No exact figures exist on the increase in volunteer vacations -- also referred to as "volunteerism." But all evidence points to the popularity of the trips skyrocketing, particularly among baby boomers and empty nesters.

The Powells, who have seven grown children, make at least one trip a year for a few weeks up to a month. "These trips are exhausting, and can be emotionally and physically taxing. But the rewards are incredible. We literally have met and worked with hundreds of people, from Peru to Nigeria," said Gerry Powell.

"My children have learned that when we plan for an 'educational experience,' it will be to help build cabinets in Nigeria or a roof in the Ivory Coast," said Sylvia Powell.

One year the Powells traveled to an exotic South Pacific island paradise to attend a ceremony that celebrated the completion of the New Testament in the Arosi language. Once there, they experienced a celebration that was years in the making; an event that transcended any vacation.

Baby boomers and empty nesters have come to the point in their lives where they think less about keeping up with their neighbors and friends by accumulating more material things and have begun pondering more about how to enrich to their lives and the lives of others. TIME magazine reported that boomers volunteer at a rate of 33 percent, contrasted with 24 percent for those 65 and older. Last year, 65.4 million people did volunteer work, but 75 million volunteers will be needed in 2010, the magazine reported.

Airlines have recognized this and advertise special rates and packages for "religious" travel.

Wycliffe Associates has recognized this as well. As hundreds of thousands of new volunteer missionaries rise from the ranks of retired baby boomers, they will challenge the status quo of missions and how organizations will respond to them. Wycliffe Associates says it is positioned to usher in a new era of Christian service in missions by involving thousands of boomers in the acceleration of Bible translation worldwide.