Day 01 - Southern Coast: Antalya Harbor, Roman Road

After a relaxing morning featuring a delicious Turkish breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, our group walked to the harbor of Antalya. This harbor was pivotal in the spread of the Gospel as it was a key intersection for ancient travel in the region (see Acts 14). Pastor Jesse spoke of the Great Commission of Jesus, commanding His disciples to make disciples of all nations. However, it took persecution for the early believers to move beyond Jerusalem and Jewish territory. After his miraculous conversion, the Apostle Paul, along with Barnabas and others, picked up the assignment to take the Good News of Jesus to all the world. Cities like Antalya became mission fields for the early church.

After a typical Turkish lunch of kebabs, salad, bread, and various tasty condiments, we drove to a remote site at the bottom of a mountain. There we saw various ruins built along a Roman Road. We hiked for a few minutes up the Roman Road, one which the Apostle Paul may well have traveled to go from Antalya to Antioch. We tried to imagine what it would have been like to travel mile after mile after mile in the hot wilderness but with a sincere calling to take the Gospel to places that had not yet heard of Jesus and His work of salvation. We also had a short devotional about the importance of always walking with the Lord and in the way of his commands.

Mark Shetler

Executive Pastor

River City Christian