I sat down for a cup of coffee with a good friend, Rawd Jones, at the end of our fifth summer of leading voyages. I was telling him about a summer full of great trips. I felt we had something very different to offer than any other organization. But it was becoming more difficult to define what we did for potential clients. “Are we a mission organization that leads great service opportunities around the world by connecting people to unmet needs? It seems like so many churches want mission trips but that is not exactly what we do.” Rawd sipped his coffee as I thought out loud. “Are we a pilgrimage organization that primarily leads spiritual journeys for Christ-seekers? Or are we adventure tour guides, teaching people to live life?” Still Rawd sat quiet. “I just don’t know how to properly define the type of trips we lead anymore.” Rawd looked at me as if he was the center of universal wisdom. But it was that kind of look that I knew would bring the wisdom I need. “Shawn, you guys aren’t a mission organization, tour guides or a pilgrimage company. You led Wonder Voyage’s, unique trips with their own vibe and rhythm. Nobody else in the world does that. It is what you do. It is who you are.”
Those unique voyages were the offspring of our core values. Some of these ideals were a part of the organization from its inception. But many of them developed as we matured in our calling. In year four, after a particularly good summer, our volunteer leadership team sat down and asked the question: what are the values that define us as Wonder Voyage?
Here are the ten values that make us a unique, one-of-a-kind organization. If we stay true to our core values we can only grow in depth and maturity. If we abandon them, Wonder Voyage is no longer alive. Take a look into the soul of Wonder Voyage.
The Core Values of Wonder Voyage
A Personalized Journey
Each group that joins a Wonder Voyage has a unique personality and specific spiritual objectives. Our skilled staff assesses your desires and directives, creating a journey that becomes an exceptional and personal experience for your community. You have the opportunity to create a unique itinerary through your own trip director. Flexibility during your voyage allows moments of unexpected wonder and exploration. Imagine, as the leader, enjoying the journey as a participant instead of being burdened with daily details. A personalized journey will set your voyage apart from any other trip you have ever experienced.
A Community Venture
We endeavor to respect and celebrate the faith traditions of the communities that join our journeys. Through a commitment to the word of God, the unity of the faith and a living passionate Savior, we strive to draw seekers both to the heart of God and each other. We stand by Augustine’s words: Unity in the essentials, Liberty in the non-essentials, and Love in all things. As we venture into new locations, we strive to introduce you to an insider’s view of the culture and to serve our new “neighbors” by doing the tasks most necessary to aid the local community.
A Voyage of Exploration
At Wonder Voyage, we endeavor to allow you to experience travel as a privileged insider rather than turnkey tourist. We combine exotic locations, distinctive housing options, indigenous guides and regional cuisine; with open eyes and pilgrims’ hearts. Remarkable occurrences become inevitable parts of the journey. Who knows, maybe you’ll make exploration a habit?
Encounter Moments
Every Wonder Voyage provides opportunities for transformational experiences we call Encounter Moments. As the author of the universe, God is present and active in unfolding His story to His children. Through cultural experiences, unique locations, engaging storytelling, the discovery of history, and worship opportunities; God meets us face to face. This is the wonder that causes our hearts to awaken to both our Creator and His creation.
Vibrant Faith
The bond that underlies all we are at Wonder Voyage is our passion for a living and active life with Christ. We see God as the Author of Life and we are a part of that ever-unfolding tale. Our gifted staff understands that nothing we do has timeless value without the acknowledgement of God’s presence in both word and action. Serving you on our voyages allows us to worship Christ in an exceptional way.
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