Starting out

Good evening from Turkey!

After a long 24 hours of travel we arrived safely in Antalya last night and got some much needed rest - grateful for smooth and safe travels.

The next morning we started our tour by learning about Paul and his first missionary journey at the port of Attalia. We then were introduced to the basics of Roman religion and emperors at the tremendous Antalya museum. We then made our way to Aspendos where we got to behold the most complete and well-preserved Roman-era theatre in antiquity. While there, we discussed the Gospel of the World and how it woos our hearts and changes our thinking. After a delightful lunch on the river, our final stop of the day was the Roman city of Perga where Paul stopped on his first missionary journey. We concluded the day talking about the Gospel of the Kingdom and how what God has made available in Jesus offers us a new way to be human. After a long drive to the west, we are staying the night In Pamukkale where we will start our day tomorrow.

Today was a foundational day. We devoted much of our time and discussion learning about the building blocks of culture in the 1sr century. Hopefully we will learn some principles along the way that will help us navigate how to be faithful to Jesus in a world that cares not for him.

We are all in good spirits and feeling well! Thank you for your prayers. More tomorrow!

Matt