Michigan—While many young adults would think of a tropical cruise as simply a vacation, a time to relax and rejuvenate, 110 young adults who spent seven days on Cruise with a Mission (CWM) have a different perception. Kicking off the week of Dec. 14, 2008, a group of Andrews University students, along with 40 others from the Lake Union Conference, joined young adults from across the country to depart from Tampa, Fla., on a five-city international outreach tour in the Caribbean. This annual ministry, now in its second year, is organized by the Center for Youth Evangelism on the campus of Andrews University.

Some may wonder if Cruise with a Mission is more recreation than ministry, but CWM director Japhet De Oliveira is quick to unpack the purpose of the voyage. "CWM is focused on relationships. While on the ship you can plug into countless spiritual and practical moments as needed. Off the ship, the list is endless. Everyone needs a vacation, so why not do some extra good with it?"

Cruisers set sail with scheduled ports of call at Key West, Fla.; Belize City, Belize; Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala; and Costa Maya, Mexico. Their mission was carried out through participation in dental and medical projects, organization of a vacation Bible school, painting, assistance with environmental efforts, prayer walking, visiting orphanages and more.

With ample opportunities for service and sun on the trip, spiritual expression and worship were also key aspects of Cruise with a Mission. CWM producer Ron Whitehead describes it as "a powerful worship experience with training," including an evening worship program, seminars and open forums. A team of chaplains and a worship director provided small group fellowship with prayer focal points and time for sharing, with the goal of keeping young adults focused on their mission.

The group raised more than $10,000 to help various mission projects, purchase medical equipment for local doctors and acquire resources for other related projects. Witnessing that sense of service and community, De Oliveira said he was inspired by the willingness of the young adults. "For myself, there is nothing quite like seeing energized young adults committed to service. I am renewed by that passion."

The local organizations and governments welcomed the contributions of their youthful visitors. De Oliveira says, "They look forward to us returning next year."

Adrian Brown, a young adult who attended the voyage, planted trees in Key West, painted an Adventist primary school in Belize and conducted a vacation Bible school in Guatemala. "Cruise with a Mission was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I can't think of any way else to describe it. The praise and worship sessions, seminars and sermons were elevating. It was indeed a memorable experience."

Cruise with a Mission 2009 is open for registration. The deadline is September 2009. "Everyone needs a vacation, so why not do some extra good with it?" says De Oliveira. Learn more at www.cruisewithamission.org.

Andre Weston, intern, Office of Integrated Marketing & Communication, Andrews University