On a Spiritual Adventure of a Lifetime!
M A Y 1 - 1 2, 2 0 2 3
The Journeys of Paul
Pastor Jeff Smith invites you...
No VAX
Required!
AEGEAN SEA CRUISE
For 3 days you will sail the beautiful waters of the Aegean Sea and explore the extraordinary islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. During this special time your travels will also bring you to the western shores of Turkey, to Ephesus. This promises to be one of the most memorable places you will visit during your travels (visit the "Turkey" section of this website for more details).
"And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica." ACTS 27: 1-2
MYKONOS
Beneath its sophisticated surface, lies a quintessentially Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills and harbor filled with tiny sailboats and impressive yachts. Find a table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of sunset over its picturesque harbor. Or linger over scrumptious seafood cuisine. The nooks and crannies of Mykonos offer wonderful art and crafts to take home as reminders of the waters of the Mediterranean and this charming island. You’ll have plenty of free time here!
ISLE OF PATMOS
This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, and the scriptures tell us the book of Revelation was written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he is believed to have lived is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The Monastery of St. John, built on one of the islands highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its Treasury. Amazingly, the island remains undeveloped and very picturesque. It’s not difficult to imagine an aging John, alone on this island with his scribe, having an encounter with the Spirit of God that would change our understanding of things to come. The shore excursion to these sites is optional (excursion price is $80; purchased on board), but anyone can disembark and enjoy the small village in the bay if you choose not to participate in the excursion tour.
“I, John, am a believer like you. I am a friend who suffers like you. As members of Jesus’ royal family, we can put up with anything that happens to us. I was on the island of Patmos because I taught God’s word and what Jesus said to me. The Holy Spirit took complete control of me on the Lord’s Day…the voice said, ‘Write on a scroll what you see. … Write about what is happening now and what will happen later. Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I was dead. But look! I am alive…”
Selections, Revelation 1, NIV
SANTORINI
The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. In the town of Thira, white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs. You can access the city above by cable car, or for the more adventuresome, by mule. It’s also possible to walk up and take the mules down! However you get to the top, you are in for a spectacular treat. You’ll have time to wander the streets, explore the many quaint shops, or indulge in classic Greek fare looking out on one of the most gorgeous views in the world. As you head back to the ship, you’ll be wondering how you can someday return to this beautiful place.
