The one who brings us true life

After spending the night in Konya, we left and recognized the anniversary of the Republic of Turkey “Happy Republic Day”!  After boarding the bus for Pisidian Antioch, Ozan gave us a comprehensive history lesson of the country of Turkey which spanned the last 10,000 years until present. 

Eric further emphasized that from the beginning of time man has constantly tried to get to God. We have not gotten to God - He has gotten to us. The gospel is the good news of what God has done in Christ to redeem man to himself and to one another. There is nobody for whom the gospel is not suited!

Mark K. spoke next and covered Acts 13 (1st part) and explained that we are on a journey to the divine.  When we can’t reach the divine we settle for second best, which is often ourselves and that always leads to disappointment. 

We pulled into Pisidia Antioch, once a thriving community and major hub of the gospel. We walked through the ancient ruins of the Roman city of Pisidia Antioch. We walked the ancient streets and learned about the Roman culture, how the city was built and how it operated. Rome imposed itself as the supreme authority in all of its cities. 

After touring the ruins, we went to St. Paul’s Church and heard Mark preach the second half of Acts 13, followed by Marty leading us in a hymn. We learned that the Roman way of life was all about making a name for yourself and furthermore Paul teaches us that only death can bring us to the one who brings us true life. 

Next we had a picnic lunch of Delicious Turkish pizza and boarded the bus to Pamukkale. We stopped along the way at Egirdir Lake which is the largest fresh water lake in Turkey. Next we stopped Colassae and Kim taught on Paul’s letter to the Colossians in the beautiful valley of Colassae surrounded by fruit trees.  We learned that the apostle Paul suffered greatly, yet he wrote these letters of encouragement. suffering connects us and we must be willing to suffer.

We ended the day arriving in Pamukkale, eating a good meal and enjoying fellowship with friends.

Dan George – Tyler, TX