—Accountability to Whom?

Who is my neighbor? Biblically speaking, who is my brother? What does “TRAVEL THAT DEMANDS A VERDICT” mean? I’m glad you asked, because the stories in this issue are intended to inform and challenge.

Open your cell phone with me and make a commitment somewhere to get involved. Map out the journey and move with me from apathy to action. Do it in small steps. Several ways we can get involved are offered in this issue—it’s up to me to step out and affect my world. “Destination: BEIJING” provides a daily prayer journal during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Let’s rearrange our schedules and get involved together.

You probably want to remind me that in our premiere issue I told you, “…MAP’s goal is to publish articles that don’t just entertain, but will touch your heart and challenge you to follow your travel dreams. We want you looking forward to the next issue. We’ll publish stories that make you laugh…”

Our goals have not changed, but this month’s articles show how travel can affect the way we live out the rest of our lives. Interacting with and reading the stories from each author in this publication has meant that I can no longer stay in my safe, comfortable life saying, “I didn’t know it was that bad.” After reading “Does Anyone Really Care?” you’ll know it really is that bad. Human and sexual trafficking of children is in my back yard and yours too. Jillian Carver couldn’t walk away from the issue of evil in our world and I find that I don’t want to walk away either.

If the world is our living space, Amber Van Schooneveld is a motivated woman making a difference in her part of the neighborhood. After reading her book and interviewing her for “What Happens in Amsterdam Doesn’t Always Stay in Amsterdam,” I had to ask myself, “What are you doing to help with the human condition?” Amber breaks the poverty issue into small palpable pieces that allowed me to deal with it in smaller bites.

Leighton Cusack along with other students from Azusa Pacific University (APU), put together a 6-man team that will bike 3,700 miles this summer (“Mountain Bikes, Racing Bikes, and Coffee … Bikes?”). Leighton went to John Wallace, president of APU to discuss his plans. “He was a huge encouragement … we sold T-shirts which APU sponsored to help us raise money for the trip.” Visit their Website to view the itinerary and learn how you can get involved (besides providing food and lodging, why not surprise them with a massage the evening they stay in your area?).

Anyone providing shelter for the TRFR team, please contact us. Tell us about the steps it took to get involved. Who knows, you may be an inspiration to other youth groups and churches.

Have you been toying with a desire to take a job abroad? Want to get involved with a long-term mission trip but you’re wondering how it would affect your children? Read the articles on homeschooling and travel — we provide multiple perspectives including Brittney Defever’s answers that give a candid teen perspective. Read Lisa Rinaldo’s article to gain insight from an educator’s opinion. “Homeschools that Don’t Stay Home” shares a Military family’s experience with homeschool. Forward MAP to a family that would benefit from this information.

”The Global Pursuit of God” asks the question, “Do you have the guts to interact with other beliefs?” Gerald McDermott’s article will evoke a reaction from you. He’s asking difficult questions that made me think, "Do I love my God with as much devotion as others love theirs?"

Travel to Nepal to see the sunrise—this picture makes me think of that early morning moment when the heavens are waking up. I encourage you to join Jeff Rasley on a modified trek this coming October 2008—see “Ever Met the Goddess of the Sky?” for trip information. So far, the team includes a doctor bringing medical supplies to a remote village in Nepal and an opportunity to join the group bringing presents for the children.

Contact Jeff soon to learn more--don't wait any longer, get involved in life.

When you start mapping out your life and God meets you on the journey, we’d like to know about it. If you have a humorous or laugh out loud travel experience, share it with us and we’ll tell others.

Let’s keep it personal in this sometimes impersonal world. See you in the next issue,

Sharron Pankhurst
Executive Editor