Blanche Phifer ??? New York City:  "I, for one, wish it didn't end.  I am back to reality but with a heart full of great memories and joyous times.  I am truly grateful to God for each and every one of you because I can say I walked away a different person just from coming into contact with you. " 

October 30, 2006 we departed from Rome, Italy traveling by boat for the next eleven days to the cities of Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and Athens, Greece; Istanbul and Ephesus, Turkey; as well as Naples and Pompeii, Italy.  A few of these cities were visited by Paul, John or other apostles and early disciples.  Our accommodations were considerably better than Paul???s yet our appreciation for the physical challenges of the terrain he walked and the temperamental sea he crossed are forever heightened.

Jane Martinez ??? Chicago, Illinois:  ???This is more than an excursion.  From being here I can see that God has given me a great service as a disciple.  He has a reason for me to be here.???  

Georgette Massarella??? New York City:  ???It was thrilling to walk where Paul walked and to think, I almost did not come.??? 

During our time at sea we studied the book of Acts, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Romans.  Roger and I and Bill and Sally Hooper led the classes and devotionals.  We gained new insights into the early cultures of these cities and the men and women who heard Peter, Paul, John, Timothy and others preach the Gospel.  After deeper study and seeing these places with our own eyes, we are inspired to have greater faith in a mighty God. 

Anna Ardine ??? Pittsburg, Pennsylvania:  "As I reflect on the memories of the past two weeks, the ones that I will cherish the most are those times that we spent together looking into the Word and exploring this world that the Lord has given us!"

Linda Stephens ??? Long Beach, California:  "Thank you for all the lessons and insight, the way you made me see things in the Bible in a different way.  You have really helped me structure my quiet times more effectively."

Walking through the streets of Ephesus, the Acropolis of Athens and the many venues where Paul spoke helped me to imagine how intimidating it was to be bold for Christ in such pagan cities.  It was obvious that the builders of these ancient, amazing buildings were brilliant and driven.  Monstrous edifices, temples and statues lining the city walks boasted of man???s accomplishments and desire to be immortal.  Yet the multiple scattered remains of temples to man-made gods and goddesses, feared and worshipped in desperation, stand empty.  No wonder the first three of the 10 Commandments have to do with worshipping the true God and not substitutes.

These societies were also known to be competitive, arrogant, sensual and worldly. In many ways they were much like our world today.  Knowing Paul walked into the city of Athens (Acts 17:16) alone, faced life-threatening mobs in many places and yet still spoke boldly of God challenged us to be bolder to love and share the gospel.  

No matter how difficult the situation, God compassionately wanted pagan gentiles to know forgiveness and faith too.   

   ??????I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 'Now get up and stand on your feet[Paul]. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'  Acts 26:15 ??? 18

Art and Cynthia Wong ??? Honolulu, Hawaii:  To be where Paul went and preached was so inspirational, PLUS, to have different conversations and connections with each one of you made our trip so very special!

Anna Ardine ??? Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:  Although life is back in full swing for me as promised, the trip has restored my zeal to bring the inspiration of the gospel to those I meet.  Although I would love to go back and spend more time in Italy, Greece and Turkey (and beyond!), I know the Lord has a purpose and plans for me right here in Pittsburgh!

Responding to the question, ???What was the highlight of the trip for you????  the "steppers" unanimously answered, ???The Love Feast with the Istanbul Church???. 

On a snowy Saturday we arrived in Istanbul, Turkey and were greeted by several disciples of Christ from the Istanbul Church and you could sense the immediate bond of the Spirit among disciples from totally different cultures.  They escorted us around the sites of this amazing city of 12 million souls, 99% of whom are Muslim.  We toured the Hagia Sophia, a Christian church built in 537 AD.  Our brothers and sisters helped us bargain at some of the 4,000 shops in the Grand Bazaar.  But the highlight was truly our first century love feast and communion together.  Sitting on pillows on the floor around low tables in true Middle Eastern style, sharing fellowship, food and the Lord???s Supper left an eternal imprint on our hearts.

Though other passengers on the ship were a bit discouraged by the cool air and lack of sunshine, the disciples found renewal in our daily ???Acts 2??? relationships.  We ???ate together with glad and sincere hearts??? as well as prayed, sang, discipled and encouraged one another.    

Nancy Adams ??? Savannah, Georgia:  It was definitely hard to leave the incredible adventure that God allowed us all to experience.  I am grateful for the family that was formed during the two weeks we had together and will cherish the memories for a lifetime!

My heart is filled with love and gratitude for the Lambs and Hoopers for the all of the love and effort that was poured into this trip and to each one of us individually.  I can't thank you all enough for the way that God used you to help each one of to grow in our own individual ways.  It truly was a life changing experience that I hope will bring glory to God in all that we do! 

Congratulations to Bill and Sally Hooper who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in Istanbul!  Bill is an elder in the Dallas Ft. Worth Church of Christ.