Day 09 - Geneva: International Museum of the Reformation, Saint Peter's Cathedral Geneva, Reformation Wall

Well our Germany/Switzerland Reformation Tour is in the books! Today we wrapped up the trip by exploring Calvin's Geneva. John Calvin is the French-born reformer, who not only helped bolster the reformation in Geneva, but also served as one of the key instruments in helping influence the spread of the Reformation all over Europe and to the Americas. Today we spent some time touring St. Peter's Cathedral, the place where John Calvin preached for nearly 26 years. It was in this church that he brought depth to our understanding of the five Sola's, completed his famous "Institutes of Christian Religion," and trained up & sent out over 2,000 pastors to plant & pastor churches all over the world (including John Knox, who sparked the reformation in Scotland). 

We then walked down to the Reformation Wall; a monument that displays the 4 key reformers of Geneva (Calvin, Farel, Beze, & Knox), and also tells the story of the reformation's spread throughout the world. As we were there, Pastor JR gave us some time to reflect upon what we have learned on this trip, as well as encouraged us with three Latin phrases that were used during the reformation, and are key takeaways for us as we head home...

Post Tenebras Lux (After Darkness Light)
Ecclesia Reformata; Semper Reformanda (The Church Reformed; Always Reforming)
Cor Meum Tibi Offero, Domine, Prompte et Sincere (My heart I offer you, O Lord, Promptly and Sincerely)
The first two phrases echoed loudly throughout Europe during the reformation. The last one was personal to John Calvin. But all of them are what we are praying for in each of lives and churches as we head back home. 

It has been an incredible week. We are leaving filled up with so much encouragement (and chocolate). We've got our last team dinner tonight, and then we're up at 3:45am to head to the airport. Until next time, Semper Reformanda!