Sojourner: Christian Travel Journal
Latest Travel Post
Stories & Songs: MercyMe’s Robby Shaffer on Music and Travel
Our MercyMe at Sea cruise is a much-anticipated cruise experience—and one of the fastest to sell out. The highly decorated and popular Christian music band is known for its soaring anthems, authentic personalities and extensive touring schedule. They travel around the world performing songs that proclaim God’s glory. We have partnered with the band for almost a decade to organize MercyMe at Sea and are honored to work alongside such music legends. We sat down with drummer Robby Shaffer to ask a few questions about travel’s role in his faith, life and the ministry of MercyMe. MercyMe performing on their MercyMe at Sea Caribbean Cruise What has travel meant to you? It’s become a life-giving necessity for me and my family. We love getting away for a time to just unplug from the daily grind. Can you share with us a memorable or funny moment you’ve had during a trip or vacation? My wife and I had the opportunity to visit Rome and Venice for our 20th anniversary. It was the trip of a lifetime. Another moment was a trip to the Bahamas I took with a group of friends to celebrate a couple of our birthdays. We rented a boat to go see the swimming pigs [at Big Major Cay]. On the way, the boat caught fire when the engine blew up due to sand in the intake. We all decided to jump ship and were stranded in the middle of the ocean for a few hours until we could get help. But it’s hard to complain when you are “stuck” in beautiful, crystal-clear water! What do you get from traveling that you can’t experience with anything else? It gives us a chance to do something or see something we can’t do at home. For me, [traveling] is all about the experience. I also love seeing the beauty the world has to offer— it really stirs my affection for Christ! MercyMe entertaining on a Christian cruise How has travel impacted your faith and your worldview? It gives me the ability to really see how different the world is. From how we pursue faith to our freedoms and basic luxuries (or lack thereof). You get a better understanding of how blessed we truly are in the USA. Where are your favorite places to be when writing or composing? We recently bought a studio in Nashville and wrote our latest album, “inhale (exhale),” there. We did the same thing for a previous album but rented a cabin in Lake Tahoe instead. In each of those experiences, the scenery really inspired us to get to work. Which destinations are still on your travel list? Israel, France, South Africa and Greece are all places that I am eager to cross off my bucket list! Where did some of your favorite conferences or concerts take place? What made them remarkable? My favorites would be Hawaii, Red Rocks, and the Gorge in Washington state. The beauty that you see while performing at those locations is so inspiring. Click here for more information on the next MercyMe at Sea cruise.
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Video Spotlight
Video Spotlight
The Best of Christian Travel: “Behind the Scenes with Host Laurance Fishburne”
Whether you are deciding what to pack, want to learn more about where you are headed or desire a deeper understanding of meaningful Christian travel, these helpful video blogs will guide and inspire you.
Video Spotlight
How Cruise Ships Navigate Challenging Terrain
Experts in their vessels, cruise line captains yield to local harbor pilots to navigate tricky areas like harbors or fjords. Watch this dramatic video of the port pilot boarding Holland America’s Oosterdam.
Video Spotlight
Travel Changes Us by Dr. Tony Evans
Filmed in Israel, this video brings the Bible to life as Dr. Tony Evans and his daughters lead a captivating walking tour that presents the sites of Jesus’ ministry with vivid insights and teachings.
Video Spotlight
Podcast: The Impact of a Christian Cruise
Discover how a Christian cruise can impact your faith. In this Christian Travelers’ podcast episode, hear Stephanie Smith share Inspiration Travel’s beginnings and what you can expect in an exceptional travel experience.
Video Spotlight
Route 60 Movie: The Bibical Highway
This new film follows former U.S. Ambassador David Friedman and former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as they explore this iconic 146-mile stretch of two-lane highway in the Holy Land.