|
|
感謝主！在戰爭的陰影下，我們圓滿完成了希臘保羅腳蹤之旅。這次旅行主要是沿著保羅第二次宣教旅程的路線展開。由於戰爭的影響(郵輪卡在波斯灣)，後半段的郵輪行程被迫取消，但我們非常感謝主恩旅遊（Grace Tours）迅速安排了新的替代景點，使我們得以順利繼續這趟旅程。
Praise the Lord! Under the shadow of war, we have completed the Trumpeter Ministries 2026 Greece Biblical Sites Tour which primarily traveled along the route that Paul took during his 2nd missionary journey. Due to the war, the cruise ship part of our tour was unexpectedly canceled by the cruise ship company, but we are thankful that Grace Tours was able to quickly find new sites to visit so that we were still able to continue our trip.
這是「吹號者事工」第五次與主恩旅遊合作。我們珍惜這段始於2022年3月的合作關係。當時「吹號者事工」是新冠疫情後首批參訪土耳其的團隊。今年我們有來自美國各州、台灣和香港的40位團員參加。雖然我們來自世界各地，但我們因對耶穌基督的共同信仰以及追隨保羅第二次宣教旅程的共同渴望而緊密相連。許多團員見證，是在經過長時間的禱告和神的帶領後才決定參加這次旅行，使我深受感動。
This was Trumpeter Ministries’ fifth time working with Grace Tours. We treasure the relationship which had begun in March 2022. At that time, Trumpeter Ministries had been the first Grace Tours group to visit Turkiye after COVID.
This year we had 40 participants who had come from various parts of America, from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Although we were from different parts of the world, we were instantly united by the shared faith we have in Jesus Christ and by the same desire to follow the path of Paul on his 2nd missionary journey. I was very encouraged to hear the personal testimonies of many tour members and to know that many had joined this trip after a long period of prayer and leading from God.
Praise the Lord! Under the shadow of war, we have completed the Trumpeter Ministries 2026 Greece Biblical Sites Tour which primarily traveled along the route that Paul took during his 2nd missionary journey. Due to the war, the cruise ship part of our tour was unexpectedly canceled by the cruise ship company, but we are thankful that Grace Tours was able to quickly find new sites to visit so that we were still able to continue our trip.
這是「吹號者事工」第五次與主恩旅遊合作。我們珍惜這段始於2022年3月的合作關係。當時「吹號者事工」是新冠疫情後首批參訪土耳其的團隊。今年我們有來自美國各州、台灣和香港的40位團員參加。雖然我們來自世界各地，但我們因對耶穌基督的共同信仰以及追隨保羅第二次宣教旅程的共同渴望而緊密相連。許多團員見證，是在經過長時間的禱告和神的帶領後才決定參加這次旅行，使我深受感動。
This was Trumpeter Ministries’ fifth time working with Grace Tours. We treasure the relationship which had begun in March 2022. At that time, Trumpeter Ministries had been the first Grace Tours group to visit Turkiye after COVID.
This year we had 40 participants who had come from various parts of America, from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Although we were from different parts of the world, we were instantly united by the shared faith we have in Jesus Christ and by the same desire to follow the path of Paul on his 2nd missionary journey. I was very encouraged to hear the personal testimonies of many tour members and to know that many had joined this trip after a long period of prayer and leading from God.
保羅腳蹤 Paul’s Footsteps
1. 尼亞波利/卡瓦拉 Neapolis/Kavala
|
2. 腓立比 Philippi
|
2. 腓立比 Philippi, 保羅和西拉被囚之地
|
3. 暗妃波里 Amphipolis
|
4. 帖撒羅尼迦 Thessalonica, 耶孫的家 HOUSE OF JASON
|
5. 庇哩亞 Berea
|
6. 雅典 Athens, 亞略巴古 Treopagus
|
6. 雅典衛城 ACROPOLIS OF ATHENS
|
6. 雅典, 議會 Ekklesia
|
7. 哥林多 Corinth
|
8. 堅革哩 Cenchreae
|
旅程的第一部分主要追溯了使徒行傳16-18章所記載的保羅在希臘的宣教之旅 (A.D. 49-51)。主恩旅遊特意按照保羅旅程的時間順序安排了行程：
The first part of the trip mainly followed Paul’s missionary journey in Greece as recorded in Acts 16-18(A.D. 49-51). Grace Tours purposely arranged the tour according to the chronological order of Paul’s journey:
- 尼亞波利/卡瓦拉 Neapolis/Kavala，保羅首次踏上歐洲土地的港口城市（使徒行傳 16:11）。
- 腓立比 Philippi，保羅在歐洲建立教會的第一座城市（使徒行傳 16:12-40）。
- 暗妃波里 Amphipolis，保羅前往帖撒羅尼迦途中經過此地（使徒行傳 17:1）。
- 帖撒羅尼迦 Thessalonica，保羅在此被當地猶太人拒絕並驅逐（使徒行傳 17:1-10）。
- 庇哩亞 Berea，「這地方的猶太人比帖撒羅尼迦的人開明，熱心領受這道，天天查考聖經，要知道這道是否真實 。」（使徒行傳 17:10:15）
- 雅典 Athens，保羅在這裡的市集和亞略巴古傳道（使徒行傳 17:15-18:1）。
- 哥林多 Corinth，保羅在此停留了18個月，並認識了亞居拉和百基拉夫婦（使徒行傳18:1-17）。
- 堅革哩 Cenchreae，保羅從那裡搭船前往敘利亞（徒 18:18）。
The first part of the trip mainly followed Paul’s missionary journey in Greece as recorded in Acts 16-18(A.D. 49-51). Grace Tours purposely arranged the tour according to the chronological order of Paul’s journey:
- 1)Neapolis/Kavala, the port city where Paul first stepped onto European soil (Acts 16:11).
- 2) Philippi, the first city in Europe where Paul established a church (Acts 16:12-40).
- 3) Amphipolis, where Paul passed by on the way to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1).
- 4)Thessalonica, where Paul was rejected and kicked out by the local Jews (Acts 17:1-10).
- 5)Berea, where “Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. ” (Acts 17:10-15)
- 6) Athens, where Paul preached at the marketplace and at the Areopagus (Acts 17:15-18:1).
- 7) Corinth, where Paul stayed for 18 months and met with Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-17).
- 8) Cenchreae, from which Paul sailed to Syria (Acts 18:18).
文化遺產景點 Cultural heritage sites
邁泰奧拉天空之城 Metéora
|
溫泉關古戰場 Wenquan Pass Ruins
|
德爾斐 Delphi
|
邁錫尼 Ancient Mycenae, 獅子門 Lion Gate
|
納夫普利翁 Nafplio
|
旅程的第二部分我們參觀了許多文化遺產，其中包括一些被聯合國教科文組織列為世界遺產的景點。了解神的話語固然重要，但要接觸失喪的靈魂，我們也需要了解塑造人們思想的文化。尤其值得一提的是，當今世界仍深受希臘文化的影響。
我們的導遊「小王」出色地向我們介紹了希臘的歷史和文化，包括希臘神話的講解，尤其是在參觀博物館時。事實上，「小王」激發了我對參觀博物館的新興趣。「小王」的知識、理解和熱情讓這些古老的物件煥發了生機！的確，我們需要了解「這世界的神如何弄瞎了不信之人的心眼」（哥林多後書 4:4），這樣我們才能摧毀仇敵的「堅固營壘」。
The second part of the trip brought us to many cultural heritage sites including those designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To know God’s Word is very important, but to reach the lost, we also need to know the culture that has shaped people’s minds. In particular, the world today is still greatly influenced by Greek culture.
Our tour guide “Little Wong” did an excellent job of introducing us to the history and culture of Greece, including the explanation of Greek myths, especially when we toured museums. In fact, Little Wong inspired in me a new interest in visiting museums. Little Wong’s knowledge, understanding, and enthusiasm caused the ancient pieces to come alive! Indeed, we need to know how “[t]he god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Cor. 4:4) so we can destroy the strongholds of the enemy.
我們的導遊「小王」出色地向我們介紹了希臘的歷史和文化，包括希臘神話的講解，尤其是在參觀博物館時。事實上，「小王」激發了我對參觀博物館的新興趣。「小王」的知識、理解和熱情讓這些古老的物件煥發了生機！的確，我們需要了解「這世界的神如何弄瞎了不信之人的心眼」（哥林多後書 4:4），這樣我們才能摧毀仇敵的「堅固營壘」。
The second part of the trip brought us to many cultural heritage sites including those designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To know God’s Word is very important, but to reach the lost, we also need to know the culture that has shaped people’s minds. In particular, the world today is still greatly influenced by Greek culture.
Our tour guide “Little Wong” did an excellent job of introducing us to the history and culture of Greece, including the explanation of Greek myths, especially when we toured museums. In fact, Little Wong inspired in me a new interest in visiting museums. Little Wong’s knowledge, understanding, and enthusiasm caused the ancient pieces to come alive! Indeed, we need to know how “[t]he god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Cor. 4:4) so we can destroy the strongholds of the enemy.
替代景點 Alternative attractions
帕特雷聖安德烈教堂 St Andrew of Patras
|
扎金索斯島 Zakynthos, 沉船灣 Navagio Beach
|
扎金索斯島 Zakynthos
|
扎金索斯島 Zakynthos, 2300年的橄欖樹2,300 years old Olive Tree
|
奧林匹亞 Olympia, 聖火點燃處 Where the Olympic flame was lit
|
奧林匹亞 Olympia,體育場起跑線 Stadium starting line
|
一天晚上，我與團員分享了我所學到的關於跟隨神的兩個原則：1）永不放棄！ 2）要有彈性！遵循這些原則，我們就能領受神在我們生命中的「驚喜」。
在旅途中，我們確實經歷了許多「驚喜」。由於美伊戰爭，我們原定的遊輪行程被取消了，因為我們的遊輪被困在波斯灣。
主恩旅遊迅速為我們安排了新的景點：
And during the course of our trip, we did indeed experience “surprises”. Due to the war with Iran, the original cruise ship portion of our tour was canceled as our cruise ship was stuck in the Persian Gulf.
Grace Tours quickly arranged new sites for us to visit:
在旅途中，我們確實經歷了許多「驚喜」。由於美伊戰爭，我們原定的遊輪行程被取消了，因為我們的遊輪被困在波斯灣。
主恩旅遊迅速為我們安排了新的景點：
- 特雷聖安德烈教堂 St Andrew of Patras，它是希臘最大的東正教教堂。
- 愛奧尼亞海的扎金索斯島 Zakynthos，擁有令人嘆為觀止的白色石灰岩懸崖和碧綠的海水。我們先從200公尺高的懸崖上遠眺了著名的沉船遺址－沉船灣，之後又搭乘快艇近距離觀賞，快艇還帶我們去了美麗的藍洞。十年前，著名的韓劇《太陽的後裔》正是在沉船灣取景拍攝的，因此我藉此機會鼓勵旅行團裡的夫妻們重燃愛火，重拾婚姻的承諾。
- 伯羅奔尼撒半島的奧林匹亞 Olympia，從西元前8世紀到西元4世紀，古代奧林匹克運動會每四年在此舉行一次。
And during the course of our trip, we did indeed experience “surprises”. Due to the war with Iran, the original cruise ship portion of our tour was canceled as our cruise ship was stuck in the Persian Gulf.
Grace Tours quickly arranged new sites for us to visit:
- the Church of Saint Andrew in Patras which is the largest Orthodox church in Greece
- the island of Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea with its breathtaking white limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. We viewed Navagio Beach, the site of an infamous shipwreck, first from afar by looking down at it from 200-m high cliffs and later up close from a motorboat which also brought us to the beautiful Blue Caves of Volimes. As the famous Korean drama “Descendants of the Sun” had been filmed precisely on Navagio Beach one decade ago, I took the opportunity at this site to encourage the couples in our tour group to rekindle their love and marriage commitment.
- Olympia on the Peloponnese Peninsula where the ancient Olympic Games were held every four years from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD.
三個「W」：敬拜、神的話語和見證
Three W’s: Worship, Words and Witness
|
|
|
|
|
受難日 Good Friday
|
受難日獻詩 Good Friday Choral Offering
|
復活節 Easter Sunday
|
|
|
我們此行最美好的部分是每天早晨：我們以禱告、讚美和聆聽神的話語開始新的一天。弟兄姊妹也輪流分享他們的見證，我們確實「被許多見證人如同雲彩圍繞著」（來12:1）。
一位弟兄分享了神如何將他從絕望的毒癮生活中拯救出來，包括多年的牢獄之災。十五年前，一對父子參加晨曦會的短宣隊服事陷入毒癮的人。令所有人驚訝的是，那位曾經的癮君子和這對父子竟然在我們的旅程中「巧合」重逢！此外，在我們的耶穌受難日聖餐禮拜中，一位姊妹因上帝將她從多年的家庭苦毒中釋放出來而喜極而泣。上帝的作為真是奇妙！
The best part of our trip took place every morning: we started each day with prayer, praise, and the hearing of God’s Word. Brothers and sisters took turns sharing their testimonies and we were indeed “surrounded by such a great cloud of witnessess” (Heb. 12:1) like an overarching rainbow.
One brother shared how God had saved him from a desperate life of drugs including many years spent in jail. Fifteen years ago he had been counseled by a volunteer who together with his son was serving with a Christian drug rehabilitation organization. To the astonishment of all, the former drug addict and the Christian volunteer and his son were “coincidentally” reunited on our tour! Also, during our Good Friday Holy Communion service, one sister broke in tears as God set her free from years of family bitterness. God’s work is truly amazing!
一位弟兄分享了神如何將他從絕望的毒癮生活中拯救出來，包括多年的牢獄之災。十五年前，一對父子參加晨曦會的短宣隊服事陷入毒癮的人。令所有人驚訝的是，那位曾經的癮君子和這對父子竟然在我們的旅程中「巧合」重逢！此外，在我們的耶穌受難日聖餐禮拜中，一位姊妹因上帝將她從多年的家庭苦毒中釋放出來而喜極而泣。上帝的作為真是奇妙！
The best part of our trip took place every morning: we started each day with prayer, praise, and the hearing of God’s Word. Brothers and sisters took turns sharing their testimonies and we were indeed “surrounded by such a great cloud of witnessess” (Heb. 12:1) like an overarching rainbow.
One brother shared how God had saved him from a desperate life of drugs including many years spent in jail. Fifteen years ago he had been counseled by a volunteer who together with his son was serving with a Christian drug rehabilitation organization. To the astonishment of all, the former drug addict and the Christian volunteer and his son were “coincidentally” reunited on our tour! Also, during our Good Friday Holy Communion service, one sister broke in tears as God set her free from years of family bitterness. God’s work is truly amazing!
主恩旅遊團隊 The Grace Tours Team
主恩旅遊熊弟兄 Brother Spade of Grace Tours
|
導遊「小王」Tour guide “Little Wong”
|
大巴司機托馬斯 Bus driver Thomas
|
最後，我要感謝主恩旅遊的熊弟兄，他設計了行程，安排了所有細節，並全程陪伴我們。感謝導遊「小王」，他在每個景點都做了精彩的講解；感謝我們的大巴司機托馬斯，他駕駛技術精湛，即使在狹窄、陡峭、擁擠的道路上也能安全行駛。感謝每一位團員，大家彼此合作，互相關懷。我們就像一個大家庭。最重要的是，我們感謝上帝，讓我們又一次「一起走過聖經」！
I would like to express appreciation to many individuals on the tour. I thank Brother Spade of Grace Tours who designed the itinerary, arranged all the details, and accompanied us through the entire tour. We thank our tour guide “Little Wong” for his excellent explanations at every site and our bus driver Thomas for his incredible driving skills through roads which were oftentimes narrow, steep, and crowded. Thank you to every one of the tour members, all of whom were very cooperative and caring towards one another. Indeed, we were, and are, like one big family. Most importantly, we thank God for another great experience in which we “walked through the Bible” together!
I would like to express appreciation to many individuals on the tour. I thank Brother Spade of Grace Tours who designed the itinerary, arranged all the details, and accompanied us through the entire tour. We thank our tour guide “Little Wong” for his excellent explanations at every site and our bus driver Thomas for his incredible driving skills through roads which were oftentimes narrow, steep, and crowded. Thank you to every one of the tour members, all of whom were very cooperative and caring towards one another. Indeed, we were, and are, like one big family. Most importantly, we thank God for another great experience in which we “walked through the Bible” together!
結論 Conclusion
在古希臘，體育賽事被視為「神聖的」，甚至被視為一種敬拜。除了奧林匹亞之外，其他城市還舉辦三場重要的體育賽事。體育賽事的獲勝者被視為英雄，並受到極高的榮譽。難怪保羅在他的書信中常常引用體育的例子。保羅提醒我們，我們的人生也如同賽跑。然而，我們奔跑並非為了從假神那裡獲得會朽壞的冠冕，而是為了榮耀神，並獲得那永不朽壞的冠冕！
In Ancient Greece, sports events were “sacred” and considered a form of worship. Beside the Olympics in Athens, there were three other major competitions held in other cities. The winers of sports events were viewed as heroes and received great rewords. No wonder Paul used many illustrations relating to sports in his writings. Let us be reminded that our lives are also like a race. We, however, are not running to receive a perishable crown from false gods but are running for God’s honor and to receive a crown which is imperishable!
In Ancient Greece, sports events were “sacred” and considered a form of worship. Beside the Olympics in Athens, there were three other major competitions held in other cities. The winers of sports events were viewed as heroes and received great rewords. No wonder Paul used many illustrations relating to sports in his writings. Let us be reminded that our lives are also like a race. We, however, are not running to receive a perishable crown from false gods but are running for God’s honor and to receive a crown which is imperishable!
哥 林 多 前 書 9:24 豈 不 知 在 場 上 賽 跑 的 都 跑 ， 但 得 獎 賞 的 只 有 一 人 ？ 你 們 也 當 這 樣 跑 ， 好 叫 你 們 得 著 獎 賞 。25 凡 較 力 爭 勝 的 ， 諸 事 都 有 節 制 ， 他 們 不 過 是 要 得 能 壞 的 冠 冕 ； 我 們 卻 是 要 得 不 能 壞 的 冠 冕 。
1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
警戒危險、集結行動、一起爭戰、一同歡慶
