USA departure

Matt. 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

When Jesus ascended into heaven and left his disciples with the Great Commission, he already knew about the need to evangelize the western hemisphere and its people, including you! Our trip to Greece is not to see how “they” lived 2000 years ago or to observe some foreign oddity.  It is dive into the experience of seeing how the early church grew and flourished in one of the most explosive times in history.  By going back to where it all started we can place in our mind’s eye the sort of landscape and environment in which the Church of Jesus Christ took hold and from where it seeded a world-wide faith, of which we are a part.  Of course, we will realize that the mission is not yet complete and by seeing where it all started, perhaps we can gain inspiration for continuing the mission in powerful ways in our own setting when we return home.

We pray:

Heavenly Father, as we begin this journey of thousands of miles, keep us ever mindful of the fact that the faith we hold dear started by bold individuals hearing your word, responding to that word, and living according to that word in the midst of a culture and society that lived countered to your Word.   Let this trip be eye-opening and faith-building as we fellowship with other Christians and give a positive witness to Jesus to non-believers and believers alike as we are guests in their country.  Keep us safe in our travels, bless us with good weather, and may our guides be led by your Holy Spirit to inspire us with their knowledge and passion for the Apostles’ work so many years ago.  We pray this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.