On the first missionary journey St. Paul traveled along what is now the southern part of Turkey. At many of the stopping places he suffered abuse of one form or another. You might think having reached the end of the journey he would take a ship back home. But Paul, instead, retraces his steps through those places where he suffered to encourage the fledgling communities he formed and to appoint leaders to guide them. What a vivid reminder that one of the most important aspects of the Christian life is remaining faithful. We used to call it in the seminary the Still Hanging In There club. Paul looked on his role as equipping communities to live faith for the long term.
MAY172022
By Church Staff
