Why StandFast?
Experience the Past
We live in a time where the wonder, value, and instruction of history is in peril. For too many people, history has become little more than “dates and dead people” with little connection or purpose to modern life. StandFast Travels exists to change that narrative through life-altering and in-person experiences with history. Reading good history is valuable – experiencing it is life-changing. We believe that history learned through travel will excite a lifelong passion for history learned through reading, sharing, and more travel. History by travel will enable us all to honor the giants on whose shoulders we stand through an accurate appreciation of what God has done in glorious days gone by. It will give us roots to live in the present and build for the future. Come with us, and discover the faith, freedom, family, fascination and food of history!
Sink Roots in the Present
When we travel to lands and places that are steeped in age, agriculture, faith, architecture, tradition, and freedom, it causes us to think about the value of building things that last. It forces us toward living in the now with the next 100 years in mind – not the next paycheck or political election. History recovered and uniquely experienced gives us the benefit of loving into fruitfulness what is right in front of us. It helps us start a family, launch a business, or nurture a plant on purpose. It helps us slow down, appreciate the wonder and beauty of God’s creation, and realize that what we are doing today is part of the same majestic tapestry of history immortalized at the battle of Bannockburn, on the fields of Lexington and Concord, and at Agincourt on St. Crispin’s Day.
Build for the Future
When we experience the past and sink roots in the present, we are actively preparing for a glorious future. We are building with one eye on what is in front of us, and the other upon the Glorious Reality that will one day descend from above, when God will dwell with us in a new heavens and a new earth. Experiencing the past gives us perspective and hope for current trials and triumphs. Sinking roots into the present helps us get right to work as co-builders with God like Nehemiah in the glorious culture work of the Great Commission, as nations are made Christ’s disciples. And in so doing, we are actively building for a day we will not see with fallen eyes, but will behold with new eyes in the New Jerusalem. This delivers us from the tyranny of the urgent into the freedom of faithful and faith-filled obedience
Tour Experience
Scotland has so much to offer – history changing heroes, close knit covenant community, momentous castles, mighty monuments to the Christian faith, delicious food and SO much more! StandFast Travels will take you through the magical hustle and bustle of Edinburgh, the old mystique and beauty of St. Andrews, the beauty of coastal towns with delicious local food, the majesty of the Highlands, Sir Walter Scott’s amazing castle home and grounds at Abbotsford and more!
Experienced Guides
Your Tour Guides
Our Guides Have Led More Than 50 Educational Group Tours!
Dr. George Grant
Ernie Yarbrough
Ernie Yarbrough is a history enthusiast who actually first traveled abroad under Dr. George Grant in 2001 – his first trip to Scotland. Since then, he has traveled to various places including Great Britain, Australia, Spain, France, Canada, Mexico, Africa and Japan. His love for the outdoors and adventure led him to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro {in Tanzania, Africa – highest free standing mountain in the world} in 2019, and Ben Nevis {in Scotland – highest peak in Great Britain} in 2022. He has led several historical trips to Scotland and is an avid lover of reading history, theology, and literature. He has a great passion to see a love for the past ignited in the hearts and minds of his generation. As a husband and father of 4, he also highly values passing on this love of history to the next generation. He is also currently involved in politics as an Alabama State House Representative and is engaged in writing his first book. As a degreed engineer, he is using his tech skills to launch the StandFast App – an app featuring the teaching resources of Dr. Grant, the entire StandFast team, and the adventures of StandFast Travel.
Our Testimonials
What Clients Say
Scotland is magical. The history of the Scottish people and the contributions they’ve made to both Christianity and modern culture is incredible. StandFast Travels does a fantastic job merging history with the impacts of the Scottish Covenanters on the Protestant faith. Tours led by Standfast allow you to explore and experience the beauty and mystery of Scotland, and bring the history of our faith alive! 5 stars.
I recently embarked on a transformative 10-day journey with StandFast Travels, a dedicated Christian group. Our travels took us through the rich landscapes of England and Scotland, where I delved deep into the history of the Scottish Reformation. The unwavering faith and immense sacrifices made by countless men during this period left an indelible mark on my heart.
Our group was led by the esteemed Dr. George Grant, whose profound knowledge and passion for the Scottish Reformation were truly inspiring. Dr. Grant’s detailed insights into the historic churches we visited in England and Scotland enriched our understanding and appreciation of the Presbyterian Church’s heritage. Each location came alive with stories of courage, faith, and resilience.
This journey was more than just a trip; it was a spiritual pilgrimage. I returned home a changed man, filled with a renewed sense of thankfulness and a stronger, deeper faith. The experience has given me a lasting appreciation for the history and culture of the Presbyterian Church and has significantly strengthened my faith.
I had read many books about Scotland, its people, its history, the role its stalwarts played in the Reformation, and had often been stirred by the courage of their faith. I was already in love with these people and the work of God among them. But going to Scotland and traveling the land, seeing the landmarks, watching the history of the books I had read come alive – it was as the dew of heaven breezing across my spirit. My very faith to see “the knowledge of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea” was stirred to greater depths, a renewed vigor, and launched my life journey into some of the most important Kingdom endeavors I have ever pursued.