Episode 69: TKY MISSION TRIP Lidia Gallardo Finding Faith Among Ruins and Nightingales

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What does it mean to walk where the Apostle Paul once preached? Lidia Gallardo, a mother of quadruplets from Oak Hills Church, joins us to share her transformative journey through Turkey and Georgia with our mission team. Having never visited these regions before, Lidia's preconceptions were immediately challenged when instead of finding impoverished conditions, she encountered modern cities alongside ancient wonders.

The power of standing in a 2,000-year-old house church in Laodicea while gazing across at the lukewarm springs mentioned in Revelation brought scripture to life in unexpected ways. Equally moving was meeting Pastor Vahan in Istanbul, whose congregation worships under constant police surveillance—yet responds by offering coffee and hospitality to those same officers. This resilient faith amid challenges provided our team with profound perspective on what it means to follow Christ when it costs something.

Our conversations take listeners through the marble streets of ancient Ephesus, into the lush mountains of Georgia, and to village churches where nightingales sang as we shared meals with local believers. During one particularly magical evening feast outside a rural Georgian church, we witnessed a man named David giving his heart to Christ—a divine appointment that reminded us why we travel so far. Lidia beautifully articulates how this journey differed from typical mission trips focused on projects or teaching—instead centering on strengthening and encouraging believers through presence and fellowship.

Whether you're considering joining a future mission trip or simply want to understand how God works through cross-cultural connections, this conversation will inspire you to see how the ancient faith continues to thrive in modern contexts. As Lidia says, "You'll never know until you actually go out there...and then you're going to say how come I didn't go sooner." Connect with us to discover how you might be part of bringing God's blessing to the nations.