Passport

[Linda]

I said no, but am in the process of getting ours. We have appointments Monday at the Post Office to finalize our application forms and have pictures taken. I would love to travel outside the US.

[RamboPreacher]

yes, can't go to Israel or the middle East on an archaeological dig without one.

[paul]

I can't understand why everyone does not have a passport.

Paul, because tens of millions of Americans have never (and WILL never) traveled outside the United States and have little desire or reason to. I know dozens of people in Hawaii who have never been off the island on which they were born, and hundreds who have never been to the U.S. mainland. This place is their world. I also know people on the mainland who have never been outside their several-state region.

With the new laws concerning canada and mexico a passport is becoming more and more necessary even for travel between boarders even if one does not go overseas. Because this board is primarly Believers, I think all believers should have a passport. Should an oportunity open for travel or mission trips then you are ready.

We have had more than one miss out on a trip because they did not have a passpport and was unable to get one in time to go.

[Pastor Gary]

I can't understand why everyone does not have a passport.

Paul, because tens of millions of Americans have never (and WILL never) traveled outside the United States and have little desire or reason to. I know dozens of people in Hawaii who have never been off the island on which they were born, and hundreds who have never been to the U.S. mainland. This place is their world. I also know people on the mainland who have never been outside their several-state region.

With the new laws concerning canada and mexico a passport is becoming more and more necessary even for travel between boarders even if one does not go overseas. Because this board is primarly Believers, I think all believers should have a passport. Should an oportunity open for travel or mission trips then you are ready.

We have had more than one miss out on a trip because they did not have a passpport and was unable to get one in time to go.

Paul, no argument here about what would be best... I was merely pointing out that millions and millions of people do not travel, do not DESIRE to travel, have never flown, will never travel far from the place of their birth, are unwilling to try exotic foods, would never go to a place where English is not spoken, and would cook a thousand chicken dinners for missions rather than spend a week where there are no flush toilets.

[mavislb]

I have never needed a passport. My mission trip to Nicaragua in "72 didn't require one. And my several times across the border to Mexico for shopping didn't require one - we just walked both ways. Thinking about getting one but have no plans to travel any time soon - not that I would not like to.

[paul]

I can't understand why everyone does not have a passport.

Paul, because tens of millions of Americans have never (and WILL never) traveled outside the United States and have little desire or reason to. I know dozens of people in Hawaii who have never been off the island on which they were born, and hundreds who have never been to the U.S. mainland. This place is their world. I also know people on the mainland who have never been outside their several-state region.

With the new laws concerning canada and mexico a passport is becoming more and more necessary even for travel between boarders even if one does not go overseas. Because this board is primarly Believers, I think all believers should have a passport. Should an oportunity open for travel or mission trips then you are ready.

We have had more than one miss out on a trip because they did not have a passpport and was unable to get one in time to go.

Paul, no argument here about what would be best... I was merely pointing out that millions and millions of people do not travel, do not DESIRE to travel, have never flown, will never travel far from the place of their birth, are unwilling to try exotic foods, would never go to a place where English is not spoken, and would cook a thousand chicken dinners for missions rather than spend a week where there are no flush toilets.

I surrender

[oletimer]

Pastor Gary

.... Paul, no argument here about what would be best... I was merely pointing out that millions and millions of people do not travel, do not DESIRE to travel, have never flown, will never travel far from the place of their birth, are unwilling to try exotic foods, would never go to a place where English is not spoken, and would cook a thousand chicken dinners for missions rather than spend a week where there are no flush toilets.

Paul wrote:

I surrender

Wise decision

[Susie Hamilton]

I don't have one but Uncle Sam took me to places in Europe and to Gitmo.

[Pastor Gary]

I surrender

Hey, Paul --I was not trying to argue you into submission; I was merely pointing out that you have a missionary gift and calling, therefore you tend to think that every believer shares that gift and passion... kind of "to the man who only owns a hammer, every problem looks like a nail."

I think there are plenty of good people who have other gifts who would be TERRIBLE on a mission field. They would whine, complain, be rude and judgmental, do and say things culturally insensitive, offend the host people, and just make everyone around them wish they had stayed home.

Those people are far better raising/giving funds to support people like you, who will go without complaint and be effective.

[cndlou]

Yep! I have one... I got it when we went to the Samoas several years back... I use it anytime I fly....although the photo is now very outdated...

[paul]

I surrender

Hey, Paul --I was not trying to argue you into submission; I was merely pointing out that you have a missionary gift and calling, therefore you tend to think that every believer shares that gift and passion... kind of "to the man who only owns a hammer, every problem looks like a nail."

I think there are plenty of good people who have other gifts who would be TERRIBLE on a mission field. They would whine, complain, be rude and judgmental, do and say things culturally insensitive, offend the host people, and just make everyone around them wish they had stayed home.

Those people are far better raising/giving funds to support people like you, who will go without complaint and be effective.

I did not feel that we were arguing.....And you are right about my view being from a missionary point.

I would add one thought from a missionary....While I agree with your statement concerning not all are gifted to serve on the mission fields, I see three types basically...go'ers, sender's, and pray'ers.

I do think it is good that as many as possible at least try to take a mission trip at least once in their lives. I think it creates an awareness of the body of Christ that cannot not really be captured any other way.

I also think it is good for all pastors to at least take a mission trip at some point. Again it gives an overview of what missions is all about. To see how others labor to minister the word and also to just make contact with a brother or sister in Christ that comes from a complete different culture, on their turf.

But again this is from a missionary, so it no doubt is a little bias. ( well maybe a whole lot bias)

[Rob]

I have one, and I have had one since the mid '80's. We are preparing for my wife and kids to get theirs now.

[Pastor Bill]

Rose and I both got them in college when we took a tour of eastern Europe with the Choir, but they've expired by now.

[MrDanger]

I got mine just in case I was ever asked to be someone's running mate for the Presidency.

[Steve]

The ONLY reason I got one this year is because my son and I went on a Boy Scout trip to Canada and it was REQUIRED. If not for that, I wouldn't have one. They cost a stinkin 100+ bucks!