Wild and Wonderful

"I've long been a fan of Stan LeQuire and his tireless labor to bring shalom to God's wondrous yet beleaguered creation--both people and planet. With Wild and Wonderful, he and Chantelle du Plessis continue that ministry by bringing critical analysis and insight into the growing field of ecotourism and, even better, connect it to our Christian faith."

--Tom Rowley, Executive Director, A Rocha, USA



"If you are looking for ways to helpfully engage the poor of the Third World that are theologically informed, culturally sensitive, and respectfully creative, you will have to give this book two thumbs up."

--Tony Campolo, Professor Emeritus, Eastern University



"This useful book will help you plan a trip with a purpose. Highly recommended!"

--Nancy Sleeth, cofounder of Blessed Earth and author of Almost Amish



"It sounds too good to be true: economic development to reduce poverty in a way that protects the environment and respects indigenous cultures--while offering stunning experiences and spectacular sights for eco-tourists. But it is happening. This delightful, carefully researched book tells encouraging stories and offers helpful analysis on how to expand and improve this exciting, important development."

--Ronald J. Sider, Senior Distinguished Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry and Public Policy, Palmer Seminary, Eastern University



"FINALLY a significant, creative, respectful approach for short-term missions. Moves beyond charity and good feelings. Examples are powerful and compelling. A must for anyone who wants to make a difference locally or globally."

--Jo Anne Lyon, General Superintendent, The Wesleyan Church



"Travel opens the mind to perspectives and worlds beyond our own. In this wonderful new book, Stan and Chantelle show the importance of being a tourist to places beyond us for the purpose of discovering the complete beauty of God's creation. In doing this, we see the flora and fauna of different lands and we meet people who care for the beauty around them as a means to create jobs and sustainable business. In all this, we are given an exciting little volume that is a guide to create sustainable businesses and to present great places around the world where beauty is experienced."

--Dwight Gibson, Chief Explorer, The Exploration Group



"Finally, a book that combines the best of faith-based development and the respect for creation! The authors focus on community development using eco-tourism as a tool for providing economic livelihood, while at the same time sharing the local culture with those visiting the community. The real-life case studies in the book provide inspiration and practical examples of how this model can be used in various cultural settings around the world. Finally, the authors' sensitivity to participating in community development through relationships while letting the locals take the lead is what makes this book really come alive. I recommend it for all my economic development students who are looking for inspiration as well as models of the right way to do community development."

--Connie Harris Ostwald, Associate Professor of Economics & Development, Messiah College



"The world is changing. More people have the capacity to travel and short-term missions are not what they used to be. There comes a time and place when we need to step back and reflect on what we are doing and how we can do it with more honor, integrity, and power. Wild and Wonderful does just that. It takes us on a journey around the world, yet without romanticizing the travels or the people or the solutions. Based on research, Wild and Wonderful is a worthwhile read for the thoughtful, kingdom-minded person."

--Mark Russell, Chief Executive Officer, Russell Media and author of The Missional Entrepreneur



"What a great resource for adventurous tourists! LeQuire and DuPlessis make the case for supporting community-based tourism and have curated a thoughtful directory of eco-destinations. Wild and Wonderful roots the pragmatic 'where-to-go' within a larger discussion of creation care theology and short-term mission models. If you are looking to invest in a cross-cultural experience that supports local economies, empowers grassroots entrepreneurs, and helps care for the environment, Wild and Wonderful is a must-read."

--Leah Hood, ThrowingLight.com



"Whether or not you are a person of faith, Wild and Wonderful provides a wealth of information on challenges people encounter in developing communities and tourism as a vehicle for participatory development. Wild and Wonderful explores creative ways of bringing sustainable development to communities that faith-based institutions can easily adopt. The book also serves as a guide to NGO's looking to grow their portfolio of interventions, by adding responsible tourism."

--Ashwin Koleth, President, Profugo, Inc. and CEO, Cyrus-XP, LLC.



"In a world short on hope, Wild and Wonderful holds up some encouraging models of Christian businesses who are taking action in creative ways by combining community development with cultural and environmental stewardship. This book is a breath of fresh air, as well as food for thought for any relief and development worker!"

--Chad Hayward, Executive Director, Accord Network



"Are the touted benefits of ecotourism real, and therefore a development strategy worth adopting, or is eco-tourism an eco-economic alchemy that's long on hope but short on delivering solid ecological and economic benefits to individuals and communities? That's a tough question with a lot riding on it! Thankfully, in Wild and Wonderful Stan LeQuire and Chantelle du Plessis are up to the task with their research, deft insights, and practical advice relating eco-tourism to international development and poverty alleviation, creation care, and even to short-term missions."

--Chris Elisara, Founder and Director of the Center for Environmental Leadership and the Creation Care Study Program



"Here is an invitation to a wild and wonderful adventure that could change your life. I am packed and ready to go, and I bet you will be too when you finish this remarkable book. You will discover tourism with a difference that can empower our neighbors, renew God's creation, and enrich your life in ways you never imagined. Start your adventure by buying this book and then relish it with your spouse or a friend and then start praying and packing."

--Tom Sine, author of The New Conspirators



"Since all creation-care issues are by definition both local and global, this fascinating book is an important new resource. Wild and Wonderful helps Christians in North America especially, see how Christians in other lands are already taking seriously the biblical injunction to 'care for the garden.' Many Christians are concerned about missions but don't see the connection between missions and earth stewardship. For Jesus-followers who may think that Christian ecotourism is a contradiction in terms, this book will both instruct and inspire."

--Howard A. Snyder, author (with Joel Scandrett) of Salvation Means Creation Healed



"Wild and Wonderful opens a big, growing opportunity to make a difference. It's also very direct, practical, and clear."

--Bill Drayton, CEO, Ashoka: Innovators for the Public