Foreword

Every once in a while, someone writes a book solely out of the interest of those they write it for. In writing “Defining Moments: The Transformational Promises of Faith-Based Travel,” Rick & Susan McCarthy have set out to accomplish several goals: to encourage people to take faith-based vacations and turn them into Defining Moments that will shape their lives forever; to help people see the real possibility of not just having their heads filled with facts regarding a vacation spot but to have their hearts shifted and changed in ways they never imagined; to learn the practical ways of meeting God in powerful and personal ways that will restore, revive, and reenergize their faith; and finally to inform people of the important places in Christian history so they can be can strengthened and inspired in their faith.

I have traveled around the world, led trips to Israel using such Defining Moments teachings, and have been on a faith-based trip that was led by Rick & Susan to Greece and Turkey in the footsteps of Paul. Their passion for their faith, knowledge of Christian history and commitment to life transformation is why they wrote this book. I would highly recommend this book and the clear direction it gives for you to plan and execute a faith-based trip of your own. The Defining Moments applications they include are intended to move you to a discovery method of learning, rather than simply a teaching method that most tour guides and pastors use. If you want to plan a trip of a lifetime that will impact your family, friends, believers and nonbelievers alike, then I heartily encourage you to pick up and read “Defining Moments: The Transformational Promises of Faith-Based Travel.”

— Eric Heard

Pastor of Stewardship and Marriage Ministry, Mariners Church