Greece Study Tour News Updates
June 1, 2008
We are safely back from Greece - praise the Lord. The flight from Madrid to Miami was more than one hour late in departing. Then the bus
would not start in Miami, requiring a "jump" for the battery. We safely arrived at the campus after 1:00 a.m.
Carl Martin
May 30, 2008
Today has been an eventful day with many happy memory building moments for all our group. We will have a wake up call in just a few hours so
we will all have to "sleep fast" to be ready for departure at 4:30 a.m.
While on the Metro today my wallet was stolen from the front pocket of my pack on my front. We discovered this when I went to reach for
my wallet to show a family picture to some missionaries we were visiting. Fortunately none of the college's money was in my wallet so
I praise the Lord for this. I have notified the various credit card companies and government offices. The experience has been rather
unsettling but a time to learn and trust the Lord.
Thank you again for your prayers.
I believe our group has had a wonderful and fulfilling time.
Carl Martin
May 29, 2008
We saw the site of the inscription of Erastus in Corinth. We stood today before the very Bema in Corinth where Paul was tried before
Gallio in Acts 18. We visited the Port of Cenchrea. To be sure our group had many Ah! Ha! moments as we saw the Scriptures come to
life in the places where we were.
This evening we bid farewell to our tour guide because tomorrow is our free day. He will go to begin with a new group this weekend.
Several of us visited a mission this evening where we witnessed a strategic ministry to refugees, many of whom are from Iran, Iraq
and Afghanistan who have sought freedom here. This ministry is committed to helping them find freedom in Christ.
Again, thank you for your prayers.
Carl Martin
May 28, 2008
We are in Athens after a full day of travel today. We visited Thermoply, climbed up to the Parthenon and stood on Mars Hill. Mr. Carver
was able to read Paul's sermon from Acts 17 on site.
The Lord has continued to provide safety and profitable times. Tomorrow we are looking forward to visiting Corinth.
Again, thank you for your prayers. Our time is going quickly.
Carl Martin
May 27, 2008
We have had another very profitable day. Many insights have been gained as we went to Berea and also to see the tomb of King Philip -
Amazing details and astounding sights. We have many photos but the computer access is very limited so have not been able to do more
than send these updates.
More...
Our stay tonight is in the mountains, having visited a rare monastary complex here that dates back to the 11th Century. Everyone
remains in good health and strength - Praise the Lord.
We journey tomorrow to Athens from which we will be working the remainder of our time here.
Thank you for your continued prayers. Our appreciation for the accuracy of our Bible has been enhanced.
Carl Martin
May 26, 2008
We departed from the hotel shortly after 8:00 a.m. and went Northeast to Philippi. Along the way our guide pointed out a number
of interesting details about Greece. We arrived there and embarked on a most interesting pilgrimage, noting the river where Lydia
was baptized and then to the agora, the site of the first church building - and the unique history thereof. We saw a baptistry from
the 4th century and much more.
More...
Our return brought us back to Thessaloniki where we viewed the ancient walls, the gate believed to have been the point of entrance
of the Apostle Paul into the city, the agora, accompanied by relevant Scripture readings to identify the place with the New Testament.
We returned to the hotel at 7:30 p.m. and will have dinner in about 15 minutes.
Our group seems to be having a very profitable time - Good questions, lots of pictures being taken, and great attitudes.
A few are starting with colds, which I trust will pass with getting adequate rest tonight.
We check out from here tomorrow morning and head to Berea and points further south. Please continue to keep us in prayer. Our minds
and hearts are being stretched through this unique opportunity.
Gratefully,
Carl Martin
What an incredible day we just had. We went to the archeological ruins of Philippi. Our Christian guide, Kostos, gave us a remarkable
lecture of all that has been found at the site and all the connections with Dr Luke's account in Acts. Yes, as I've said many times:
Luke was a careful historian.
More...
It was a FULL day from the time we left our wonderful hotel a bit after 8 a.m. until we finally had dinner
a bit after 8:00 p.m. Then a group of us went for a walk to the harbor of Thessaloniki and saw the harbor at night with lights
reflecting on the water. Tomorrow promises to be another full day - Berea and Meteora.
Everyone is really enjoying everything that we are doing.
Thanks for your prayers.
Bob Carver in Thessaloniki
May 25, 2008
Just a note to say we arrived safely, having made all connections without difficulty. We are all present and accounted for in
Thessaloniki this evening.
More...
The students and adults seem to be very WOWed by the tour bus, accommodations and food that was served this evening. All have gone to
their rooms, very tired after the long trip. We have a 6:30 a.m. wake up call to prepare for departure at 8:00 a.m. We begin in
Philippi tomorrow.
Thank you to all who have prayed. Please do not stop. We are trusting our Lord to do great things through our time here.
It is a privilege to be here.
Carl Martin
P.S. As we were approaching Athens, Mr. Carver was able to look out the window and observe the area of Corinth from the air.
Dare I say that was exciting?
May 24, 2008
The Greece study tour group left campus on Saturday morning, May 24 around 8:30 a.m. That was not bad, considering they planned to
leave at 8:00 a.m. Heavy traffic on Interstate 4 made one group late. Dr. Martin
obtained his CDL so that the group could drive the bus to Miami to catch their plane, instead of everyone having to catch a
flight to Miami. The group included students, alumni, parents, and spouses.
After everyone's luggage was safely on the bus, a group picture was taken, and Dr. Martin led the group in prayer before they left.
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