Southern Nebraska Register
As part of their 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, the team at the Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies in Lincoln set their hearts on incorporating pilgrimages as yet another opportunity for God’s faithful in Lincoln and beyond to be transformed by Scripture.
“While the Scripture always remains the same,” said Joshua Burks, “the setting of pilgrimage cultivates a rich receptivity in the heart and soul of each traveler to hear Jesus speak in new and deeper ways.”
One such way this came to fruition is through an upcoming Jubilee Year pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, Italy, led by Burks with Father Cole Kennett and Jeff Runyan of Encounter Travel. What he and his colleagues did not expect is how that opened the door to even more opportunities.
In collaboration with ACTS XXIX and Corporate Travel, the Emmaus Institute will offer a 2026 pilgrimage in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. Joined by Father John Riccardo, founder of ACTS XXIX, as well as Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln, the pilgrimage will set out to retrace the footsteps of Paul, the missionary and friend of Jesus. Along the trip, pilgrims will visit many of the communities that Paul founded and visited in those early days of Christianity—such as Athens, Philippi, Thessaloniki, and more—seeking his wisdom and asking his intercession.
“It is one thing to take in these breathtaking and foreign sights on a human plain,” Burks said, “but to be able to break through time, so to speak, and allow the message of St. Paul to echo through to our ears today in the places he first preached it will be invaluable.”
Pilgrims will have the opportunity to hear the gospel—so dear to St. Paul—opened and unpacked by scholars and theologians like Father John Riccardo, Dr. Vern Steiner, Burks, and others. Bishop Conley is particularly eager to revisit Ephesus, where sites such as the house of St. John and Mary remain, and bring pilgrims into a deeper encounter there. Full trip information can be found at www.emmausinstitute.net/pilgrimages.
From now until May 17, everyone has the opportunity to purchase one or more raffle tickets for a chance to win a spot on this pilgrimage. Winner of the raffle receives a Balcony Room package (valued at $6,999+) as described on the trip flyer (see website). The package also gives the opportunity to bring a spouse or plus-one at a discounted rate. Please visit the Emmaus website below for full entry details.
To enter the raffle, purchase tickets via the QR code below, visit www.emmausinstitute.net/raffle, or contact the Emmaus Institute at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (402) 327-1671. All funds from the raffle will support the Hearts Aflame 2025 campaign of the Emmaus Institute.
