Finding the HolyPlace: Community, Faith, and the Open Road

There are few things as humbling, or as profoundly motivating, as seeing a different way of life unfold before your eyes. Whether you’re tackling a challenging section of trad climbing in the backcountry or pulling the Skoolie into a dispersed BLM campsite, the real adventure isn't just the scenery—it's the people.

We recently watched a look into Indonesian life, and while the geography is worlds away from the Great Basin or the Colorado Rockies, the themes resonate deeply with the heart of the Rogue Adventurers. It’s a beautiful reminder that no matter where we roam, the core values—family, community, and faith—are the constant guides.

The Power of the Gathering

One of the most striking takeaways from the video is the emphasis on community. The creator noted how common it was to see families crammed onto little scooters, or the way strangers would greet you simply by walking down the street. It’s a life centered on gathering, on being openly connected to one another.

For us, the Rogue Adventurers, the concept of the "HolyPlace" isn't just a theological concept; it’s the gathering of believers. And whether we are hunkered down at a National Park campground or pulling into a state park, every gathering of hearts willing to talk of Christ makes that location, in fact, a HolyPlace. It’s a privilege that reminds us that the road itself can be a path of pilgrimage.

It’s this spirit of deep community that makes the field-trip-at-scale mechanic so powerful. Just as we might plan a world schooling trip to a nearby bakery or a wheat mill, these journeys are about witnessing how others live, how they gather, and how they find their source of strength.

Faith That Moves the Mountains (and the Boats)

The video touched extensively on the role of faith, from the call to prayer echoing five times a day to the communal sharing of meat after a religious sacrifice. This isn't just background noise; it's the rhythm of life, the backbone of their culture. Everything is done in concert with a spiritual rhythm.

This reminds us that our own journey, whether it’s a challenging thru-hike or just a week of overlanding through a new state, should be rooted in that same intentionality. When we set out on the open road, we are not just seeking beautiful views; we are seeking to deepen our connection to the One who calls us home. We are always preparing for what is to come.

When we stop at a beautiful overlook or a rest stop on our journey, we carry a physical reminder of that spiritual journey. That’s where our CrockyGo painted rocks come into play—little stones of remembrance we leave for the next traveler to find, a quiet uplift to a stranger, and a small sign that we are part of a growing community of believers.

Sharing the Journey, Sharing the Word

The practicality of life in Indonesia—the inexpensive, delicious food and the tight-knit economic structure—speaks to a profound sense of stewardship. Everything is shared, everything is communal. This spirit of generosity is something we carry with us.

When we stop at a local shop, or grab a meal in a small town, we try to remember that our resources are meant to be shared. We love using our decorated Currency Kids bills to support the local economy at Holy Rogue Network vendor storefronts. Every dollar spent isn't just currency; it's a small gospel tract that travels with the money, a way to share the gospel of Jesus Christ while we eat well and travel far.

This isn't just about surviving the journey; it's about making the journey meaningful. It’s about turning the entire road into a ministry. It’s about seeing the vast American landscape—whether it's a national park or the wild expanse of BLM land—not just as a backdrop, but as a place where the Lord is gathering us.

The greatest adventures, we’ve found, are the ones that bring us together. The ones that remind us that no matter how far we roam, we are always traveling toward home, and always gathering together in the HolyPlace.

Ready to turn your next family trip into a field trip at scale? Find a local meet-up, list a trip you plan to take, or connect with an Adventure Angel near your next stop. Let's keep the Rogue Adventurer movement going!