After ten years as a congregational youth minister Shawn Small went on sabbatical to decide what he wanted to do when he grew up.  During that year he pondered his most effective moments in youth ministry.  The greatest seasons of transformation and lifelong memories that he experienced in ministry with his young people were on a variety of mission trips around the world.  Adventures like living with indigenous Indians in the mountains of Guatemala, performing drama productions throughout Ireland and Canada, serving third world America in New Orleans, or hiking the wilds of Alaska all taught him the power of pilgrimage.

In 2000, Shawn launched Wonder Voyage Missions, a unique non-profit organization that focused on six specific goals for their voyages:  fashioning a voyage that is customized to the personality of each team; coordinating all the details of the trip so the leader of the group can focus on community instead of minutia; finding creative moments to reflect on God and allowing Him to speak; being truly ecumenical thus giving all genuine seeking communities an opportunity to experience a voyage together; engaging in the authentic exploration of the cultures we visit; and having a global range of locations to visit.

A distinctive staff began to gather around the vision of Wonder Voyage.  From a plethora of denominations, backgrounds and locations they joined with their passions and talents to help create a different kind of organization.  In 2002 our Expozure survival retreats were formed to help keep the office running in the off-season.  These amazing weekend camping events became a powerful way to strengthen communities through an adventure unlike anything else in America.  Our Expozure retreats grew to a place where they eventually formed their own staff.  To date over 2000 students and adults have survived the challenge of Expozure.

As Wonder Voyage continues to evolve as an organization, we strive to create events and voyages that are extraordinary in style, exceptional in development and generous in service, while remaining focused and passionate in our reflection of Christ.