Visit Europe on a shoestring with a Kiwi

SOUTH AUCKLAND, New Zealand--Are you thirsty for adventure? Do you hanker to visit Europe? Would you like the opportunity to see the Continent with other Sabbath-keeping Christians?

Immanuel Koks, a Church of God member from South Auckland, plans to embark on a European tour next year.

"Although I am really looking forward to this opportunity, I am very reluctant to do it on my own," Mr. Koks said.

Part of Mr. Koks' reluctance to go it alone is because of what he calls a "coordination disability."

"I am able to get around most environments independently, as well as do most day-to-day tasks independently," he said. "I am an adventurous person who has been on a number of cycle tours and outdoor-pursuit camps. Having Christian friends who travel with me would just help me to feel safer and more confident about dealing with the challenges that occur when traveling."

Having "like-minded companions" along on the tour would make the trip much more feasible, he believes.

"Here in New Zealand the number of Church of God Sabbath-keeping Christians is very small. I am unable to find anyone to go with from here."

Mr. Koks' plans are still in their early stages. He's thinking the grand tour might include the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, France, Spain and Switzerland.

"If possible, I would love to take a tour through Turkey," he said. "I especially would like to see the places mentioned in the apostle Paul's travels."

None of the specifics is set in concrete. He's open to suggestions, especially from anyone who would like to make the trip with him.

He expects the trip to take two to two and one-half months.

"I intend to keep accommodation and transport cost down," he said. "There are a number of Christian hostels in Europe that we might like to make use of."

He is thinking of also making use of a network of public-transportation lines called Busabout Europe.

The dates are not firm. But "touring between mid-July to mid-October may enable us to finish with a European Feast of Tabernacles if we desire," he said.

If you're interested in making the trip with Mr. Koks, he would like to hear from you.

If you live in Europe and are willing to put up Sabbath-keeping Christians on a journey, or could provide Mr. Koks with information about Sabbath services in your area, he would like to hear from you too.

Write him at or 33 Cosgrave Rd., Papakura, South Auckland, New Zealand.

The June 2002 issue of The Journal includes many photos and several other graphics, besides the Connections advertising section. Don't forget to subscribe to the print version of The Journal to read all the news and features previewed here.