Westmont Magazine Exploring Great Cities of the Ancient—and Modern World

Three great ancient cities, Athens, Istanbul and Rome, have figured prominently in the history of Christianity. The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations is planning a trip to these historical sites June 16-29, 2013. President Gayle D. Beebe and his family will join alumni and parents in exploring their cultural and biblical significance.

David Sparks will lead discussions of the letters of Paul and the life and message of the church’s greatest missionary. He earned a Master of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Seminary and a doctorate in ministry at Drew University after graduating from Wheaton. He founded Footstep Ministries in 1982 with his wife, Elizabeth Iliadou Sparks, a native of Greece, to conduct tours to biblical sites in Europe.

“I’m excited to visit these beautiful and historic cities with alumni and parents,” says Teri Bradford Rouse ’77, director of alumni and parent relations. “Not only will we explore historical sites, but we’ll enjoy modern cuisine and culture in each location as we encounter a mixture of old and new in each region.

“Spending time with President Beebe and his family and fellow members of the Westmont community will enrich the trip,” she says. “Blending travel and study provides an educational experience that deepens our understanding of these cultures and reflects our commitment to lifelong learning.”

The tour begins in Athens, continues to Istanbul and ends in Rome. For more information about the journey, see the college’s website, www.westmont.edu/alumni.