In the Footsteps of Paul - led by Rev. Dr. Matthew Henderson
I want to invite you to join me on a spiritual pilgrimage to the holy land of Turkey. To walk where Paul walked is to truly understand the burdens he bore and the churches he founded. You can't fully grasp the difficulty of his journeys just by reading a map. The remains of the roads, synagogues, and marketplaces in cities like Iconium, Lystra, and Pisidian Antioch provide a real-world backdrop for the events described in Acts. It makes the story of his travels feel less like a myth and more like a historical record.
Meteora, Greece, 2025
During the summer of 2025, I had the blessing to explore the holy land of Greece, visiting Corinth, Philippi, Athens and much more. As I finished my travels, I realized there was even more to see in nearby Turkey. I’m now planning a private 12-day study tour with Ya’lla Tours USA with an exciting itinerary that includes significant sites from the ministry of Paul. Together, we’ll visit Pisidian Antioch, Ephesus, and Assos. Additionally, our itinerary will highlight other significant New Testament sites like the Island of Patmos, Pergamum, and Cappadocia. We will also have two days to explore Istanbul, rich in both Christian and Islamic religious history.
As we visit these historic and holy places, our visits will be enriched by a variety of scripture lessons connected to each site. We’ll share in worship and study together in the places that have shaped our faith. I have experienced the power of how combining study and travel can bring the Bible to life. In 2014, I had the wonderful experience of spending 10 days in Israel and walked where Jesus walked and taught.
Sea of Galilee, 2014
The Bible is rich with history and meaning. St. Jerome is best known for translating the Bible from its original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) into Latin. This translation, known as the Vulgate, became the standard biblical text for the Catholic Church for over a millennium. He was a scholar and ascetic who spent many years living in Bethlehem, near the very places he was translating. This personal connection to the Holy Land likely influenced his views on the importance of experiencing the physical locations of biblical events. Jerome is attributed to have said, “Five gospels record the life of Jesus. Four you will find in books and the one you will find in the land they call Holy. Read the fifth gospel and the world of the four will open to you.” To visit Turkey is to embark on a tangible journey through the accounts of the apostles, seeing firsthand the places and challenges that shaped the early Christian church.
If you have any questions about this amazing opportunity, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. I’m excited to be working with a team of experienced travel experts, including our church member, Sean Nix. You can also reach out to her with any questions.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Henderson, pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Clarkesville, Georgia
pastormatt@pastormatthenderson.com
706-754-2935(ofc)
706-949-4002(cell)