Pilgrimages are making a comeback in Europe.
In times past pilgrims would walk along designated routes to gain favor with Saints and fellow congregants. Some would walk to find healing or to do penance, others to strengthen their faith.
Many of today's growing number of pilgrims describe themselves as “spiritual, but not religious.”
The rapid decline of the Church in Western Europe has left many who seek to fill the spiritual void that is widening and darkening. In such an atmosphere, there are faithful Christians who are drawing from centuries of Christian witness and history in the rural southwest of Scotland. The pastors of Wigtown and Whithorn are seeking to fill that void with a relationship with Christ.
In June of 2018 Indigenous Outreach International with a group from Gumtree ARP Church launched A Pilgrimage with Purpose. First described as a "spiritual heritage tour" A Pilgrimage with Purpose is unlike any other travel that we facilitate. Over the years IOI has organized dozens of missionary journeys to several nations. Each time we take a team to minister in a developing country we see positive results of their presence, and most of the time those who went to minister are ministered to themselves as they share in tangible acts of charity and proclamation of the Gospel. The physical needs in Europe may not be comparable in any way to the needs we see in the developing world, but never the less there is a hunger for the Gospel and a spiritual heritage that dates back to the 4th century.
Not a "mission trip" or an "evangelistic outreach" the purpose of A Pilgrimage with Purpose is to encourage the local churches and their ministers, to share faith with those we met along the way, and to deepen our own faith as we go. We are not workers, but rather we are pilgrims on a shared journey of faith.
On the pilgrimage we visit ancient Christian sites and learn of the rich history of the Isle of Whithorn, walk a portion of the Whithorn Way to Saint Ninian’s cave, visit museums, pray at the Wigtown Martyrs’ Memorial, have a "cuppa" in Scotland's National Book Town, and worship with local Christian congregations. We will walk the paths that ancient Christian missionaries forged and seek to share the wisdom they gained through their relationship with God.
The Parish Minister at Whithorn, Rev. Alex Currie, commented on the first group of pilgrims from Tupelo, Mississippi, “We felt we got to know the visiting party well and enjoyed our fellowship with them. Their involvement in both morning services with the younger members singing and (Reverend Beard) bringing the Word, was well-received. The Open Air Service in our small town main street was a real blessing with the time of testimony touching all who gathered, and in particular, one woman who has just started attending our church after the recent death of her husband. God will surely use the testimony given.”
One recent pilgrim said of the experience, "It was humbling and inspiring to stand in the place where two women were martyred for their faith, and to see how God continues to redeem their sacrifice by increasing the faith of ordinary people like me."
Plans are being made for another Pilgrimage with travel in May 2024. This seven day tour cost will be less than $2,500 (which includes lodging, airfare from Nashville, and several meals). The group size will be limited to ten so we encourage all who are interested to contact us as soon as possible to secure a place.
*For a group of four or more we can arrange for travel for other dates throughout the year.
In times past pilgrims would walk along designated routes to gain favor with Saints and fellow congregants. Some would walk to find healing or to do penance, others to strengthen their faith.
Many of today's growing number of pilgrims describe themselves as “spiritual, but not religious.”
The rapid decline of the Church in Western Europe has left many who seek to fill the spiritual void that is widening and darkening. In such an atmosphere, there are faithful Christians who are drawing from centuries of Christian witness and history in the rural southwest of Scotland. The pastors of Wigtown and Whithorn are seeking to fill that void with a relationship with Christ.
In June of 2018 Indigenous Outreach International with a group from Gumtree ARP Church launched A Pilgrimage with Purpose. First described as a "spiritual heritage tour" A Pilgrimage with Purpose is unlike any other travel that we facilitate. Over the years IOI has organized dozens of missionary journeys to several nations. Each time we take a team to minister in a developing country we see positive results of their presence, and most of the time those who went to minister are ministered to themselves as they share in tangible acts of charity and proclamation of the Gospel. The physical needs in Europe may not be comparable in any way to the needs we see in the developing world, but never the less there is a hunger for the Gospel and a spiritual heritage that dates back to the 4th century.
Not a "mission trip" or an "evangelistic outreach" the purpose of A Pilgrimage with Purpose is to encourage the local churches and their ministers, to share faith with those we met along the way, and to deepen our own faith as we go. We are not workers, but rather we are pilgrims on a shared journey of faith.
On the pilgrimage we visit ancient Christian sites and learn of the rich history of the Isle of Whithorn, walk a portion of the Whithorn Way to Saint Ninian’s cave, visit museums, pray at the Wigtown Martyrs’ Memorial, have a "cuppa" in Scotland's National Book Town, and worship with local Christian congregations. We will walk the paths that ancient Christian missionaries forged and seek to share the wisdom they gained through their relationship with God.
The Parish Minister at Whithorn, Rev. Alex Currie, commented on the first group of pilgrims from Tupelo, Mississippi, “We felt we got to know the visiting party well and enjoyed our fellowship with them. Their involvement in both morning services with the younger members singing and (Reverend Beard) bringing the Word, was well-received. The Open Air Service in our small town main street was a real blessing with the time of testimony touching all who gathered, and in particular, one woman who has just started attending our church after the recent death of her husband. God will surely use the testimony given.”
One recent pilgrim said of the experience, "It was humbling and inspiring to stand in the place where two women were martyred for their faith, and to see how God continues to redeem their sacrifice by increasing the faith of ordinary people like me."
Plans are being made for another Pilgrimage with travel in May 2024. This seven day tour cost will be less than $2,500 (which includes lodging, airfare from Nashville, and several meals). The group size will be limited to ten so we encourage all who are interested to contact us as soon as possible to secure a place.
*For a group of four or more we can arrange for travel for other dates throughout the year.