Trip Report Podcast by Cornerstone Church Lead Pastor, Mark Vance

Istanbul & Ephesus, Turkey

Our first stop was Istanbul, Turkey, where we visited historical sites such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. The Hagia Sophia, originally built as a church in the sixth century, holds great significance in Christian history as it was once the largest cathedral in the world and the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity for over 900 years. Later converted into a mosque in the fifteenth century, the Hagia Sophia now stands as a museum and symbolizes the intersection of different religions and cultures in Istanbul. Topkapi Palace, on the other hand, was once the residence of the Ottoman sultans and features artifacts and artwork that offer insight into the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire.

We also had the opportunity to visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus, which is located near the city of Izmir. Ephesus is a city that features prominently in the New Testament, as it was visited by the apostle Paul and was home to one of the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation. As one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire, Ephesus was a center of commerce, religion, and culture, and is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Walking through the ancient streets and imagining what life was like for the people who lived there was a truly incredible experience.

Erbil, Iraq

Our next stop was Erbil, Iraq, where we visited the Citadel. The Citadel is a fortified historic city that has been continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years. It was an amazing experience to walk through the narrow streets and alleyways of this ancient city and to see the way people lived in ancient times.

Cairo, Egypt

Finally, we visited Cairo, Egypt, where we saw the pyramids and visited the Museum of Civilization, both of which hold significance in biblical history. The pyramids, built by the ancient Egyptians, were already around by the time of Abraham and would have been the backdrop for the biblical story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery in Egypt and later became a high-ranking official in Pharaoh’s court. The Museum of Civilization showcases the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt, which is also significant in biblical history, as Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s court and later led the Israelites out of Egypt during the Exodus.

Meeting with Local Personnel

Throughout our trip, we had the opportunity to meet with local church personnel and to hear about the work they are doing to share the name of Jesus in the region. It was inspiring to see the passion and dedication of these individuals and to learn about the challenges they face in their work. We were also able to share our own experiences and to offer encouragement and support.

Our trip to Istanbul, Turkey, Erbil, Iraq, and Cairo, Egypt was an incredible experience that allowed us to learn about the rich history and culture of the region and to see the amazing work that local church personnel are doing to share the name of Jesus. We are grateful for the opportunity to have taken part in this trip and look forward to continued partnerships with local churches in the region.