What’s a movie or book that inspired you to travel?
As a child, I dreamed of travelling to distant lands—probably inspired by Jules Verne, author of Around the World in Eighty Days, that classic adventure novel published in 1873. The story follows Phileas Fogg, a wealthy British gentleman, who bets £20,000 that he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days.
What an astonishing tale! Today, circling the world in eighty days is hardly a challenge, but in the 19th century it was a mission impossible—given the lack of transport networks, not to mention social and sanitary hurdles. Yet Verne’s ambition stirred in me not the sheer audacity of the bet, but the sheer conviction of proving he could achieve what others saw as impossible. I longed to attempt the seemingly impossible—not only in travel, but in my career as well.
In earlier years, I travelled abroad frequently for both training and vacation. Though I never followed Fogg’s route or timetable, those experiences proved invaluable—and surprisingly beneficial to my professional growth.
Over time, my purpose shifted. I travel mainly for family reunions—and for sacred pilgrimage. What truly moves me to pack my bags now is the Bible: visiting the historical footprints of Christ’s ministry, and the places where Paul first planted churches. Scripture inspires my mind, but walking on those lands deepens my reverent awe and turns my reading into living praise. When I stand there, I feel the joy of walking with the Lord—the joy of being, as it were, Paul’s coworker in building Christ’s church.
On that note, I’d like to share this poem—the seed of my imagination when I first pictured the holy land. May it bring you joy, and a longing to seek Him.
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✨ Pilgrimage ✨
Jerusalem! O Jerusalem! Let thy kingdom be raised!
King of kings, Lord of lords, enthroned on Zion’s height—
Let peoples come to worship; the faithful, the just,
and all who have found mercy—let them draw near.
Let thy name cover the earth; let every tongue and tribe
be hallowed in thy name.
Let thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven—
and I shall dwell in thy house, forever and ever.
en yan hua fang 