TURKEY – a country full of surprises! Either my expectations were way too low or Turkey is a truly amazing country which would wow even the most seasoned traveller. Everything was so modern and clean in a country with so much ancient history to tell.

Our tour guide said Turkey is the second fastest growing economy in the world [I presume after China] and all around there is ample evidence to support this claim. It is also the most visited country in Europe after Spain. Russian and German tourists pour into this Mediterranean mecca for their annual holidays and of course it is a favourite destination for Australians with Gallipoli.

You can come to Turkey for a relaxing or exciting holiday as good as anywhere in the world (and most likely much cheaper), or you can come to explore ancient ruins. There is ample evidence here of the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. If you come to Turkey to explore these ancient cultures it is good to have done a little study in archaeology first. Our tour guide shared a classic question a lady once asked him: “Why did the Romans always build ruins?” Ephesus is just magnificent. One can imagine the apostle Paul walking up and down the streets talking to anyone who showed some interest or saying farewell to the Ephesian elders as recorded in Acts 20.

We also explored the vast network of tunnels the Christians of Cappodocia dug to hide from the Romans and the other enemies. At one point we were 77 metres underground and there were tunnels which went even further down. These Christians took some very elaborate measures in order to survive during times of persecution.

There is of course plenty of non-Christian history to explore as well – the city of Troy, the Blue Mosque, Heirapolis, Aspendos, Safranbolu and the palaces of the Sultans– Topkapi and Dolmabahce. The history just goes on and on in this vital gateway between Asia and Europe which is territory that has been the prize possession of many conquering empires.

Istanbul is an amazing city full of charm. There are bazaars everywhere which ooze excitement and offer a great bargain for anyone prepared to haggle. Colourful Turkish lamps and wandering minstrels make for a very pleasant evening meal at the avenue of restaurants at the Fish Market.

A cruise on the Bosphorus gives a new angle on this colourful city. The palaces with their harems reveal the extravagant and self indulgent lifestyles of the Sultans. You can take a Turkish bath in one of the very old buildings where the Sultans used to also be washed.

The biggest surprise of all however was the incredible group of Aussies who accompanied us on this tour. Everyone mixed, was on time and enjoyed good humour with one another. Out of a group of 35- 19 identified themselves to us at some stage of the trip as Christian, with varying degrees of commitment. We also had one Hindu, one Buddhist and one Muslim. Through it all there were lots of significant conversations, ministry to various needs and rich fellowship.

God is the God of surprises. Turkey is a land full of surprises. I am praying for one more surprise –that this ancient land will recover its Christian roots and Jesus Christ be on honoured as Lord.