Back in the summer of 2018 my wife and I traveled to Iceland. From a trailhead where we parked, I hiked about 2 miles in the summer light at 3:30 in the morning to experience the popular Reykjadalur Valley abundant with thermal vents, hot springs, mud pools, and a hot water stream – my destination for the ultimate nature spa experience. There were only 2 other people there. I’ve read many times in the Bible the familiar words, ‘to the ends of the earth’. That early morning in Iceland I found my ‘ends of the earth’.
Thankfully there are many other remote, hard to reach, and spectacular places on the planet waiting for you to experience. One such geographical region is Patagonia – the southern end of South America. We’re highlighting it in the summer 2023 issue of map – A Travel Lifestyle Magazine and introducing you to Jesse Taranova, the founder and guide for Connection Creators (see our cover story). Someday I want to get once again to the ends of the earth – this time in Patagonia. Jesse is the one who can add the exclamation point.
But, the ends of the earth from God’s perspective are a lot more than just the splendor of his beautiful creation. It’s more than quietness, personal rest and reflection. It’s a lot more. In fact when Jesus Christ, God’s Son, made his big trip out of here (Christians call it his ascension) he doesn’t say, “See Ya!” He gives us his final instructions: (YOU) Go into all the world – to the ends of the earth and be a witness of me. That takes some commitment on your part.
The opportunity you have – the calling is to be more than just a traveler, more than a stranger in a strange land. These instructions go beyond seeing, learning, and even doing good things for others. Christ isn’t satisfied with you just being a nice tourist who is nice to people you’ve never met. And – if you’re bold or lucky enough to find a Christian ‘over there’ who shakes your hand, smiles, hugs you and even prays with you – that’s not mission accomplished.
Being a witness of Christ to the ends of the earth is a state of being. Like Sydney Tooley, the Writer/Director of Pure Flix, Sun Moon, it’s you being able to listen deeply and work to understand people. It’s you being eager to share YOUR story. It’s you being connected deeply and clearly with God. It’s you being the life of Christ to others.
The really amazing thing about being a witness of Christ to the ends of the earth is that the ends of the earth are right where you are right now. Be that witness daily and you’ll find that no matter where you go God is there ready to use you.
Go where God is,
-Brad Bloom
