12 Inspiring Journeys for Outreach and Spiritual Growth

CBC has many campus ministries and faith-based clubs that offer opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship. This is an excellent way to connect with like-minded peers and strengthen your relationship with God.

Spirituality is your own personal journey into self-discovery and enlightenment. Reading books on spirituality is like a compass in this vast ocean of exploration—it guides you when you feel lost.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a breathtakingly beautiful destination, from bubbling geothermal pools to the otherworldly glowworm caves of the Coromandel. Uncover the rich culture and traditions of this fascinating country on our Inspiring Journeys itinerary that visits both the North and South Islands, from Rotorua to Auckland to Franz Josef Glacier.

The native Maori people and their traditional culture are celebrated in the country known as Aotearoa, or “The Land of the Long White Cloud.” British Captain James Cook first arrived in 1769, and later settlers from Europe, Asia, and Africa have shaped New Zealand’s unique blend of cultures.

Despite its remote location, modern New Zealand is a thriving industrialized nation with a highly developed economy. The majority of the population, known as Kiwis, live in cities and towns. They enjoy a wide variety of arts and entertainment, and are huge fans of rugby and cricket.

Australia

Australia, also called Sahul or Australasia (or the last of seven traditional continents), is a land down under with a population as diverse as its landscape. It is one of the most multicultural nations in the world and a prosperous, stable democracy.

From the untamed wilderness of Kakadu National Park to the majestic natural wonder of Uluru, there is much to see and do in Australia. Wine lovers will find themselves enchanted by the vineyards of The Barossa Valley, and wildlife enthusiasts will be captivated by the wide variety of flora and fauna.

A land of contrasts, a respectful connection with nature is in the DNA of Australians. This passion explains why it’s no surprise that so many are drawn to the beauty and spirit of this country “Down Under.”

Africa

In ancient times, “Africa” was a term for lands that lay west of Egypt. As civilizations developed, Africa became the continent that was considered to be the opposite of Asia.

As early as the 16th century, Europeans began establishing colonial empires throughout the continent. Carved up like a pie, the Brits, Dutch, French, and Germans grabbed every piece they could get their hands on.

Today, Africa’s 54 countries are diverse both culturally and geographically. It’s home to three-fourths of the world’s savanna plains and the Sahara Desert, as well as lush rainforest areas, mountains, wetlands, and coasts with coral reefs. It also boasts a large percentage of the planet’s natural resources including oil, minerals, and natural gas. Africa is a continent of incredible potential. But it’s not without its challenges. It has the world’s youngest population, and two-thirds of its youth are unemployed or working in vulnerable jobs.

Asia

The continent of Asia is the largest and most populated in the world. Asia’s diverse cultural heritage reflects its ancient civilizations and modern societies.

Buddhism, for example, spread beyond Nepal and India because it was often expressed in a local cultural style. This facilitated its adoption by people of other Asian cultures. The religion also gained adherents by incorporating beliefs from other religions.

For example, Vietnamese culture combines Confucian, Chinese and Indian influences with Buddhist influence from Myanmar (formerly Burma). Southeast Asia contains countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam which are influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Europe

Europe is a continent occupying the western part of Eurasia. Its name may have been derived from the Greek myth of Europa, but human habitation of the area extends back more than 1 million years. It is the birthplace of Western civilization and of the modern concept of the state.

European economies have a strong global presence, and the continent boasts a highly productive agricultural and mineral resource base. However, services have become the primary economic engine of most countries.

The continent’s major peninsulas are the Iberian, Italian, and Balkan Peninsulas; and Jutland and Scandinavia. Europe’s many bays, fjords, and ocean islands provide diverse habitats. Its terrestrial ecosystems include tundra, taiga, temperate deciduous forests, tropical rainforest, and desert. Europe also has a wide variety of climatic zones and geologic formations. These unique conditions contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.

South America

South America is a continent whose natural landscape and indigenous cultures continue to thrive. However, it faces ongoing challenges. Natural disasters have displaced people in the region. Amid a growing economic outlook, many expect the region to become one of the world’s next global powerhouses.

In addition, infectious diseases introduced by European colonists (such as smallpox and influenza) depopulated native populations and were replaced by enslaved Africans who had developed immunities. Today, a mix of cultural traditions combines with Latin American and Caribbean influences throughout the region.

Embark on a warm-hearted journey with Beyond South America and discover the diverse volunteer opportunities this country offers, including orphanage and daycare support, environmental preservation, education, medical support, community development, and more. Your efforts will make a lasting impact on this beautiful country. Contact Beyond South America today to learn more.

Canada

Located in North America, Canada is made up of ten provinces and three territories. It shares a 5,525-mile (8,890-km) border with the United States, the world’s longest international boundary. It is a developed country with one of the highest standards of living in the world. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, an active participant in many major international organizations and is a founding member of the G7 and the G20.

Join us in supporting young Catholics on their spiritual journey at the Rise Up conference in Toronto, Canada. Click below to learn more about how you can be a part of this amazing event! Also, try practicing prayer journaling or sacrificial giving, two key aspects of spiritual growth.

Many campus ministries and faith-based clubs in Canada organize journeys for their members to engage in outreach humanitarian efforts and spiritual retreats. These trips provide opportunities for students to put their faith into action by serving others, while also deepening their own spiritual growth through prayer, reflection, and fellowship with like-minded peers.

Mexico

Spiritual travel is more than just a vacation at a popular destination. It is about inner growth and finding peace with oneself and the world. This is why these wellness tours are perfect for anyone seeking tranquility and a new perspective on life.

To its detractors, Mexico City is a terrifying hellhole of dangers and horrors—though even they concede that its millions of residents do live in a vibrant city with an extraordinarily rich history. This is a metropolis of contrasts that is also home to such cultural treasures as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s houses in Coyoacan.

The country is positioned on the western edge of the huge North American Plate, which interacts with the Cocos and Caribbean plates, creating the dynamic and often unstable physical environment in which Mexicans have built their nation. The nation’s rich mineral resources and broad service sector make it a leader in Latin America, though endemic poverty remains a problem.

Chile

The long, narrow country of Chile offers a range of experiences from its cosmopolitan capital to the rugged landscapes of Patagonia. Santiago, the capital, is known for its neoclassical cathedral and national history museum.

Gabriela Mistral was Latin America’s first female Nobel Prize winner for her poetry ruminating on themes of love, death, and patriotism. She never translated her works into English, preferring that people read her poems in their original language and understand the emotions they invoke.

Isabel Allende was another of modern Chile’s greatest literary exports, a prolific writer who penned novels and nonfiction work about her family, growing up in Chile during the dictatorship, and Chilean culture. She was also a passionate advocate for human rights and women’s issues. In politics, Allende converted Chile from a presidential republic to a parliamentary one. This allowed for more checks and balances on the oligarchy’s power.

Peru

Peru is an incredible destination that offers travelers a portal into ancient mystery and power. This unique combination of natural beauty and architectural brilliance makes it a place of wonder and spiritual energy.

The country is home to a mix of cultures from Amerindians, Spaniards and other Europeans, descendants of African slaves, and Chinese immigrants. These diverse traditions often blend together in celebrations, such as Inti Raymi and the Catholic holiday of Christmas.

Peru is an important part of the Moravian family, and there are several congregations that have been planted in recent years. One of them is in Lima, where Bethany Homan serves. She is passionate about sharing the Gospel and helping others discover God’s glory through service. Her most recent projects have included teaching English to students and praying with taxi drivers in the city.

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