an open heart toward people and places will bring more joy and peace than you could have ever imagined.

When we travel and engage with other people, places and cultures, suddenly the world becomes a very small place – our worldview becomes radically changed and we begin to see people the way God sees them…as His children. Misconceptions are debunked, barriers are broken down and reality hits us that no matter where we travel in the world people generally all want the same things out of life – comfort, family, love, peace and ultimately an assurance of our life after this one here on earth.

As followers of Jesus Christ we know that our hope for all of these things lies in Him. When we travel we have an opportunity to let the light of that knowledge radiate through us at every stop along the way. People become drawn to the One in us…and that makes for some unbelievably exciting encounters.

Now you may be saying to yourself, “that’s not me, I don’t have an outgoing personality; I am shy even in my own home town let alone half way around the globe.” The best part about these kinds of encounters is that God doesn’t need our personality to make them happen. He is the attraction…not us! So as long as you have asked Him to open your heart to His people, go about your business sightseeing, touring, snorkeling, sunbathing, dining, exploring or ministering. He will make sure that you receive that refreshing that you are seeking.

In this issue we focus on many of the roots of our Biblical heritage in Israel, Jordan and Turkey. It is my sincere hope that through these pages we can inspire and encourage you to see these places not as far off, remote places on your “bucket list” of destinations to visit, but as welcoming and inviting neighbors that are as anxious to share their national treasures with you, as you are to see them.

So although you may not be able to leave tomorrow to have your Spirit invigorated it is my hope that you approach the reading of the pages of this issue of Travel with Spirit with the same open and willing heart that you will take with you when the time comes to board your plane, train or ship. My desire is that you begin to prepare yourself NOW for the journeys that will change your life forever.