Campbellsville University School of Theology plans 'Apostles and Epistles' trip to Turkey and Greece

CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (02/14/2012)(readMedia)-- The Campbellsville University School of Theology has planned a 14-day inspirational tour of Turkey and Greece May 12-25.

The trip is called "Apostles and Epistles," and is being hosted by Dr. Scott Wigginton, associate professor of pastoral ministries and counseling; Dr. Ted Taylor, professor of Christian studies; Dr. John Hurtgen, dean of the School of Theology and professor; and Dr. Shane Garrison, assistant professor of educational ministries.

"This trip will give CU students, faculty, staff and friends the opportunity to put their feet on the same stones as the apostle Paul as they visit ancient Corinth and Philippi, and see the cave on the isle of Patmos that once housed the exile John when he wrote the book of Revelation," Wigginton said.

They will also travel on the Aegean Sea on their way towards Athens and visit the cities of Ephesus and Laodicea.

Matthew Feather, a CU junior and history major from Campbellsville going on the trip, said, "I really look forward to learning history about Turkey, Greece, and the empires that used to stand there; such as the Ottoman Empire, as well as further influencing my spiritual life deeper with the experience."

Feather also went on the trip to Israel in March 2010 with the School of Theology.

"Going to nations rich with thousands of years of history has always been major attraction to me," Feather said. "At the same time, going to Israel and following in the same footsteps as Jesus and other biblical figures proved to be a life changing experience, especially in my religious life."

There are 19 people registered to go on the trip in the spring.

Wigginton said, "One of the exciting things about teaching at CU is the opportunity to both represent CU and take students abroad."

Since 2004, Wigginton has taken students to Kenya, Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine and Israel. He has also represented Campbellsville University through speaking opportunities and ministry in Costa Rica and Thailand and to travel in Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

"In the School of Theology, our hope is that every one of our students travels abroad by the time he or she reaches graduation. There is not much more satisfying than to see a student who has never flown before board an airplane and have an experience in a new part of the world. Exposing our students to international education and missions is one of the strengths of Campbellsville University," Wigginton said.

For more information about the trip, contact Wigginton at 270-789-5037 or email at sewigginton@campbellsville.edu.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.

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Cutline for accompanying photo:

Administrators of CU joined those in the School of Theology traveling to Greece and Turkey in a planning meeting. Front row, from left-- Charles Darnell, Teresa Spurling, John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president; Dr. Dewayne Frazier, associate vice president for academic affairs; and Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs. Second row-Warren Newberry, a senior from Kevil, Ky.; Dr. Shane Garrison, assistant professor of educations ministries; Carol Pike and Steve Pike. Back Row-Matt Feather, a junior from Campbellsville, Ky.; Dr. John Hurtgen, dean of the School of Theology and professor; Dr. Ted Taylor, professor of Christian studies; and Dr. Scott Wigginton, associate professor of pastoral ministries and couseling.

Not pictured, but also going on trip are: Brandon Bishop, a senior from Campbellsville, Ky.; Lauren Oliver, a freshman from Crestwood, Ky.; Donna Mitchell, Andre Morton, a 2011 graduate of CU's School of Theology; Peter Hurtgen, Pam Hurtgen, Sheri Taylor, Bob Friend and Barbara Friend. (Campbellsville University Photo by Christina Kern)

By Natasha Janes, student news writer

Posted Tuesday February 14, 2012 at 11:00 am by Campbellsville University
Last Updated Wednesday February 15, 2012 at 12:43 pm