After bidding a sad farewell to the beautiful country of Greece, we arrived at our Istanbul hotel late Friday night, where a quick, late dinner was followed by what seemed like the briefest sleep. The early morning greeted us with a flight to Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport,

Cappadocia, Turkey. Cappadocia is a region steeped in church history and natural beauty.

Our journey in Cappadocia began with witnessing the region’s mesmerizing fairy chimneys— alien planet-like rock formations that rise dramatically from the ground, shaped by centuries of erosion. Our first stop was in a quaint small town in the Nevşehir District called Uchiser. Nestled just about 5 miles east of Nevşehir, it stands at the heart of Cappadocia’s rich and breathtaking landscape.

We enjoyed a traditional buffet lunch at a Turkish restaurant, sampling the rich and varied flavors of Turkey. Afterward, we marveled at the Göreme Valley’s topography, shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions. Over time, the ash from these eruptions solidified into soft rock, which weathered into cones, pillars, pinnacles, and fairy chimneys that stretch as high as 130 feet. The surreal, fairy-tale landscape felt like being on an alien planet. 

Cappadocia, however, is not just a wonder of nature. It holds deep Biblical history and spiritual significance, particularly for early Christians who sought refuge here from Roman persecution. We explored one of the remarkable underground cities carved into the rock by these Christians. There are 32 known settlements, with many more still awaiting discovery. As we descended into one of these ancient underground homes, I was struck by the ingenuity of these early Christians. Narrow tunnels led to a complex network of rooms: kitchens, livestock areas, living spaces, and even a wine cellar. The constant underground temperature of 71.5 degrees offered a pleasant reprieve from the extremes of the outside world.

Scattered around the picturesque landscape were dwellings carved in the rock formations or in the valley walls. What truly moved me were the chapels, carved either above or below these rock homes. Some were simple, while others were adorned with intricate frescoes depicting Bible stories, church fathers, and martyrs. In these sacred spaces, I reflected on the incredible sacrifices of the early Christians who lived under the constant threat of persecution. Their love for Christ was so profound that they were willing to lay down their lives for Him. Many became martyrs, and their unwavering faith, sustained even in the darkest of times, left me with a deep sense of respect and gratitude.

As I stood in those hallowed halls, I asked myself if my own faith could endure such trials. Would I forsake Christ in the face of persecution, or would I be ready to lose my life, as they did, to gain eternal life with Him? This time in Cappadocia was more than just a historical tour—it was a moment of introspection, a spiritual challenge that left me pondering the strength and depth of my own faith.