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Germany & Greece 2025
  • Mark Wurtz
  • Mark Wurtz

Germany & Greece 2025

www.3einternship.com goes to Europe following the footsteps of the Radical Reformers in the 1500s and Apostle Paul from Philippi to Corinth! Read more
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  • Trip start
    November 10, 2025
  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Worms

    November 13, 2025 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Visited the Luther Monument today in Worms — the very place where Martin Luther made his historic stand in 1521.
    An incredible moment to stand where he said, “Here I stand, I can do no other.”
    Walked around the massive monument with statues of Luther, Melanchthon, Calvin, Zwingli, and the earlier reformers like Hus and Wycliffe. Also loved the symbolic figures — the cities (Wittenberg, Augsburg, Worms, Magdeburg) and events like the Protest of Speyer (1529) and the Peace of Augsburg (1555).
    Such a meaningful stop — the Reformation brought to life in stone.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Wormser Dom

    November 13, 2025 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Visited the stunning Wormser Dom today — one of Germany’s great Romanesque cathedrals, built mainly in the 1100s. Hard to believe this massive structure stood here during Martin Luther’s time. The cathedral wasn’t the courtroom for the Diet of Worms, but it was the spiritual backdrop of the whole moment. Beautiful, ancient, and full of history.

    Right beside the cathedral is the Heylshof Garden — the exact spot where Martin Luther stood before Emperor Charles V and refused to recant. Candace even stood in Luther’s shoes (literally!) and I took a photo. Amazing to stand on the very ground where “Here I stand, I can do no other” became one of the most important moments in church history.

    With paying to light a candle - is this a form of indulgence??    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Strasbourg – Petite France to St. Thomas

    November 14, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    We started our Strasbourg morning wandering through Petite France, one of the most beautiful old quarters in Europe. Half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and quiet canals made it feel like stepping back into the 1500s. It was the perfect place to begin a day tracing the story of the Reformation.
    From there we walked to Gutenberg Square, honoring the man whose printing innovations helped change the world. Strasbourg was one of Gutenberg’s early homes, and this city became a printing powerhouse. Standing by his statue, it’s easy to see how his invention prepared the way for Scripture and Reformation ideas to spread across Europe.

    Next we entered the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a towering Gothic masterpiece that took over 400 years to complete. Its beauty and scale are overwhelming — a reminder of the power and grandeur of medieval Christianity. This is the world the Reformers inherited, and standing beneath that massive spire helps you feel the contrast between old and new.

    We finished at St. Thomas Church, the true home of Strasbourg’s Reformation. This is where Martin Bucer pastored, Matthias Zell preached, and Katharina Schütz Zell poured her life into caring for refugees and the poor. Even John Calvin worshiped here during his exile. It was powerful to stand in the sanctuary where the pastoral, compassionate side of the Reformation took shape.

    A morning of beauty, history, and meaning — and a reminder that the Reformation wasn’t only about ideas, but also about people, hospitality, and transformed communities.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Ribeauvillé – A Sweet Stop in Alsace

    November 14, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We made a beautiful stop in Ribeauvillé, a peaceful medieval village that feels a bit like Orvieto with its cobblestones and half-timbered houses. We wandered the main street and picked up two éclairs, had them quartered, and shared them as a quick treat before heading on toward Basel. A perfect little pause in one of the most charming towns on the Alsace Wine Route.Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Basel – Cathedral, the Rhine, and Rowing

    November 14, 2025 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Our quick stop in Basel turned into a fun little adventure. It took us a while to find parking, and the first few blocks felt pretty modern and urban — but then suddenly we stepped into the real European charm. The old streets, colorful buildings, and Christmas markets being set up made it all feel festive.

    We visited the Basel Minster, the big red-sandstone cathedral overlooking the river, and then walked out to the terrace for a great view of the Rhine. While we were there, we watched several teams of eight rowing their long boats up and down the river — pretty impressive to see from above.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Schleitheim, Switzerland — Schleitheim M

    November 15, 2025 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    We drove to the Schleitheim Museum today fully expecting it to be closed—it’s Saturday, and we knew the odds weren’t great. But within 10 minutes, a man pulled up, and through Google Translate we discovered he was giving a tour in 15 minutes… and an English translator was on the way. Absolute godsend.

    We ended up joining a small group of Mennonites from Illinois and had a private look inside the Anabaptist room. Standing in front of the Schleitheim Confession on display—right here in the place where it was born—was surreal. So much history in one quiet corner of Switzerland.
    One of those moments where the trip gives you more than you planned.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler
    121

    Rhine Falls

    November 15, 2025 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    After leaving Schleitheim we made our way to Rhine Falls, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The sound hits you first—steady, thunderous, almost like the water has its own heartbeat. We walked along the viewpoints, feeling the spray come up from below and watching the boats push their way toward the rock in the middle of the falls.

    A dramatic contrast to the quiet Anabaptist museum this morning, but a beautiful reminder of the strength and beauty woven into this part of Switzerland.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    ICF Church, Sunday Morning

    November 16, 2025 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    This morning we joined the service at ICF and heard a powerful message from Leo Bigger about the Word of God as our weapon.

    He reminded us how Jesus faced the three temptations in the wilderness — not with arguments or emotion, but with Scripture.

    “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

    The sword was the only weapon Jesus needed.

    Leo talked about Rhema — the specific word God speaks into our situation — and how every battle we face (pride, lust, addiction, fear, discouragement) needs a Rhema verse behind it.

    Which voice has power in your life?
    We also heard powerful reminders from Scripture:
    God told Noah: Build a boat.
    God told Abraham: Leave your father’s house.
    God told Moses: Lead my people out of Egypt.
    God told Mary: Bring Jesus into the world.
    When God speaks, life changes.

    The Bible doesn’t just get read — it reads us.

    Then Leo went into reformation history - Martin Luther and the word from God to bring the logos into people’s hands!

    Leo even shared about Calvin’s Geneva — once considered one of the “stinkiest” cities in Europe — transformed over time by the power of God’s Word until Switzerland became clean, orderly, and thriving.
    Logos builds a foundation. Rhema gives us the strength to fight.

    A great reminder this morning:
    Use the sword. Speak the Word. Let God’s voice be the loudest in your life.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler
    1

    From Swiss Megachurch to Liechtenstein Q

    November 16, 2025 in Liechtenstein ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    After the energy and lights of ICF this morning — Swiss culture meets megachurch — we crossed the border into Liechtenstein, the tiny mountain country between Switzerland and Austria.

    The contrast couldn’t have been bigger.

    From a flashy, high-production worship service to a catholic, reverent church in Vaduz, everything suddenly slowed down. Even the whole country rests from 12:00 to 13:30 — no noise, no work, no activity. A national quiet time.

    Liam and Ashton struggled a bit with this rule. Apparently “quiet hours” are not their spiritual gift.

    We visited the Cathedral of St. Florin, lots of intricacies and beautiful, then drove up to the Prince’s Castle overlooking the valley. The whole place feels peaceful — almost like the country itself is a retreat center built into the Alps.

    A day of contrasts - Logos and Rhema in the morning, silence and stillness in the afternoon.

    A reminder that God speaks through the loud and the quiet, the energetic and the reverent — and sometimes even through a tiny country that pauses every day for peace.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Bregenz, Courage, and a Surprise Christm

    November 16, 2025 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    In Bregenz, our first stop was the church in the upper town — quiet, reverent, and perched above the city with a beautiful view. Just outside stood a striking memorial pillar honoring Johann Volkmann, a man executed in 1941 for refusing to swear allegiance to Hitler.

    His story echoes the same convictions that shaped the Anabaptist movement: obedience to Christ above all, the courage to resist political pressure, and a conscience that cannot be forced. Seeing that tribute beside the church brought history, faith, and sacrifice together in a powerful way.

    From there we wandered downhill toward the harbor on Lake Constance, the water opening between Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. But on the way we stumbled upon something unexpected — a Christmas market already set up in mid-November!

    European Christmas markets have a magic all their own: lights, wood huts, the smell of spices, ornaments, handmade crafts. Even though this one was very early in the season, it still felt like stepping into Advent.

    A simple walk down the hill turned into a moment of beauty, history, and early Christmas joy    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Fourth Country & Dinner at Munich’s Olde

    November 16, 2025 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Our fourth country of the day brought us into Germany, where we stopped in Munich for a late dinner at Beim Alten Wirt — a tavern first mentioned in 1417, the oldest in the entire city and one of the oldest in Bavaria. Hard to beat 600 years of hospitality.

    We settled into the old wooden dining room, still carrying the character of centuries, court hearings, travelers, and Bavarian traditions.

    One thing we learned tonight:
    our group may need just a little more maturity for the next restaurant experience. 😄

    Lots of energy after a long travel day!
    But the food was great, the atmosphere unforgettable, and it was the perfect way to finish a day that included Liechtenstein → Austria → Switzerland → Germany.

    A long day, four countries, deep history, laughter, and a meal inside a building older than almost anything in North America.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Thessaloniki: A Holy Start (& Chaotic)

    November 17, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    We flew from Munich into Thessaloniki today and stepped straight into the heart of early Christianity. After navigating some wild city traffic, we finally reached the Monastery of Vlatadon — one of the places tradition says Paul preached during his short but powerful ministry here.

    Liam shared a devotional from Acts 17 and 1 Thessalonians, challenging us to imagine what the Jews and Greeks of this city would have given up to follow Jesus. Three weeks of Paul’s preaching… and a church was born that still echoes through history. Standing on that hill overlooking Thessaloniki made the Scriptures feel alive.

    We prayed together, then walked just a few minutes to a nearby restaurant for a great Greek meal. Afterwards, we returned to the monastery right at 6:00 when the church opened. We sat inside in complete silence — a rare and deeply meaningful moment for our team.

    Then came the adventure: a 12-minute drive back to our Airbnb turned into almost two hours because of road closures and impossible parking in Thessaloniki’s upper town. It definitely fatigued the leaders, but it also made us laugh and remember that sometimes pilgrimage includes both sacred spaces and frustrating streets.

    A challenging, beautiful, holy first day in Greece    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Stepping into Acts 16

    November 18, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Today we left in the morning for the two-hour drive to Philippi, stopping halfway at a Lidl to pick up breakfast and supplies for our pita lunches (tomatoes, meat, cucumbers, tzatziki, olives — and a knife!).

    We began by walking through the Roman theatre and made our way to the site where Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Candace read the passage from Acts 16, and together we sang “I Am Free.” Standing in that place and singing those words was powerful — one of those moments where Scripture and geography blend into something unforgettable.

    We continued through the Roman forum and visited the remains of the 5th-century Octagon Church, imagining the early believers who gathered here long before there were walls or pews. After taking in the site, we finished with a late Greek lunch together.

    Much of what we walked today was along the ancient Via Egnatia — the great Roman road that connected Rome to modern-day Istanbul. Paul and Silas would have entered Philippi on this very route, making it incredible to stand on the same stones they once walked.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    First European baptism

    November 18, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    From Philippi we drove just five minutes to the Baptistry of Lydia — the traditional site where she was baptized. The monastery there is peaceful and deeply meaningful, especially for the women in our group. After visiting the chapel and picking up a few items from the gift shop, we walked down to the river. Sierra shared a devotional on Lydia — her openness, her baptism, and her courage as a dealer of purple cloth. She connected Lydia’s “yes” to Jesus with her own “yes” in joining the internship. It was a powerful moment beside the water where the first recorded European believer met Christ.Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Nepalis Port

    November 18, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Our next stop was Kavala, the ancient port of Nepalis where Paul first set foot in Europe. We visited the Paul Bema and looked over the full map of his second missionary journey, seeing how all the pieces fit together. From there we walked to the massive Roman aqueduct that stretches across the old town. Along the way a few people picked oranges from a street tree — and quickly discovered they were extremely bitter. No one finished theirs, but it gave us a good laugh and another memory from the day.Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Greek Feast

    November 18, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    On the way home we stopped at a hidden taverna for a true Greek feast - Tzami Restaurant in Moustheni.

    Dish after dish came out—salads, potatoes, bread, tzatziki, and then the two massive trays of grilled meats - more than we even expected. Since it was so out of the way, it was very economical as well.

    After a long day of walking through Scripture and history, it was the perfect way to end the night. The food was incredible, the humor was nonstop, and the event a celebration of everything we experienced together.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Berea

    November 19, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Today we drove from Thessaloniki to Berea (or Veria), beginning our day at the ancient synagogue mentioned in Acts 17.

    To get there we parked and walked a great path by a rushing creek.

    At the synagogue, we ended up meeting a larger group from an Assembly of God church in Pittsburgh — the third time we’ve crossed paths with them on this trip. It was encouraging to hear their speaker share, and Liam went straight to the speaker with some questions when he finished with the group.

    From there we walked to the Bema of Paul, the spot where tradition says he preached to the Bereans. Ashton led us in a devotional about their spirit of discernment — how they listened eagerly but always went back to Scripture to test what they heard. A good reminder for all of us to study God’s Word with the same humility and hunger.

    Today involved a lot of driving, but we made a refreshing stop by the Mediterranean Sea for an hour. As we continued our journey, we drove around the base of Mount Olympus before arriving in Trikala for the night.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Meteora & Psalm 121

    November 19, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today we visited three monasteries at Meteora — St. Nicholas Anapafsas, St. Stephen, and the St. Barbara (Rousanou) nunnery. Each one perched high on its own pillar of stone, each carrying centuries of prayer.

    Candace shared from Psalm 121, and it felt like the perfect passage for this place:
    “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?”
    Standing beneath the towering pillars of Meteora, the words felt alive. We look to the mountains, but our help comes from the Maker of the mountains.

    God watches over our coming and going — on steep steps, narrow paths, long drives, and all the transitions of life. If the monks and nuns could trust God atop these rocks, we can trust Him wherever He leads.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler
    1

    Kastraki

    November 21, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Our final stop in Meteora this morning was the Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoron, the oldest and highest of the monasteries. Before leaving for Athens we walked through a powerful exhibit titled “The King of Glory.”

    It explained something I’ve rarely seen presented so clearly:
    that long before Jesus came, both the Hebrew prophets and even the Greek philosophers were pointing toward Him.

    The prophets spoke of the Messiah.
    And amazingly, Greek thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and the early Stoics described a coming Logos—a divine Reason, a light, a savior-figure beyond the human world.

    Standing in this monastery, surrounded by rock pillars and ancient frescoes, you feel the weight of it:
    History was preparing the world for Christ.

    Both the Scriptures and the best of human thought were leaning forward toward the same hope.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Meteora to Athens

    November 21, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    On our drive from Meteora to Athens we made a meaningful stop at Thermopylae — the site where the Spartans held off the Persian army in one of history’s most famous last stands. Standing there after learning so much about Persia this week made it come alive in a new way.

    After taking in the monument and imagining that ancient battle, we continued south and stopped at a small beach. The interns didn’t hesitate — they jumped straight into the Aegean Sea for a refreshing swim!

    From there we drove to To Syntrivani, a restaurant we discovered last year and were excited to return to. Once again it did not disappoint — another incredible Greek feast together.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler

    Corinth

    November 22, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Corinth today felt like stepping straight into the pages of Acts.

    We walked to the pavement stone of Erastus—the city official Paul mentions in Romans 16. To stand on a stone carved with his name, right where he served this city, makes Scripture come alive. We met the group from Pittsburgh being led by the Center for Holy Land Studies (fifth day we were at the same spot!)

    From there we visited the Bema, the judgment seat where Paul was brought before Gallio (Acts 18). One of the only places in the world where you can stand on the exact stones of a New Testament trial. Amazing to imagine Paul right here, facing pressure, and yet protected by God’s promise that “no one will harm you, for I have many people in this city.”

    Corinth was a wealthy, complex, spiritually intense place—26 temples and shrines in Paul’s day. No wonder the Corinthian letters are filled with courage, correction, and discipleship. This city needed deep transformation.

    Then we hiked Acrocorinth, the massive fortress towering above the city. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, and Ottomans all fought to control this mountain. At the top once stood the Temple of Aphrodite—reminding us how real the battle for hearts and minds was in Paul’s ministry.

    We ended the day in Cenchreae, the eastern port where Paul boarded a ship after 18 months of ministry in Corinth. To stand at the shoreline where he departed—and where Phoebe served the church (Romans 16:1)—gave the whole day a beautiful sense of continuity. And once again we connected with the group from Pittsburgh!

    Corinth is more than a place on the map—it's a living reminder that the gospel takes root in difficult places, busy places, broken places… and still changes lives.    Read more

  • Mark WurtzGermany & Greece 2025Traveler
    1

    Athens - Worship and Acropolis

    November 23, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We began the morning at International Christian Fellowship in Athens, a small but vibrant congregation of about 60 people. The pastor preached about serving others with both our deeds and the gospel, and he challenged the church to help at the Malakasa Camp near Athens. On December 6 they’ll be giving out food and toys — a reminder that the call to love God with “all our everything” always overflows in love for others.

    From there we walked 20 minutes up to the Acropolis, standing among the stones of the Parthenon. Built as a monument to Athena after Athens’ victory over Persia, it still tells the story of human glory, beauty, and the search for meaning. The temple, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, the sweeping view over the city — everything points to a people reaching upward for the divine.

    And then we walked down to Mars Hill, where Paul once stood among these same monuments. Sophia read from Acts 17 and shared how the Athenians tried to fill the “deep dark void” within them with knowledge, idols, and endless searching — but never found satisfaction. Paul pointed them to the Unknown God, the One who actually does fill the void.

    A day of worship, history, Scripture, and the reminder that God is not found in temples made by hands.
    He meets us on hills, in churches, and in the hearts of people who seek Him.    Read more

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