Diana DavisImagine a large wall display in the church hallway or your Bible classroom, with dozens of photos. Every photo shows a member at a vacation spot, holding a sign that says “Vacation With Purpose!” People are hanging out around the exhibit, recounting not only fun vacation experiences, but also stories of how they got to share Jesus while traveling.
Many church members will take time away this year – a road trip, a cruise, a day at the lake, a business trip. Some will golf, rock climb or fish. Others do theme parks, camping or tour a nearby town. They may travel internationally or go to a reunion, spring break trip, or sports camp.
Why not challenge them to share Christ while traveling? “Vacation With Purpose” (VWP) is a fresh way to encourage Christians to carry out Acts 1:8. It involves a display, a bag, and a challenge.
In a visible location, create a wall display for travel photos. Title it “Vacation With Purpose” or “We took Jesus on vacation” or “FBC takes Acts 1:8 seriously. Go ye- .” Post two rules: (1) VWP sign must be in photo, and (2) two photos per year. Add tacks or tape so members can place their photos on the display as they return. You could add a world map with a pin and string to the destinations.
Prepare a VWP bag for each member. Bags can be paper, plastic or fabric. Include these items:
?”Vacation With Purpose” sign for photo. Print the words in large dark letters on the bag’s exterior or on white paper, folded to fit in the bag.
? Instruction page with witnessing ideas and a reminder to bring back a photo of themselves holding the VWP sign at their destination.
? Witnessing tracts. Inexpensive. Simple to use. Choose your favorite, then order others written specifically for food servers, teens, relatives, campers, clerks, athletes, etc. Many are available in foreign languages. Call your state convention evangelism department or check www.namb.net, lifeway.com or atstracts.com.
? Other tools as available, such as vacation scripture readings, book about witnessing, witnessing bracelets, evange-cubes, etc.
Plan a “Vacation With Purpose” challenge during a Bible class or worship service this spring. Distribute VWP bags to every person, challenging them to take it when they travel and find opportunities to share God’s plan of salvation. Ask travelers to take a photo of themselves with the VWP sign at their destination for the display.
Pray for God to give boldness and open doors as His church shares the good news across the nation and world.
Our Southern Baptist Cooperative Program is the most amazing missions-sending organization in the world. But it doesn’t replace our individual responsibility to share Jesus with people we know and meet. People everywhere are dying to know Him. This year, take a vacation with purpose. Don’t leave home without Him!