Tale of Wonder Voyage

After ten years as a congregational student minister, Shawn Small went on sabbatical to decide what he wanted to do when he grew up. As he pondered his most effectual and transforming moments in his ministry tenure he always came back to the lifelong memories that he experienced with young people on service trips and pilgrimages around the world. Adventures, like living with indigenous Indians in the mountains of Guatemala, performing drama productions throughout Ireland and Canada, serving hurting communities in New Orleans, or hiking the wilds of Alaska, taught him the joy and effectiveness of a community on a journey.

In 2000, Shawn launched Wonder Voyage, a unique non-profit organization that focused on six specific goals for their voyages: fashioning a trip that is personalized to the DNA of each team; coordinating all the details of the journey so the leader of the group can focus on community instead of essential elements; finding creative moments to reflect on God and allowing the Creator 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. A distinctive and passionate staff from a plethora of denominations, backgrounds, and countries joined to help create a different kind of organization.

As Wonder Voyage continues to evolve, we strive to create voyages that are extraordinary in scope, exceptional in detail and generous in service, while remaining focused and passionate in our reflection of Christ.