TREKKERS' GUIDE CHALLENGES TRAVELERS TO "ULTIMATE ADVENTURE"

WORLD TRAVELERS ARE being offered a different guide of "guide book" by Christians reaching out to the backpacking community.

Ultimate Adventures challenges young people who have decided to take time off to go and tour other countries to stop looking around them for a moment and take a closer look inside.

Originally produced in New Zealand, the 16-page booklet - believed to be the first of its kind designed specifically for the growing backpacking population - has also been distributed in Canada, the United States and Germany in recent months.

It was the brainchild of George Probek, founder of Youth With A Mission's Backpackers for Jesus ministry which was established to encourage churches in New Zealand and other countries popular with trekkers and travelers to reach out to the young people passing through.

"Part of the traveler culture is to pick and read brochures and magazines and read them as you go. Backpackers read a lot of stuff - they are looking for something new, exciting. Unfortunately most of the stuff they read is novels, science fiction, romance - almost anything but Christian material.

"Most have probably never read a testimony from a Christian who can identify with their culture and desire for international travel adventure. There are scores of books, magazines and guides available to help these travelers plan what to do and where to go, but nothing that challenges them to seek God and discover the 'ultimate adventure'."

Featuring articles about the experiences of several of Probek's co-workers at a Christian coffee house for travelers in Kaikoura, Ultimate Adventures challenges readers that "a true adventurer is ready to take new risks and go where few people dare... read the stories here, then decide... you may embark on an adventure you never thought could be possible".

Among the stories told is that of a former British soldier who traveled throughout Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia, but who came to realize that despite "fantastic experiences", he was "still somewhat empty for a more real hunger to find the real me".

Ultimate Adventures is being distributed through Christian-run hostels, and by individuals as they travel. The magazine has no reply address because the producers "are still backpackers and on the move with no fixed address" - but readers are told they can talk to God "any time, anywhere".

Currently back in his native Canada, Probek - who has personally clocked around 150,000 miles in more than a decade's wandering - said that backpackers, many of whom are university students, are often "very open to new ideas and spiritual values", though may have little experience of the traditional church.

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