Tidbits from Turkey

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;

praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, 

so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;

that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, 

so that you will know how you should respond to each person." Colossians 4:2-6

Yesterday I got to Skype with my Eric and Dad. They have had quite the interesting trip! I cannot publicly post about all that they are up to for safety reasons, but will tell you that for safety reasons they had to take a detour from their original schedule the past week. I got word this morning that they are back on schedule and have now met up with the rest of the team at their original destination. Eric and Dad made good use of their detour and took the opportunity to visit some awesome sites! I'm so jealous. But I'm so thankful too! The night before Eric left I was lamenting about the fact that he was going all the way to Turkey for the 2nd time and that once again the time would not allow for him to see the ancient Biblical history that is there. I actually prayed for this opportunity along with saftey for my family and the team. Little did I know the Lord would use one answered prayer to provide for the other! Thank you Lord for these blessings! Eric sent the following pics and report to share with everyone...so you can be jealous too! 


Love,
Elisabeth

Eric at Asplendos

Another of Eric at Asplendos

Eric at Colossae

Eric at Laodicea

Eric at Perga

Eric at theater in Laodicea

Thank you all for your prayers and love! My life by the grace of God is forever being changed Rom 8:29! I have been blessed to hang out at some places that Paul wrote to and visited. We stayed in ancient city Attalia that is mentioned in Acts 14 and then went to Perga  where Paul preached the word and then traveled through other areas in Pamphylia, Phyrgia where Pasidian Antioch is and then went over to Pisidia where Colossae and Laodicea are located.  These places were amazing and I was able to read the passages at those places and try to put myself in the 1st century with what Paul did and who he wrote to and also the message of Jesus to Laodicea. I will never read or teach these passages again without being impacted by these visits.  Lord willing, I look forward to sharing my experiences with others for years to come. God opened up some amazing opportunities to share like Col 4:2-6 says on this trip.  I love it when we get to see God at work! Please continue to pray Col 4:2-6.  


Love you all and thanks for your prayers,
Eric