Day 06 - West Central Turkey: Sardis, Pergamum

The day literally started with a bang or a jolt! At 12:05am, a 5.1 earthquake gave many of us a not-so-gentle wake-up call. After so many references to earthquakes during this tour, it felt like we finally got our own “tremor cameo.” A little taste of California life abroad; oddly comforting for some of us feeling homesick!

Our first adventure of the day took us to the ancient ruins of Sardis. Once a major city, Sardis was home to what is now the largest synagogue discovered from antiquity, able to hold over 1,000 worshippers. We learned that over 20,000 Jews displaced by the Byzantine Empire settled here, renown for their intelligence, education, and multilingual skills. This tied beautifully into our ongoing study of Esther and a reminder that God's people have endured and thrived even in exile. It’s even likely that King Xerxes himself passed through Sardis, as it was a predominate stop along the Royal Road.

At the site, Pastor Jesse shared from Revelation 3:1–6, the letter to the church in Sardis. On the outside, the church looked vibrant but spiritually, it was dead. Whether due to distraction, nostalgia for “the good old days,” or a lukewarm faith, Jesus called them to wake up. Pastor Jesse encouraged us to reflect on any areas in our own walk where we may have drifted and to return to our first love. He also reminded those among us who have felt displaced that God sees the faithful few (Rev 3:4–5).

We ended the day on a high note (quite literally) by taking a gondola up 1,000 feet to Pergamon/Pergamum, another of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelation. It was quite the ride (don’t look down!). Pastor Mark led us through Revelation 2:12–17, a tough but important message. Pergamon was called the place “where Satan dwells,” and with 13 pagan temples discovered in the city, it’s easy to see why. Pastor Mark reminded us that even in places of deep spiritual darkness, Christ’s invitation to repent remains open. Revelation 2:16–17 urges us to not just hear God’s Word but to respond and that those who do will be known, restored, and blessed.

Elyse Jarvis