This general term 'backpackers' includes young adults (think early to mid 20's) who travel Europe (at the rest of the globe) for months at a time on a budget, with their belongings collected in one backpack. It also includes pilgrims, much like those who walk the Camino de Santiago, as well as a global 'hippie' population that still travels and gathers in places like India.
It is not an easily defined group, but the common thread they all share is a unique window in life as they are traveling and looking for something beyond themselves and their own experience. They are 'seekers' in a very true, but broad sense. For all of the people gathered at this forum, we believe that God is calling us to reach out to these wanderers with his love at a time when they are very open talking and thinking deeply.
It was both exciting and refreshing to be around a group of people with similar dreams, callings, and visions. We were able to share experiences, thoughts, successes and difficulties with each other. And perhaps most importantly, as we dialogued over the week, a broader collective vision of a global movement to reach out to backpackers emerged. Each individual, and each individual organization represented, had one specific location or sub-culture they felt called to. When we put our callings together you could begin to see how God is moving around the globe to reach this community.
This was especially neat for a couple of reasons. First of all, many of us often feel at best unique, and at worst, alone in our ministries. Most of us have pursued our visions in small groups or individually. It's really great to share this road with others. Second of all, it is abundantly clear that God is leading this, as pretty much each individual or group has, up to now at least, not been connected. It is not something that has grown out of a well-planned or well-run organization, nor even a clear motivating vision cast by a charismatic leader. Rather, this is coming out of a collection of previously unrelated hearts following the Lord's leading individually.
It's not accurate to consider this a birth of any movement for many reasons. First of all, ministries like the Shelter youth hostels in Amsterdam and Youth Hostel Ministry out of Wheaton College have been doing ministry among backpackers for around 40 years already. Second of all, there have already been a few forums like this one held in Australia in years past. But regardless of the history, it is clear that more and more people and groups are becoming interested in reaching this global population. I am excited to see how these different parts grow, connect, and work together over the coming years. And more importantly, I'm excited to see how God works in these traveling sub-cultures.
