Day 01 - Southern Coast: Antalya Harbor, Antalya Museum, Perga

Seated by the windows overlooking the Mediterranean was the setting for our breakfast today. A delicious buffet of cheeses, fruits, veggies and pastries along with the standard fare of eggs, meats and pancakes filled us ready for a day of teaching and learning.

We opened our morning reading Psalm 1 and were encouraged to do as the writer stated….Psalm 1:2 “but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates it day and night." As we experience the sights; community, tastes and learning let us ask God to shape our hearts and give us a yearning to delight/meditate and settle on God’s word.

We walked the city streets to the rocky coastline of Antalya to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, water and weather. The city of Antalya is a leading city of present day Turkey.  Seated at the coastline was where we opened the book of Acts. We were reminded that God’s presence is everywhere and He was and is at work, whether in OT times, NT times and today. Thus, we  should prepare our hearts to share the Gospel with others.

In the fullness of time, roads were developed; a unified language of Greek was in place; and, the persecution of the early church all occurred to pave the way for the Gospel to spread. The message that God is still moving, seeking, and inviting to respond to HIm. We should keep in mind that opportunity often comes with opposition which should emboldened me/us!

As we traversed the city streets of Antalya, we visited the Antalya Museum. This is where we learned of the history of the region, pagan gods and their heavy influence on worldview, day to day life and civilizations. We came face to face to the variation of gods and how they impacted the early church.

Perga was next on our journey. We viewed ruins, the intricate details, master planning of the city, stadium and the ongoing excavations taking place even today.  

Weather today was hot while walking through the ruins.

The bus ride through the mountains provided for a beautiful peek into the landscape of Turkey. Food continues to be plentiful and delicious. We arrived in Isparta and closed the evening with another wonderful dinner.