Travel With a Purpose
Maybe you’ve noticed them at Northside over the years. Those mature guests with red and white name tags who drive their RVs from across the country to volunteer at Carpenter Place. They’re Sojourners, and I hope you’ve welcomed them. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and several of our members have joined the Sojourners’ mission, including Brent & me, Drew & Ruth Lowrey, Mike & Gloria Newsom, and Richard & Michelle Pettegrew.
National Evangelism with Sojourners is a mission under the direction of the Burleson, TX, Church of Christ elders. Sojourners are mostly retired Christians who travel throughout the US and Canada donating their time and talents. We are self-supporting and never charge the organizations we serve. Our mission is evangelism through service as we partner with congregations, children’s homes, Christian schools and colleges, church camps, Bible lectureships, and other entities associated with the churches of Christ. Whether we’re painting, repairing buildings, preparing meals, cleaning cabins, or setting up promotional talks, every task becomes an opportunity to serve Christ.
Brent and I had known about Sojourners for years and often said, “Maybe that’s something we’ll do when we retire.” Last September, Drew & Ruth, who joined the year before, invited us to experience our first sojourn at Mountain States Children’s Home in Colorado. Drew said, “Come for a day and see what you think.” Well, one day turned into a week!
Brent installed lighting fixtures in the thrift store and completed several carpentry projects. I painted and painted and painted! Other ladies prepared lunches, cleaned and organized the food pantry, and helped in the office, while the men tackled maintenance and construction projects across the campus during the three-week stay.
Each day began with a devotional. After a full day of work, evenings were filled with games and fellowship.
Since then, Brent and I have officially become Sojourners and recently completed our third sojourn at Red River Family Encampment in New Mexico. What surprised us is that while those we serve are blessed by our work, we receive just as many blessings in return. We’ve met faithful Christians from all over, formed lasting friendships, and discovered the joy of serving alongside people who love the Lord.
If you’re looking for a way to combine travel, fellowship, and service in your retirement, Sojourners may be just the adventure God has prepared for you. It has certainly enriched our lives beyond anything we expected.
To “Travel with a Purpose” visit sojourning.org and let’s talk about it.