Day 02 - Central Turkey: Pisidian Antioch

After our breakfast we headed to the bus, then to our destination: Lake Egirdir (Lake District). It was a nice ride, during which our guide Gokhan shared with us information regarding Turkey’s role in this region of the world, their membership in NATO and the symbols on their national flag. Turkey is a country with proud citizens who hold their flag in high esteem. They have the strongest military in the region and only second to the U.S. in NATO power. As we drove past a military base, we were given insight into the military and their motto: “Peace at home, Peace in the World”.  On the mountain overlooking the base were forged the words in Turkish, “Strong…Brave…Ready”.

As we traveled through the mountains we approached a panoramic view of Lake Egirdir. It was beautiful. It is the 4th largest lake in Turkey and 2nd largest freshwater lake stretching 482 kilometers (299.5 miles). This is where we had our devotion, led by Ella Hammond.

“God is in the long game!" (referring to 2 Peter 3:8-9 and Gal 4:4-5). When we see God working in only 2 or 3 things, our reminder is that He is always working in a 1,000 more ways we cannot see. As God aligned the unification of the Greek language and the development of the Roman roads to spread the gospel, the question to ask ourselves is: "Since He was able to align those events, how is He able to do so in my life?” We were blessed by the message and closed our time with worship led by Brantley.

Pisidian Antioch Antioch was our next destination. It was a beautiful sight to see God’s creation: mountains, rolling hills, various rock formations and green pastures of farm land, apple orchards abound (Land of the Apple), farm land and roadside billy goats and sheep. Turkey is a beautiful country!

We arrived in Pisidian Antioch and disembarked the bus to hike along the ancient roads and hillsides. The weather became windy and cloudy but we persevered. As we walked and observed the various ruins, we learned of the Roman influence with P. Antioch as the center of the “Roman Road.” Soon the weather changed to rain and we huddled in a straight line along an ancient wall for further teaching. 

Ty brought home the life of early NT church. Faced with the heavy influence and allure of the Roman culture as well as the impact of the various gods, Paul preached Acts 13: 13-41. We unpacked the influence of the Emperor Augustus and various gods on the listeners as well as the Jewish perspective when hearing Paul’s words. The boldness and courage of Paul and Barnabas was eye-opening! Not to mention the cost of the NT church to follow Jesus. 

We were blessed by Alex’s sermon on Acts 13 while seated in ruins that once housed a possible synagogue and a NT church. We considered Paul and his ability to meet others on common ground (Acts 13:13-22) This caused us to reflect: "Do we do as such, when sharing the gospel?" Acts13:24-31 culminated in Jesus. Again, as the hearers missed Jesus, do I when reading the scriptures? So many nuggets to hold on to.

Lunch was delicious then we had a rest and fellowship at a roadside market/food stand. Ty again shared with us. The question was, "Why were the Jews so upset in Acts 13?" We unpacked scripture. The  introduction of Timothy in Paul’s life/mission was discussed and again we reflected on how all these events speak to our lives today. Weather was clear and we were off to the next destination, our hotel!  

Dinner this evening was superb!  A few people met others who were from Georgia (USA) on a similar tour; others enjoyed the spa, swimming and relaxing. Another blessed day is done.