Purposeful Journeys

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

Our time participating in the Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA) annual convention has come to a close. I took 111 meetings during the SYTA convention. As a result, we are much better equipped to support short-term study programs for college and university students. Although 111 different meetings over just a few days was intense, the SYTA convention certainly offered some great entertainment, good educational sessions, and fun activities. The food was the best I have experienced at a convention.

We were treated to entertainment by Disney star Jordan Fisher. On the last day of the meeting Broadway brought cast members from New York. Performers offered one musical number from more than a dozen Broadway shows. One of the highlights was a personal video message delivered by Dolly Parton followed by an inspirational song from the musical, Dolly. The announcement of Dolly’s passing made her video message and song from her musical even more poignant.

I have selected some pictures as highlights from this empowering event.

08/25/2026

I am on my way home from the Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA) convention in Pittsburgh. On the last day of the convention lunch is sponsored by Broadway. SYTA brings in Broadway stars from New York. They perform one song from about a dozen or so shows. It was really spectacular.

One of the shows was Dolly, a Broadway adaptation of the life story of Dolly Parton. Dolly had prerecorded a video message to welcome us to Pittsburgh and the SYTA convention. Of course, she invited us to bring our groups to see her new show.

I was inspired by the song the performer sang from the musical, Dolly.

On my way home from Pittsburgh, I learned Dolly Parton died. Here is the song the performer sang at lunch. Gives me chills:

https://youtu.be/McaD2PG8jOE?si=etnk1D6lWGxfdoDE

08/03/2026

There was a time in my life when I enjoyed, or at least did not mind, being out front and visible. Serving as a parish pastor means just that: Week after week, in multiple circumstances and settings, the administration of the Public Office of Ministry means being out front and visible. These days, I relish my opportunities to serve and make things happen behind the scenes in ways that are sometimes almost invisible.

We had a wonderful time at the LCMS National Convention in Phoenix. Among the many highlights was seeing several old friends including seminary classmates. One special highlight was a wonderful dinner shared with Rev. Dr. Kirk Clayton and Rev. Don Stein. Our dinner featured Mediterranean cuisine at East Bite in Phoenix. In addition to the authentic Middle Eastern food we thoroughly enjoyed that evening, our conversation with the Lebanese restaurant owner of East Bite was yet another reminder of what travel does to bring people together and make the world a little better place.

The day after our dinner at East Bite, Rev. Dr. Clayton delivered his essay, “Christ’s Resurrection For You”— 1 Cor. 5:20-24 with 1 Cor. 15:50-57. In delivering his essay, Dr. Clayton referred to his extraordinary time in Israel in January 2024. He referred specifically to his experience in the edicule at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. The amount of time and the blessing Dr. Clayton experienced in the edicule was quite extraordinary.

So extraordinary was the experience of Dr. Clayton with his group in Israel in January 2024, the Israel Ministry of Tourism sent a videography crew to document their experience as the only Christian group in Israel when they visited. If you are interested, here is a link to the video produced by the Israel Ministry of Tourism documenting the experience of Dr. Clayton and his group in January 2024: https://youtu.be/aW6cnSV-UJI?si=QrgCzf_yMLYE5E_f

When Dr. Clayton delivered his essay at the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod National Convention, he referred to his journey to Israel in January 2024. Of course, he did not mention my name, nor the name of my company, Purposeful Journeys. After all, it would have been highly inappropriate for him to have done so. Nevertheless, I listened to his essay with deep satisfaction and quiet joy. I am deeply satisfied that I am the guy, working behind the scenes, who made his journey to Israel in January 2024 happen.

Listening to his essay, I was also filled to overflowing with joy by the quality of his content and delivery to be sure, but even more so because of the way I have come to know Kirk Clayton and his family. In my ministry and vocation devoted to faith travel, I have found deep satisfaction in my work, which is by nature, behind the scenes. I have also been blessed beyond words by reconnecting with LCMS pastors. Some pastors with whom I have reconnected through this vocation were seminary classmates. Relationships with other pastors, like Kirk Clayton (our time at seminary overlapped), have also developed. I am profoundly grateful for all of my relationships with Lutheran Church Missouri Synod pastors that only came to fruition through my ministry and vocation at Purposeful Journeys while serving these pastors behind the scenes.

Please get in touch or share this post with your pastor if you would like to consider embarking on a faith travel experience with us to grow your ministry numerically and spiritually.

07/29/2026

I have been saying since October 7, 2023 that I am living between perception and reality. These images portray the reality of visiting Israel today. There is not a gap between perception and reality. There is a chasm between the two. Now, is a great time to plan your journey to the Holy Land with us.

07/22/2026

Loved this presentation at the national convention of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

07/22/2026

I have never heard How Great Thou Art and other hymns offered by a mariachi band. Now, after attending the LCMS national convention I cannot say that anymore. I understand the band is actually a ministry of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Hearing them was as much fun as it was inspiring.

07/21/2026

This is the last day for the exhibition hall to be open at the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod National Convention. The convention will continue. We are planning to attend a presentation tomorrow. This is a picture of attendees waiting outside the exhibition hall to open, on the last day!

Everyone we have encountered here has been warm, friendly, and engaging. We are well aware that not every congregation or pastor is interested or qualified to support a faith travel experience. Sometimes the timing is just not right. This is true of every convention we attend.

The difference at this convention has been the genuine engagement of those who have stopped by to visit with us. I have engaged in a number of theological conversations, which by the way, have been very easy to stimulate.

Normally the opening of the exhibition hall is just not exciting. These people are great. And, the doors are open. Here they come!