Day 06 - Pergamum, Rug Factory, Evening Cruise on the Aegean

We started the day with a devotional on Ephesians 2 about how Jesus has healed us of our sinful nature. Then, still in the shadow of the great ancient city of Pergamum, we visited the Healing Center of Asclepion which was named after Asclepius, the hero god of medicine. People coming to the facility ‘qualified’ to enter by carrying a large stone around a circle at the entrance to show they had the potential for healing. Those accepted would walk through tunnels with peaceful running water and whispers through windows in the tunnels of their coming healing. The water coming from a spring is believed to have healing power.

I thought of how wonderful it is that as believers in Jesus Christ we have been healed for eternity despite any minor setbacks we may have here on earth. There is qualification test and no whisper in the dark of future healing, the healing is done for eternity. Eternity is better than anything available to us on earth.

Next we visited a Rug Factory. There are rugs made in the factory but many come from 180 different villages in the surrounding area. All materials used are natural and the rugs are made in the traditional way. There are over 20 different plants used for dyes. Wool is spun and dyed on site and they raise their own silk worms to produce silk from the cocoons in the factory. The rugs are beautiful with some taking 2 people up to 18 months to make or 12 people 3 months to make. The silk is so fine and difficult with the tiny knots needed that a person can only work on the rug 2 hours a day. The rug designs and softness is incredible.

We then headed off to Ephesus to visit the Ephesus Museum which holds many of the artifacts from the sites we will visit tomorrow. Then a quick stop at the hotel to unload and we were off for an evening cruise on the Aegean Sea.

The evening boat ride was relaxing and fun. We heard about how Paul had passed through these very waters several times. Then it was time to enjoy the sunset which we got to see twice through the deft maneuvering of our good Captain.

Another great day has come to a close in beautiful Turkey.

Daryl Hoffman