CENTRE — Travel is a part of our culture, and every summer legions of vacationers trek to beaches, mountains, or islands for relaxation.

Others, though, travel with a more spiritual purpose, sacrificing life's comforts to spread the Christian doctrine as a missionary. Now there is a trip that combines the ease of a vacation and the purpose of a mission, and a Cherokee County football legend is taking part.

In what is billed as the world's largest mission trip, Praisefest Ministries has organized Cruise with a Cause, a hybrid cruise vacation-mission trip. The nondenominational ministry has already conducted three trips -- one to Freeport and two to Nassau -- and claims on their website some impressive results: 18,000 decisions for Christ, 50,000 students provided with toys and supplies, and thousands of Christians who have participated in foreign missions for the first time.

One of the speakers on board the next cruise is Cherokee County's own Martin Houston. Houston, 40, was a Cherokee County High School all-state football standout who went on to play fullback on the University of Alabama's 1992 national title team.

Known as much for his smiling, easy-going demeanor as his teeth-rattling short-yardage blasts and weight room prowess, Houston became involved in ministry even before his playing days concluded, serving as president of the university chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Subsequently, Houston, who resides in Tuscaloosa, has spent most of his post-pigskin life in the ministry and public speaking. He recently launched www.martinhouston.org and plans to open a new church, Catalyst Community Church, in Tuscaloosa next Easter.

Martin is not just one of the cruise's speakers. He also serves as large group coordinator, public relations director, and as a member of the executive Board of Directors for Praisefest Ministries. Houston, who also participated in the other three cruises, is understandably elated about cruise ministry.

“It is one of the most exciting things I have ever been involved with,” he said. “It is not only the world's largest mission trip, but it brings together the most diverse line up of Christian artists and speakers ever assembled.

Houston said past cruises have featured 26 denominations from every state in the union.

Praisefest's next Cruise with a Cause is May 30-June 4, 2011 on the Carnival Cruise Ship “Destiny”, sailing from Miami to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“The Cruise with a Cause is the perfect combination of a cruise vacation, Christian conference and a mission trip,” said Matthew Dunaway, president of Praisefest Ministries. “You will enjoy all of the food and fun that comes with an all-inclusive cruise. On board the ship, you can choose to be a part of more than 50 concerts and conferences throughout the week.”

When the shipload of Christians disembarks at Montego Bay, the real mission begins.

“The Jamaican government has extended to us the opportunity to send teams into over 230 schools to share the Gospel with more than 133,000 students,” Dunaway said.

“If you are a pastor, student leader, leader of any kind within your church or an up-and-coming artist, we need you,” Dunaway said.

“It's a family friendly cruise,” Houston said. “Anyone and everyone is invited. A family of four can travel for what a normal family missions costs, and groups of 20 or more receive a 20 percent discount.”

Any church or group interested in inviting Houston to speak or to answer questions about the ministry cruise may send e-mail to martin@martinhouston.org or call 205-826-1381.