I had the opportunity to go on a school trip to Greece and Turkey and walk in the footsteps of the apostle Paul. This trip (which felt more like a tour, because there was a lot of bus riding 🚎 and bathroom breaks) consisted of 3 professors, and 31 college students ranging from Gen Z to Baby Boomers. Some students were undergrads, some were graduate students, and some were even postgraduate students.  Some students were in church ministry, some were in the military, and some were in the fields of business, administration, and social work, while others were still figuring it out. Looking back on it, we were all so different, but in a good way, or should I say, “God-way.”

We all brought unique ideas and thoughts to the table because of our different backgrounds, denominations, ethnicities, careers, degrees/majors, and personal interests. But the one thing we shared in common was our belief in Jesus Christ. It was beautiful to see Christians of different denominations, personal differences, and interests come together and tour the beautiful countries of Greece and Turkey.

The only way I can describe this opportunity is life changing. I describe it as life-changing because even in another time zone, hemisphere, and culture, God continued to reveal himself in a personal and intimate way to me.

I was around new people, new Christians, and a new culture. This is a lot of “newness” happening at one time. This trip could have been awkward, weird, and uncomfortable, but instead, it was a breath of fresh air. The connections and bonds that were made on this trip revealed to me the kindness and sweetness of God. For me, being thousands of miles away from home, God knew exactly what I needed. He knew I needed comfort, ease, peace, and protection, and I found these things in this group of Christians.

I could go on and on about the encounters that I had with the people on this trip because there were so many rich and faith-filled conversations. However, there are three things that I want to share with you that I think would encourage, challenge, and comfort you in your walk with Christ.  

1. Cultures are different, but humanity is the same.

Greece and Turkey are totally different from American culture, however, people are people no matter where you go. No matter what culture you find yourself in, you will always experience and encounter people who are hurting, searching, and ultimately broken. Although cultures and customs are different, every soul is longing for peace and rest, which can only be found in the Savior.

2. Paul wrote to real people.

When we read the letters of Paul, it can be easy to forget that Paul wrote to a real group of Christians. When we visited Corinth, the letters that First and Second Corinthians are written to, our tour guide told us that Corinth was filled with promiscuity, sexual sin, and perversion. We read in the books of Corinthians that the Christians of Corinth were battling with sexual sin and promiscuity (1 Cor. 6:12-20). The tour guide was not telling us this from a Christian or faith-based point of view. The tour guide gave us historical facts about the people of Corinth that aligned with what Paul wrote. When we visited the city of Ephesus, the letter that Ephesians is written to, our tour guide gave us facts about the history of Ephesus, and this also aligned with what Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians. I say this to encourage Christians to remember that when Paul wrote his letters, he was writing to a real city, a real culture, and a real church.

3. You have Christian brothers and sisters all around the world.

While we were in Greece, our professors had specific service opportunities for us. We connected and served with Christian ministries that are fighting against sex trafficking, supporting and loving refugees, and also giving hope to the hopeless. These opportunities opened my eyes to the ministry that other Christians are doing around the world. These opportunities opened my eyes to see that there are Christians, just like me , all over the world who are suffering for the sake of Christ, dying to their flesh daily, and dedicated to serving and loving their community. I want to encourage and challenge you to be confident and assured that you are not alone or the “only one” pursuing the things of God. There are Christians in every continent, every country, every state, and every city who are walking their faith out too. You are not alone; you are doing your part right where God has you and so are they.  

My hope is that this blog gave you insight into my life-changing trip to Greece and Turkey. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to engage with Christ, culture, and theology in a new way. I am blessed to say that I had an opportunity like this, and through this, I continuously see the goodness and kindness of God.