Weekend Wedding

Well this weekend my dad and his long time girlfriend, Susie, tied the knot!! Finally, after 17 years of dating they decided to get married. Ben and I headed to Huntsville on Thursday to help get things ready for the wedding. We spent most of the day Friday decorating and getting prepared. And at 4:00 Friday afternoon we walked down the aisle to stand with Dad and Susie as they got married. It was a lot of fun. We got to see a lot of people we hadn't seen in a long time, including most of my dad's family who I haven't seen in years. Here are a few pics from the wedding. We didn't take many, but we should have more once the photographer gets the real pictures posted. 

Isn't my hubby handsome :) He cleans up real nice!

Ben and I before the wedding...looks like we are going to prom right? 

Dad and Susie leaving the wedding. Don't they look beautiful (well at least Susie :))

My brother, the cousins, and me!! Having a little after wedding celebration. 

Missing our nephew and niece!

Here are some pics of the new nephew. We are sad that we haven't been able to meet him in person yet, but hopefully we will soon. We love you ER Grant and we love you too Macy Moo!!

I can't believe Lyndsey put him in an OSU blanket??!!

What a face!

Looking alert. And so handsome!

some added pics

We have made it home and slept most of a day, it was the Sabbath so I think G-d understands.  There were days where we couldn't upload our pics, so here are some of the ones that should have made it.

Brooke and I above the hot springs of Hieropolis.

Scott is taking his Jamie King Picture, if you don't know, ask.

Here we are in the school in Kayali, where we visited.

Here is the lunch they made for us, all from things they grew in the village.

Almost Home!!

We are sitting in the Chicago airport waiting for our flight home to San Antonio at 8:20pm. We had a little scare this morning when we left. We woke up at 2:50am Turkey time (7:50pm Texas Time) hopped on the bus for an hour bus ride to this tiny little airport. We were scheduled on a 6:45am flight to istanbul. Well, when we got to the airport there was no plane at the gate. They weren't even sure that we would have a plane in time for us to make our connection in Istanbul. While this might seem like a minor diversion, the reality is that Turkish air only flies to the US three days a week and has only one flight on each of those dates. So if we had missed our flight this morning, we would have been stuck in Kayseri until Monday. Needless to say, we were all a little panicked. Fortunately, we boarded our flight at 8:40am and got to Istanbul on time. We were running through the airport to make our next flight, but we made it...it helps that we are used to hiking and running hard. So after going through 7 security checks (and i am not exaggerating) we got on our plane. Thirteen hours later we arrived in Chicago. 

Ben and I slept about 45 minutes each, so not much. I watched 4 movies, responded to countless emails, read 3 articles for school, and read the Text. So at least the plane ride was productive. We are definitely looking forward to a good night's sleep tonight. It will be nice to be in our own bed, with our puppies, and all that comes with being at home. Our experience in Israel and Turkey was amazingly indescribable, but we are so happy to be back on American soil. It is nice to go into the public restrooms and know that you won't have to fight for a "sitter." In Turkey, most of the toilets are glorified holes in the ground. They are ceramic basins in the floor that you squat over (that is why we have lovingly dubbed them "squatters"). Why they are like this, I have know idea, must be a cultural thing. Plus they smell really bad!! I never thought I would be so thankful for an airport bathroom. Anywho, we will be home soon. Thanks again for being loyal readers and commenters. You have blessed us beyond what we could have imagined. We can't wait to share with each of you. 

Today began walking in the footsteps of Paul.  We walked through the mountains of Galatia, which are amazingly beautiful, tracing closely the road that Paul would have taken on his missionary journeys when going from Antioch to Lystra.  After a couple miles we came to a sheep pen.  A stone walled, timber roof with mud and straw, pen where they still keep sheep at certain times of the year.  We did not see any sheep while we were there but they were nice enough to leave their scent.  It was dirty and wet, since it had rained the night before.  It was not the kind of place you wanted to crawl into, but crawl we did.  You realize that where Jesus was born was no great place and was definitely not a place anyone I know would want to have a baby.  But that is not the most amazing part, the most incredible piece is that Jesus gave up heaven to be born in a water trough in a place that reeked of urine and feces in the shadow of the greatest palace in the roman empire.  That to me is humbling, how often are we willing to even give up our air-conditioning to go out and help someone in their yard?  It is hard for me to even fathom the sacrifice it took just to leave heaven and come down here.  I wonder what we are willing to sacrifice to bring the Kingdom of Heaven?

 

As we continued on in our walk we came to a small village of not more than 200 people, named Kayali.  As we walked down the street we came to an old building made of concrete, which they were using for a school.  The mayor came out of the school, along with the teacher and they invited us in.  the kids were moved out of the classroom and we were brought in and served an amazing lunch from only things they had grown in the village.  It could even mean that some of them went hungry tonight so that we might eat and be shown the hospitality of the village.  It was an amazing place.  Fifteen to twenty small children smiling and waving at us as we entered their school, that they were so proud of.  Think of it, we brought fifty people into a town of two hundred, we were one fifth of the town at that point and they were thrilled that we would honor them by coming to their village..  I wonder what would happen if fifty Muslims walked into my neighborhood?  How would we greet them?  Would we send our children to welcome them?  Today, in us Jesus came to a little village in Turkey named Kayali.  Where will he show up next?

 

Last we traveled to the city of Lystra, there is not much to see as it is unexcavated, but powerful nonetheless.  There was a young boy from Lystra, one who was born out of wedlock between a Jewish woman and a pagan man.  The Text says that these people, called mumzers, cannot enter the temple of G-d, go to synagogue, be schooled, go to weddings or funerals, they were completely outcast even to the tenth generation.  These kids new brokenness, but a man named Paul comes through, and now he is looking for disciples.  He leaves with a young boy named Timothy, a mumzer.  The most powerful moment were the stories of those in the group who shared similar stories.  To know that our G-d is one that loves the unloved and the outcasts of the world.  That he often chooses the most unlikely of people to be the ones to bring shalom.  Look again at how Paul addresses Timothy in his epistles, My son, this is huge for a boy who has had no father.  In Jesus we all are one, even those who feel as though there is no way anyone could love them.  How big is our G-d?  

 

Bless G-d for his great goodness, and his love that endures forever.

 

Tben

Antioch

Today we walked in Saul/Paul's footsteps.  There were some amazing things, especially what Saul says in Acts 13 when he enters the synagogue at Antioch.  He was brilliant in the way he used text and culture, blending them together to really put the people of the city into a place where they have to believe.  Look at the passage and see what you think.  Pay special attention to why the Jews are angry with Saul and Barnabas.  It is an amazing way to speak to people in order to tell them about Jesus.

Next we talked about how during Caesar's coronation he would come down from Capitoline Hill and prisoners would be lined up.  As Caesar walked down the line he would say to some death, and to some, life.  Thus showing that it was Caesar who has the power of life and death.  But who really has the power of life and death?  Anyone could kill another person with the right motivation, but Jesus laid his own life down, that others may live.  Not only did he lay it down but he was able to take it up again.  That is power over life and death.  Caesar may take your life, but Jesus can raise you from the dead.

Last we tried to hike to the top of the mountain, but after several miles we were turned back by the rain.  We were forced to come to the hotel and do our study.  For the first time on this trip, I was disappointed in how we behaved.  We were given the opportunity to have coffee while we listened to the lesson.  You would have thought we hadn't even started the trip, we were up giggling and talking.  It took 15 minutes to get settled down, and then we were still talking the entire time RVL was teaching.  We instantly turned back into the people we had been before this trip, and it broke my heart.  I realize it seems like a small thing, but the ideas of hellenism are so ingrained in who we are that we can't even recognize them most of the time.  We don't think in terms of the group, we think in terms of the self.  Even the pagans can do this, even the pagans can give good gifts to those they love.  How does this make us different?  What is our witness that G-d exists?  Our witness is how we love each other, I know i am repeating but this is so central to who G-d wants us to be.  Look again at the last supper in John, what does Jesus pray for his disciples and for us?  I don't mean to be to hard on our group, it is not only them, I struggle with thinking of others, everyone I know does.  What if Jesus would have, even for one day or one moment, done something just for him?  Would we be here?  We think of how great his sacrifice on the cross was, but which is more amazing?  Dying on a cross, which tens of thousands of people have done or living a sinless life?  how many have done that.  Everyday of Jesus' life he made the choice of you and me.  Search your hearts for places where selfish desires lie, we must really learn to love one another starting with me.  Not starting with loving me but with me loving, you get the point.  Pray for us, pray that over the 3 days we have left G-d will help us to recognize the things in us that need to change and that he would give us the strength to change them.  May G-d give us all feet for the path.

Tben

Hieroplois, Colossae, and Laodicea

The sunsets over Laodicea and so ends day 11.

See if you can find Waldo.

This is looking down cardo, the North south street in Laodicea, its an amazing dig.

This is looking over Colossae into the mountains beyond, they are in the 11,000 ft range and provide cold fresh water year round.

These are three gates just like you would have had to walk through to enter the city.  They were used for three things, justice, commerce, and religion.  Biblically the gate is a place where righteousness is found.  A place where the poor are fed and the weak are lifted up.  What do our gates look like?

Here is Brooke and i in front of the hot springs, no speedo.

This was a really cool place not because of what it is but because of what it reminds us.  It is the place where Philip is remembered for being martyred.  Sad in a way, no one ever visits it.

Today was tiring so I am going to make this short.  It was an amazing day and I have much to say, but the bus leaves at 6 in the morning so I have to get to bed. just wanted to put up some pictures for you to enjoy.  We spent most of the day following Philip through the city of Hieropolis.  There are some really cool stuff there including hot springs.  The not so cool, the ocean of speedos walking around, creepy!  I will try to write on the bus tomorrow and post later but for now may G-d bless and keep you, may he turn his face toward you and be gracious to you, may he make his face to shine upon you and give you his shalom.

Running the Race.

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! Today is my mom’s 60^th birthday!! Spectacular sixty. Mom, you are a truly special lady and I am so lucky to call you both my mom and my friend. I love you very much!! I am thinking and praying for you! Have a great day and get some rest. You deserve it. 

Today was another amazing day. We traveled from Smyrna (modern day Izmir) to Thyatira. Thyatira is one of the 7 churches John writes to in Revelation. Thyatira was a city known for all of it’s guilds (trade unions in our modern understanding), especially for both their dye and bronze industries. Again, John is brilliant in his letter to the church in Thyatira. He is able to take the text and weave it into the context of this city in a way that reaches both Jew and gentile.  Look at the letter to Thyatira and see if you can find both text and context within these passages. You know we often think of the book of Revelation as end times literature, but it was also written to a specific group of people at a specific time. Again, G-d’s word is so powerful…it is timeless…it speaks to multiple cultures at multiple times. Jesus prepared his disciples so well that they were able to use his text to speak to the context of the people they are speaking to. Are we able to do the same? Do we know our text well enough to speak it in a way that engages our the reality of our culture in a way that is transformative? It is not about bible beating or slamming people with scriptures, it is about knowing G-d’s word so well that it becomes the language you use regularly. We are so good at remembering lines and text from movies, songs, and literature and using these in our everyday vernacular, so why don’t we do the same with the most important text of all? I’ll be honest, I am lazy, too busy, easily distracted, and filled with a million other excuses.

This part of Turkey is grape country. Most of the grapes produced here are not used for wine, they are used to make raisins. Here are grapes being dried. You see plastic sheets with raisins all over the countryside.             

After leaving Thyatira we headed to Philadelphia, another one of the 7 cities John writes to in Revelation. Again, John is amazingly brilliant in his letter to Philadelphia. The biggest lesson I took from this location was about hospitality. We hopped of the bus and headed straight up the side of a mountain and I mean straight up the side of the mountain. As we were walking about 20 children from the village began hiking behind us. Of course, they are running past us not even breathing hard. As we reached the top of the mountain we were surrounded by 30+ kiddos and their teacher. They had come to welcome us to their city! They had hiked up a mountain to say thank you for us coming to their village. Are you kidding me? We would make our kids hide if we saw a huge group of strangers hiking on our land…but in middle eastern culture it is a great honor to have people come to visit your city and to see where you live. They walked around with big smiles on their faces and in their broken English asked us what each of our names were. They had us write our names down on little pieces of paper, like getting autographs. They were chattering while RVL was talking and it was making it quite hard to hear, so I was getting sort of annoyed. But then RVL said…think about the story where people were bringing their children to Jesus and the disciples rebuked them, what is Jesus response, “let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” What a beautiful picture of this today! Children are our heritage, they are not meant to sit quietly outside the adult circle, they are meant to be right in the middle learning from us and teaching us. If Jesus put the children right in the middle of the circle, why don’t we?

Talk about hospitality. The locals stopped some of us on the street and handed us bunches of fresh grapes. This was their way of saying welcome to our town. We are glad you have come. So here is Brooke Peterson sharing the grapes with the rest of us. So cool. 

The beautiful countryside. 

 Finally, we headed to Aphrodisias to explore another Greco/Roman city. There were some beautiful ruins in this city since it was the home to the pergamum school of sculpture. The world’s greatest artists were educated in this city and they produced some beautiful stuff. Unfortunately, when the Christians took control of the city, they shut down the school of sculpture, the theatre, and the sports arena.  The Christians took away the culture of the city, because they believed it was evil. So instead of using a familiar medium to communicate the new message of the gospel, they took away this culture’s main means of communication. How are we engaging our culture where they are? How do we reclaim the mediums in popular culture to help communicate the Kingdom of Heaven message? I was stirred thinking about the use of the arts in worship and teaching. I think we are called to do more than we are currently doing…I will be praying.

            The most moving part of the day came at the very end. We were sitting in the 40,000 seat theatre at Aphrodisias as RVL described what a typical Olympic style competition would look like. He pointed out how Revelation is actually written like an Olympic competition…really fascinating stuff. Then he pointed to Paul’s words in Corinthians, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly.” He asked us what we would say if when we finished the race G-d asked us, “do you have anything left?” And it was at that moment that I realized, I would have to say “yes.” I have not run the race with everything I have. I have not spent the time it takes to memorize scripture or read His word. I haven’t loved and serve people as I have been called. I have so much more to do. Then we picked up a stone, laid it at the foot of the seat of the L-d, and ran our heart out. We ran with everything we had! And it felt so good to know that we had given it our all. I want that so bad. I want to feel like I have given it my all!! It’s not about running fast, it’s about continuing to run even when we get a little winded or a little tired. It’s a marathon, not a sprint…but it is a race that deserves all of our heart, mind, and strength. Will you join me in this race? 

Amazingly, we found someone in town who would sculpture Josh Dean. Isn't he cute holding the garland. I am not sure they got the hair right, but hey what can you expect for a quick carving :). 

This is one of the pillars that was found in this city that identifies that G-d fearers actually resided in this town. This was a huge archeological find because it proved that there were actually Gentiles who came to believe in G-d. This stood outside of what we would call a modern day soup kitchen that was funded by many of these G-d fearers and Jews. The Kingdom of Heaven was being carried out in this city prior to the arrival of the gospel, so these people had been primed to receive the good news of Christ. 

This is part of the colonnaded street that lead to a temple to Ceaser. The sculpture on this building is beautiful. 

The Pergamum School of Sculpture. 

This is the arena at Aphrodisias. Are you ready to run the race? 

Where Satan has his throne

Pergamum, the City where satan lives.  We walked early up a hill to over look the city of Pergamum and a cold east wind whipped through our group.  We learned that the east wind is thought of as an evil wind.  Hosea 11:12-12:1, so if Jesus crosses a lake in an east wind you would expect him to meet a demon (Luke 8:26-39).  Today we were faced all day with a strong east wind, and it felt as though we weren’t wanted here.  How appropriate coming into this city.  There were so many things that were horrifying to think of here.  First we started with the temple to Askelapios, the snake god of healing.  If you look on a medical patch today you will see the staff of Askelapios..  He was said to be a kind god, loving and caring.  One who could bring eternal life, like the snake dies and a new snake crawls out of its skin, so Askelapios can give eternal life.  This was the mayo clinic of the ancient world but you would have to give tribute in order to receive healing from Askelapios.  It is a hard day to describe, there is so much and it seems too fresh.  I am not sure I have digested it well yet.  There were so many gods and so many temples, but the amazing thing is the way John was able to use his gospel. He text and stories he recalls that the other gospels don’t are incredible, especially knowing that he was here when he wrote it.  It was text, old testament text and yet it spoke directly to their culture and everyday lives.  And the result was G-d came in, and just like in Egypt challenged all their gods and said they aren’t the god of this, I am.  One of the coolest things and most important that we learned is how to fight against this world.  We always think we can promise them eternal life or make a convincing argument that will persuade people to come to Jesus.  There was one thing that made it clear.  In this world all the gods promised eternal life and these Greek thinkers could not be out thought, so how do you reach them?  With the kingdom of heaven.  The Roman soldier’s dress was that of Ephesians 6, the armor of G-d. notice that all but one of the things G-d gives us are defensive.  The one weapon we are given s the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of G-d.  G-d’s word is our weapon and it is the only thing we can use in a word like this, and by the way we love each other people will know it is true.  When we don’t love each other we rob the gospel of the proof that it is true.  We must know the Bible well enough to speak it naturally in conversation without drawing attention to it so as not to offend and then let it accomplish what it is meant to accomplish.  Then we must love one another so that the proof of the gospels truth is given.  I would love to write more but I have to process first.  If there is time I will try again later.  Blessings to all and may G-d bless you as he is blessing us.

Tben

Here is the city were satan lives and has his throne, Pergamum.  We were in the Askelapieion and looking back to the acropolis.

This is so cool, it is the marker for the unknown god, just like when Paul argues for Jesus.

The Theatre of Dionysis.

This is part of the temple to Trajan and Hadrian who made this their neochorus.

Check out this armor of the Roman emperor, what do you notice(Eph 6) and it has 4 animals below his breastplate, bull, eagle, lion and human (rev)

With Paul and John in Ephesus

Family, today I had some deep thoughts, surprising I know, but nonetheless G-d becomes more amazing to me each day.  We spent the whole day in Efes, or Ephesus as you know it.  First we hiked up to the top of the mountain that over looks the ancient city and looked down, then we made our way down into the crowded city.  It was great because Ephesus was a city of a million to a million and a half people in the 1^st century.  The ruins are spectacular, there is so much to see and even small fish carved on the stones that pave the streets.  We sat in the huge theatre of Ephesus, mentioned in Acts 19, and made our way through the crowded streets.  We saw the great library of Celsus and the gymnasium to the Flavian Caesars.  It was strangely unimpressive next to the story we learned of the first century Christians.  Here was a group of people who were able to live in the Las Vegas of their culture, on the strip, engaging those whose lives were corrupted and broken by that which their society held up as valuable, without becoming part of it in the least way.  They were challenged in ways we cannot imagine, financially, spiritually, socially, but the worst would come later.  A man named Domitian who became Caesar when his brother mysteriously died.  He became obsessed with being pronounced god and Ephesus lobbied to become his Vatican and won.  When he came to Ephesus everyone was called down to his temple (the gymnasium) to make a declaration that Domitian was “my lord and my god.”  Anyone who would not make this oath was to be put to death (not in a nice way), and the people here, who had John as their pastor and where Paul first came and made disciples, read the revelation of John Rev 13:10 “If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go.  If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.  This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.” They took this and went in front of the emperor and would not say that he was god.  Nero, who horribly persecuted the Christian killed 30,000 in Rome over a 2 year period.  Domitian, killed over a million throughout the roman empire in 16 years, just for being Christian.  I was forced to sit on a broken pillar and examine myself, seeing what they were willing to give up, and as a result a man named John Talley helped lead me to know Jesus as Messiah.  We have no idea what it took to lead a family down to the gymnasium to deny Caesar’s deity, knowing that at best we would all be put to death.  We have no idea what those who have fallen asleep before us sacrificed so that we could have salvation too.  How do I tell them I can’t find time to read my Bible?  How do I tell them, now is not the time to tell this person about Jesus?  How do I tell them how hard I think my life is?  How?  By the time Domitian died, there were more Christians than when he started.

            RVL told us about his granddaughter Maddy.  He told her the same story he told us, in the same place.  Do you know what she asked him?  “Would you go with me Grampa?”  She knew that she would be going, she didn’t think of anything else.  She wanted to know if he would go too.  How great the mind of a child is.  Would I go? 

            I have seen that the lives they lived were much different than I thought.  The things they faced I can only imagine.  Look what has gone before us, what will we do with it?

Paul was an amazing rabbi, I can’t believe how well he imitated Jesus.  Look at Acts 19.

Tben

As Ben mentioned, Paul was an amazing rabbi. We often think of him as a great theologian, but that wasn’t his primary goal on going on his missionary journey (especially in his third tour). His primary purpose was to follow his own Rabbi, Jesus. And man did he do that well. Please do check out Acts 19 and see how many similarities there are between Paul and Jesus …I will give you a few clues (called 12 disciples, taught in a synagogue, taught about the kingdom of Heaven). See what else you can find. This was by far my favorite day. I realized how important context is to the bible. I have been reading the bible without understanding who the writers are writing to. When you realize who the audience is, that makes all the difference. I now have new eyes with which to read both Revelation and John. They both make so much more sense now. I can’t wait to share it with you guys. Finally, I wept today at the thought of all of the people who were killed by Domitian and some of his successors. They were our forefathers who stood up for what they believed in. They stood firm in their understanding of the text and G-d’s will for their communities and they were willing to die for their beliefs. Are we willing to do the same? To what lengths will we go to bring Shalom to the chaos. What will we do to forcefully advance the kingdom of heaven on earth? Friends, we have a huge call and a tough road ahead of us…but the reality is G-d is still G-d even in the midst of all of the hardships we face and the struggles we endure. His Kindgom will prevail, but he needs us to partner with Him! Are you ready?

We miss you all!! Lyndsey, Ben and I are thinking and praying for you often. We can’t wait to meet and love on our new nephew. Be strong, be very strong and courageous. Mom, I love you very much. Thank you so much for all of your encouraging comments. I will try and call soon.

David on top of the mountain with Ephesus in the back ground.

Here is Joanie tracing one of the fish we found in the stone pavers with her finger.

Brian, Robert, Mark, and Eric climbing down to the lookout over Ephesus.

This is the Cayster valley that goes into the Agean Sea, in the first century the water would have covered all but the mountain on the left.

This is inside Ephesus, and the temple down to the left on the street is to Caesar Trajan.

Today was Jack's birthday, and what a day it was.  Here he is chiseling off pieces of stone.

Here is the birds eye view that we got as we looked off the mountain above Ephesus.

This is the theatre in Ephesus that is mentioned in Acts.  It is interesting how stirred up the people of Ephesus get over these Christians.  When was the last time our faith made such a stir?

Some Pics Real Quick

Us in the agora.

Brooke on top of the acropolis of Priene.

This was in the agora market at Priene 

James in Athena's Temple.

Athena's temple.

Now that's a good looking group, this was climbing up mount Carmel in the olive grove.

Isn't she sweet.

Day 6 & 7- Sardis, Priene, Apollo Temple

Sorry for no post yesterday...didn't have internet access. So here is post for today and tomorrow. 

Well, we are half way through our trip, finishing day seven of teaching.  The last two days have been a whirlwind of travel, hiking and teaching.  We have had two amazing hikes up mountains that would from the bottom seem as though they could not be climbed.  Nevertheless, as a community we were able to climb them, and without huge difficulty.  I have been amazed and proud to be a part of this group as they are willing to do things that seem impossible and we have always found honey.  Yesterday we journeyed through a town by the name of Sardis, learning how amazing John was, not only with his text, but with how he was able to use the Text to speak specifically into the lives of the people who lived there.  Those who understood the Text would have seen a rich canvas of scriptures pointing to the Hebrew Text, and those who did not know the Text would still have seen an amazing picture of how their life could be changed by a relationship with G-d.  Sardis had a huge necropolis of over a million graves in its city, and we looked at the letter to the church of Sardis in Revelations, “You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”  Amazing, was John’s ability to shape his letters for each city according to Text and culture.  See if you can find the Scriptures from the Hebrew Text in the letter, there are more than a few.   Here are some pictures of the city, the mountain, and our crew in the triumph of our climb.

Back by demand from his fan club, Mark is working hard at looking like he is working hard.

Here is the whole group on top of the acropolis in Priene, it was a long drop behind.

Okay i don't know how to order them so here they are, this is the hike up from the Kibbala temple to the acropolis of Sardis

This is looking down from the top of Sardis, the zoom is on.

Will and Cindy are doing great, and really getting a lot out of the trip.  This is the top of Priene, look at the mountain behind, why couldn't we hike it?

Dwight pondering deeply the thing of his life.

Brooke and Joanie overcoming the heights

Josh seems to think he is samson, which would be okay if he wasn't telling everyone.

Today we went to Priene, a city near the island of Patmos.  We were able to see an early house synagogue and did some role-playing of putting our selves into the situation that the first century Christians faced.  Once they became Christian, which was not a legal religion, they would struggle with deciding what of there culture was acceptable and what was not.  All the things made in the market would be dedicated to the gods of the city, was it okay to buy food that had been dedicated to Zeus?   Was it okay to have pottery made and dedicated to Athena?  They were not able to sell goods that hadn’t been dedicated, so how could they still sell in the market?  These were very real decisions that they faced by choosing to follow The Way.  They would lose their social status, there ability to buy and sell goods, they could not be in the government, or participate in the feasts of their city.  What would make them want to make this decision?  Why would someone with every worldly thing to lose give it all up?  Are we willing to do the same?

Today is a very special day, at the top of the acropolis of Priene, which took a couple of hours to get to, I prayed for a very special girl and her family.  Today is Katelynd’s birthday, so I would like to wish her a very happy birthday.  We are praying for you, that G-d will bring special blessing into your life as you have been a special blessing in ours.  We miss you and your family and I can’t wait to get home, for I have many stories to tell.  Know that G-d has created you perfectly for the purpose he has for you.  In these temples that were built each stone was built especially for its place, G-d does the same with us.  You have an amazing place in G-d’s story, and his love for you will endure forever.

May G-d be with all of you as he has been with us,

Tben

PS Yes I love You Twimp!

From Brooke:

            Ben really expressed the beauty of our community. We have had two really hard hikes these past two days. I will be honest, I was a little concerned that we weren’t going to make it….but WE DID…only with G-d’s help. The group we are with are simply amazing. We have a couple people on the trip who are over 70 years of age and they are trucking up the hills like champs. I am so blessed by their hard work and perserverance. Yesterday during our hike in Sardis, I unfortunately left my bible on the top of the mountain. I didn’t realize I have left it until we were on the bus back to our hotel. I was devastated when I figured it out. This was the bible I had used for the last five years….the one that had all of notes from my last Israel trip and all of the study I have done over these past few years. It was so sad, but I am certain that G-d wants to teach me a lesson in this. It really does make you realize how important the text is and how disarming it feels to loose it. Perhaps this is G-d’s call for me to begin to memorize more text, so I am never without his word. Perhaps this is a chance for me to really delve into the text and create new notes and discover new insights. Regardless, I know that G-d has a plan.

            Today we also talked about insula and house churches. WOW!! These groups of people were able to do some amazing things through their love of and service to their community. I was reminded today of how blessed I am to have such an amazing acacia group. I prayed for you each today. You guys truly are the heart of G-d and I am honored to be serving in the kingdom with you. Ben and I miss you a lot and are excited to see you soon!

Spouse Report

Jack: Joanie is so brave. She has tackled some really tough mountains and come through with flying colors. It was so sweet to see Josh helping Joanie up the mountain today when she was scared. As Robert put it…she carried you, now you are carrying her.  

Linda: Randy has a servant’s heart. He put aside his own concerns over his knee today to help another lady on our trip who was struggling. He held her hand and pulled her up the mountain the whole way. You would be so proud of him J

Courtney: Brian also has the heart of a servant. He helped Joanie up the first part of the mountain and was so encouraging for her. He saw her scripture cards and asked her what Matthew 7:21 was…it is the scripture about Jesus yoke. It was beautiful. He is doing great.  

Bill: Lee is a trooper. She too is overcoming many of her fears, particularly her fear of heights. She is doing a great job with her scripture memorization as well.  I know that she is wrestling with some tough stuff at the same time.

Beth: Jeff continues to ask terrific questions and really engage the text and the context. He is usually at the front of the line on our hikes, but stops to help those in need. It has been a blessing to get to know him more.

Tana: James is doing great. He also asks great questions and engages RVL in some good conversation. He said today that this trip was more than he could have ever expected.

Cathi: Scott is doing great. He carried three packs up the mountain today…he is like a pack camel or something. So don’t let him ever tell you he can’t carry Ethan, the diaper bag, fold up the stroller, throw the football to Ryan, and dance with Emily at the same time….he totally can. He misses you of course. He told me yesterday he was missing his wing man J

Jenni: Robert and Caleb are doing awesome. They are both doing a great job with their scripture memorization. RVL even gave Caleb a fist pound for his memorization today. This was a huge complement. They miss you and the girls of course.