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Have you ever walked where ancient apostles once trod? Imagine standing in Laodicea, gazing across miles of ancient landscape to see the literal source of Jesus' "lukewarm" analogy from Revelation. This transformative experience was just one highlight from our recent mission trip spanning Turkey and Georgia.

Mark and Linda Turley join us to share their journey through biblical lands and modern faith communities. Their candid reflections reveal how physical connections to Scripture—touching the white marble of Ephesus or exploring the recently excavated ruins of Laodicea—bring biblical narratives to vibrant life. These aren't just archaeological curiosities but touchpoints that fundamentally reshape how we understand familiar texts.

The most profound moments, however, came through unexpected human connections. Linda describes a divine appointment with a Canadian-Turkish woman named Nell who had recently found faith after multiple suicide attempts. Meanwhile, Mark found himself fielding deep theological questions from a young Turkish man hungry for spiritual guidance. These spontaneous encounters highlight how missions often means simply showing up for God's already-unfolding work.

The contrast between massive Turkey and the tiny Republic of Georgia (population 3.5 million) reveals different facets of global Christianity. Georgian believers demonstrated extraordinary hospitality, making our team feel instantly adopted. Their relational approach—where people always take priority over schedules—culminated in an unforgettable feast in Sonori village, where locals had butchered a pig specifically for our visit and prepared homemade everything from bread to wine. During this perfect evening under ideal weather conditions, we witnessed a man named David being celebrated for his recent decision to follow Christ after years of prayer from his family.

Whether you're considering your first mission trip or have traveled extensively, this conversation will inspire you to see how God works across cultures while giving practical insights into what makes international ministry meaningful. As Mark advises those considering missions: "Don't think too hard about it, just go. It'll change your heart. It'll change your life forever."