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christianmarker · 3 years

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HIS Travel Log Research Project

Christian Marker

Professor Kincheloe

My name is Felix Caelius. I am a traveling missionary from the province of Judea, traveling with Saint Paul, Barnabas, and a companion of mine from back home, sent from the Church of Antioch to the island of Cyprus. Since this is my first missionary journey outside of Judea, I decided that I would transcribe my journey to Cyprus and beyond, making note of the people, culture, and landmarks, in hopes to gain an understanding of this land. I took the long journey from Jerusalem to Antioch just 21 days ago, traveling with my childhood companion. On our travels along the road north, we stopped at a city just outside of the district of Abilene to take rest, a city named Damascus. The architecture of this city was incredible, it reminded me so much of back home in Jerusalem, yet, there was something more to it that I cannot describe. Last I had known of, this city Damascus was ruled by Aretas, a King from the city of Rome. The people there were also very similar to the people back home, but they would look at us as if we were intruding. I heard whispers and gossip about a man, a Jewish preacher by the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This is a name that I have heard Paul and Barnabas speak about and I confronted Pual when I arrived at Antioch. From what I have been told, Paul knew this man personally, and according to him, this Jesus is the son of our God. He spoke about how many claim that this Jesus was a mad man, and that not long after I had left Jerusalem, the people had sent him to death on a crucifix. This would make sense with what I was overhearing at the city of Damascus. They spoke about a false prophet, claiming to be the son of God, performing miracles on the people of Jerusalem. Paul told me that this is no time to question our journey, and that we should keep forward to Cyprus. My companion, however, disagreed with this notion, stating that if we are to align ourselves with this so-called false prophet, it could mean the end for all of us. I tried to convince him otherwise, but he felt the journey would be too dangerous. Alas, my companion elected to stay at the Church of Antioch, and return home soon.

As we are soon leaving for the Island of Cyprus, I decided to take note of the significance of this location, the Church of Antioch. Saint Paul and Barnabus explained to me that Antioch is one of the only churches in the world that is dedicated to the followers of Jesus. They also explain that there are many people in Jerusalem, people who follow the teachings of Jesus as we do, that have been forced to flee from Jerusalem, otherwise they would face persecution. Others from Cyprus were also coming to meet up at this Church. I was shocked at what had become of Jerusalem, a place that I had once cherished, becoming a place of disaster and violence. As I look around this location, I too am drawn to stay here with my friend, I too am scared of traveling to lands I have never seen, seeing dangers I could never imagine. For a few moments, I did consider staying here, but I know that it would be dangerous for Saint Paul and Barnabus to go alone to these lands. As I am continuing to look around the Church of Antioch, it amazes me to see the way the church was built into the side of the earth. Today, more people from Jerusalem came flooding through the halls of the church. Paul told me that it would most definitely be a place of sanctuary for these people. I decided to ask more about the church, for it is somewhere I could come back to if I ever need to. He told me that this was one of the only churches that is dedicated to the followers of Jesus and his teachings. The only other existing church for the followers had been in Jerusalem. Paul advised me not to ever travel back to Jerusalem unless it is urgent. After finishing our talk, Paul told me that we will be leaving for the Island of Cyprus in a bit of time, and that I should get rest. I shall write again when I arrive on land.

We landed in Cyprus just a few hours ago, and I am already amazed at the history I have seen here. We are currently holding up at a Greek city-state named Salamis. Paul told me that this location was formerly a battlefield. He explained that hundreds of years ago, this was a place of great naval battle, between the Persians and the Greeks, during the second Persian invasion of Greece in the Greco-Persian Wars. I remember learning about the war between the Persians and Greeks. I’ve been told that this was the final battle of the war, that the two sides would later call for a treaty of peace after the fighting had concluded. I am not one to have much knowledge about war and battle, but I have been told that this is one of, if not the most important battle in the whole war. As we traveled through the mainlands of the Island of Cyprus, I could not keep my mind off of one emotion. Fear. Fear that we would be caught, fear that we would be persecuted, pursued, and killed. I was not great at hiding my emotions, as Paul told me that all will be well, and that we just need to keep going. As we traveled through Cyrus, going from city to city, town to town, spreading word about our faith. We eventually made it to the city of Paphos, in which we unfortunately met our first opposition. When we arrived in front of Sergius Paulus, Proconsul of Cyprus, we were met with opposition from a sorcerer named Elymas. This Elymas argued against Paul and Barnabus, he wouldn’t let any man talk about Jesus to the Proconsul. Then, Paul declared that because of his opposition, God has elected to blind the man named Elymas. In just that instant, he yells that a dark cloud comes over his sight blocking him as he tried to block Paul from speaking. Paul then continued to speak to the Proconsul, who was very interested in hearing about the faith. I thought about asking Paul what happened to the man named Elymas, but I elected not to.

Some time has passed since I last wrote in the journal. We travelled to Perga, a city in the Anatolia Province, in which we all took some much needed rest. We then travelled to Antioch of Pisidia, and continued to attempt to spread the word and teachings of Jesus. The architecture there was much different than that of back home. I was starting to feel a sense that I do not belong here, I wanted to leave, live my own life, in safety. When we arrived in the city, Paul began to speak about the teachings of Jesus. But, as I had feared, the people of Antioch of Pisidia did not take kindly to Paul’s words, creating conflict between us and the Jewish people there. We eventually were exiled from the city, but Paul explained that he would return there soon. Once this happened, I elected to remove myself from the journey. I apologized to Saint Paul and Barnabas for my lack of courage, but Saint Paul assured me that we would cross paths again. As Paul and Barnabas left for Iconium, I decided to make my way towards Rome. I had heard great stories about the culture and life in Rome, and I wanted to experience it for myself. I knew that the journey would be long, and I knew that I would have to hide my true faith, but I was willing. Thus, I made my way to Rome. Throughout my travels, the whispers of Saint Paul and Barnabas persisted. It had seemed that their teachings were showing some influence on few, but still looked down by many.

Now that I have finally made it to Rome, I was in shock with the civilization. It seems far more advanced than any city I have ever seen. Everything! From the architecture, the food, to the size of everything. I have been able to find myself shelter to stay in, although I have had to create a story about myself, so that I do not draw attention to myself. I have said that I am a farmer, who previously lived on my own, just outside of the reaches of Rome. My plan is to stay hidden, live in secret, and to give myself a life like I had back home.

I have come back to this journal for the first time in twenty years to write that Saint Paul is here in Rome! He has been imprisoned under house arrest here for some time now. I wish to speak with him, however I do not know how to. I have heard, however, that he still performs preachings from his own home. I have decided that I am going to attempt to attend these preachings of his, and attempt to speak with him.

After speaking with Saint Paul, I am stunned with everything that he spoke of. Saint Barnabas was killed at Salamis, although I was not told how. He went all across the world for his missionaries. He also explained that he was imprisoned by the Romans when he finally returned to Jerusalem years ago. He then warned me about the current kings and rulers of this land, speaking on the evil that they possess. He warned me about the current Emperor, Nero Caesar, who had become emperor almost 10 years ago. He then hands me a piece of paper, in which he tells me to read and read well, for a greater evil will be arriving soon. I soon at I got home, I opened up the paper and read, as it states “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” I can not possibly fathom everything that he has written down on this paper. He tells about the evil and deceit that will be arriving soon, sooner that anyone expects. He believes that kings and kingdoms will fall, and lives will be lost. I will contemplate these writings and write on my own when I see fit.

I am writing in this journal one last time with haste. There was been a travesty in Rome. I blaze erupted in the markets, and continued to blaze into the night and morning. The destruction is insurmountable, and the Emperor himself has made it the fault of the Christians. We have been prosecuted, chased, and killed by the dozen. I have been forced to flee from Rome, as Saint Paul has been set for execution, and I fear I may be next, as they know of our relationship. I am going into hiding. I fear this may be the last any person hears from me, If so, I hope the lord has mercy on all of our souls.

Works Cited:

2 Thessalonians 2: 1-11, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Thessalonians+2&version=NIV

Tacitus, Cornelius. The Annals. Translated by Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb. http://classics.mit.edu/Tacitus/annals.2.ii.html

Pamphili, Eusebius. The Church History (Book II). Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1890. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/250102.htm

"Acts of the Apostles." In A Dictionary of the Bible., edited by W. R. F. Browning. Oxford Biblical Studies Online, http://www.oxfordbiblicalcstudies.com/article/opr/t94/e28 (accessed Dec 3, 2020).

Terry, Milton S. The Sibylline Oracles. New York: Eaton & Mains, 1899. https://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/sib/index.htm

Griffin, Miriam T. Nero: End of a Dynasty. Psychology Press, 2000.

Benario, Herbert W. An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers: Nero (54-68 A.D.) 10 Nov, 2006.

Smith, Mahlon H. Nero. 1999. https://virtualreligion.net/iho/nero.html

Jarus, Owen. Emperor Nero: Facts & Biography. 8 Oct, 2013. https://www.livescience.com/40277-emperor-nero-facts.html

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ynibytina · 4 years

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Meet Evan Welcher!!!

With the recent passing of my Grandpa Peterson, I thought now would finally be a good time to put up an interview I did a while back with my friend, Evan Welcher since it also deals with death. I met Evan on Twitter through his twin brother, Steele, who happens to be the resident life manager of the dorms at WITCC (where I recently graduated from college). Evan is the senior pastor of First Christian Church in Glenwood, Iowa. In the last five years or so, Evan's been on quite a roller coaster ride of emotions, but that hasn't stopped him from trying to make a smile on other peoples faces. He went from the extreme happiness of meeting and then marrying his lovely wife, Danielle, (whom he refers to as "My Resplendent Bride"), to the agonizing sorrow of her cancer and death. To learn more about Evan and his new journey through life, please check out his personal Twitter, Instagram, or website.

People Who Inspire You: My Resplendent Bride, Rich Mullins, John Stott.

Favorite Bible Story: The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).

Favorite Bible Verse: John 11:25.

Favorite Musician: Rich Mullins.

Favorite Movie: Lady In The Water.

Favorite Books: Too many to list!

Favorite Color: Yellow.

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving.

Mac or PC: Mac.

Twitter or Facebook: Twitter.

Blackberry or iPhone: iPhone.

Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate.

Winter or Summer: Summer.

Pancakes or Waffles: Waffles.

Math or Science: Science Fiction.

Past, Present, or Future: Future.

Have you always wanted to become a preacher?

What made me want to be a preacher was the way God comes down into human history and saves fallen, broken, messed up people like me. When Jesus saved me I said to myself, "I have to spend the rest of my life telling people about this Jesus!" He is the only God who gives up His life for His people instead of the other way around.

I did not happen to grow up in a church-going family, but I did, in my totally biased opinion, grow up in the best family. God saved me when I was 16. At the time I wore a lot of black and was rather unpleasant to be around. I was a committed atheist and my world view was hostile to religion in general organized or otherwise. A friend of mine had become a Christian the summer of my 16th year, and when school resumed had been annoyingly faithful at telling me all about Jesus. She invited me to Church often. I always refused invitations and for my part, faithfully mocked her. One night I had a dream in which Jesus saved me from my wretched self. I awoke the next day perplexed and annoyed. I wondered if I had eaten a bad taco the night before. Nonetheless, despite my attempts to brush off and rationalize the dream...it stayed with me. Yes, it gnawed at my pompous faith in my intellect. I began running through the practical ramifications of being wrong about the existence of God. My atheism was based upon the shaky foundation of me assuming there was no God because I had never experienced God in my short life. I wagered that if there was a God He would not take kindly to the immense ungratefulness exhibited by of one of His creations going around telling His other creations that the Creator was, in fact, a fairy tale. My friend invited me to church again, and I went. The gospel (Good News) was explained to me and for the first time, I believed that God was real, and, that I was alienated from Him because of my own sin, and furthermore that all that stuff about the Cross was Jesus dying in my place so that I, even I, as undeserving as I am, might be declared righteous, and forgiven. Through no goodness or wisdom of my own, I believed that night. Faith was God's gift to me on that October evening. He bids us all to come to die with Him that we might live with Him. I love how just God is, because He won't turn anybody away.

When did you find out that your wife had cancer? How did you react to the diagnosis?

My Resplendent Bride had been coughing for several months. We went to the Dr. and they thought it was anything from her asthma acting up to pneumonia. However after several weeks without improvement they did an X-Ray and saw the baseball-sized mass in her anterior mediastinum. The mass was situated between her lungs right next to her heart. It was pushing against her lungs making it difficult to breathe. We later learned it was lymphoma, which is a blood cancer. We were sad because we both had seen the pain: cancer caused in our parent's lives. Her father had fought against brain tumors for many years, and my mother died from lung cancer.

I held my Danielle in my arms and we wept together: for the fight ahead, for the fears we harbored, for our unborn children. We were keenly aware of the fight ahead of us, but we also purposed in our hearts to trust in God's sovereignty. We believed that God is in control of all our lives and that nothing merely happens by coincidence.

A verse we clung to was Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

My Resplendent Bride fought cancer like the woman of grace that she was for nearly two years. During that time her lymphoma came back twice and morphed into leukemia. She went home to be with her Savior (John 14) May 3, 2014, dying from complications of a failed bone marrow transplant.

I have never known anyone like her. She was the love of my life. She is the best person I have ever known. God gave her to me for less than 3 years, but oh, the mark she left on my soul is indelible. Danielle was a woman who had yielded herself to her Lord as much as a human can. She was a missionary to S. Sudan, a teacher, a daughter, a friend to more people than I can count, and my Resplendent Bride. It is not cliche of me to write that her love changed me in ways that I can not fully comprehend or explain. True love has a way of doing that.

Is there anything that we can be praying about for you?

Please be praying for me as I mourn the loss of my Resplendent Bride. The Bible says that two become one in the covenant of marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33). There is something mysteriously powerful about marriage that I fear may be lost on many today. When someone is widowed they have spiritually been torn in two. The beauty of Christ is that He shall put us all back together again.

Many of the people we walk past and ignore everyday are virtual walking Humpty Dumpty's marching along in a daze. The people of God are tasked with waiting with the broken while rescue comes. This is God's beautiful design for the Church.

How do you turn such negative events in your life into positive ones?

I am thankful that it is not up to me to bring good from evil. God is always working (Romans 8), and it is enough for me to know that He is good, knows what He is doing, and has not forgotten His little lambs.

What does a normal day in your life look like now?

I wake up and drink in the coffee as well as tidings of distant lands that transpired while I slumbered (the news). If people are lucky, I take a shower (people are always lucky). Then I head off to my study at the church building and work on whatsoever needs working on! I believe God does powerful things through the proclamation of His word to His saints (don't you love how the Bible calls Christ's Bride "Saints"? That proves our righteousness comes not from ourselves but for Him!) so I spend a good portion my week writing Sunday's sermon.

If you could preach about any topic or Bible story on a Sunday, what would it probably be about and why?

My favorite thing to preach on is the forgiveness of sins, which is inseparable from the Cross of Christ. The banner we dwell under reads, "Christ Crucified For Sinners". The best thing about the Gospel is that it is not about us, it's about Him. The world has enough people who are really into themselves. The cool thing about God is that He knows our frame, that we are but dust. He knows we dustlings are fragile, broken, and rough around the edges. He also knows that we are battered, bedraggled, broken things looking for shelter. If you think you need to have all your stuff together before God will have anything to do with you: you have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

How would you describe your style of preaching? Also, why should people come to your church?

I don't yell at people. I don't beat the sheep.

I preach through books of the Bible, verse by verse. At First Christian Church we believe 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

Preaching through entire books ensures that the Church gets a steady diet of God's revelation in the proportions the Holy Spirit doles out. When a guy is just doing topical series after topical series there runs the risk of the people of God only hearing the preacher man's hobby horses.

First Christian Church is an independent church trying to do things as much as the New Testament Church did as we can figure out. We admit that we are only human, and that the first century was a long time ago, but we think there are some clear hints in the New Testament about what the Church should look and feel like. At the same time, we deeply value the contributions of our brothers and sisters in Christ have made to the global church over the last 2,000 years. Tradition is not a dirty word.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I read, lift weights, bike, write, and try to figure out woodworking!

What are five things that most people don’t know about you?

I am painfully shy.

I throw tomahawks.

I don't have all the answers, but I know the one who does.

I am a sinner/saint.

I am rooting for them.

What’s the best part of being a pastor and why?

The best part of being a pastor chooses to use us to accomplish His goodwill, and that goes for all His children.

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