Turkey: Cyclist returns to Mary's house that inspired Jerusalem pilgrimage

Andrew Foote (far left) at Meryemana Evi in Ephesus © Andrew Foote

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

A gardener cycling from London to Jerusalem has returned to the shrine that inspired his pilgrimage, describing it as one of the ride's most significant moments as he enters what he expects to be the most challenging stage of his journey.

Andrew Foote, 32, said his return to the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana Evi) near Ephesus strengthened his resolve to continue the journey and deepened his trust in God as he prepares for the final stages of the pilgrimage through the Middle East.

Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) UK on Wednesday (14th October), he said: "I went to Rome with some expectations but now I don't know what to expect.

"One of the things I learned recently was to put my expectations into God's hands, to rely on God's will and not on my own understanding or expectations.

"The pilgrimage has taught me to focus on what's directly in front of me and trust God with everything else."

The journey was inspired by a profound spiritual experience at the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana Evi) near Ephesus in September 2025, where Andrew felt called to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Now, nearly two months into his journey, he has returned to Meryemana, describing the visit as one of the most significant moments of the trip.

Andrew's route has already taken him across some of Europe's most demanding cycling terrain, including the foothills of the Alps and Italy's rugged coastline, but he believes the greatest challenges still lie ahead. Having crossed into Turkey, he admitted he has begun to feel more isolated than at any point in the journey so far.

"Physically, I'm no longer on the European continent, I'm now in Asia. It's a Muslim country, not a Christian one. There are no churches you can pop into or crosses or shrines on the side of the road that you can stop at."

Andrew believes the weeks ahead, as he continues towards Jordan and ultimately Jerusalem, will test both his endurance and his faith.

"The roads are steeper, the weather is more unpredictable. Last night we had very heavy thunder and lightning storms. It's either going to be 24 degrees and clear skies or absolutely pouring down with rain."

Despite the challenges, he has found much to admire in Turkey.

"Turkey's been a fantastic country so far. The people are very hospitable. I'm a huge cat lover, so the fact there are cats everywhere is very nice."

The pilgrimage is also intended to raise awareness and support for ACN's #RedWednesday campaign - now in its tenth year - which highlights the persecution faced by Christians around the world.

Andrew said he often thinks of Christian converts from Islam who face hostility because of their faith.

"One thing that has crossed my mind is the plight of Christian converts, those who in the Islamic world turn their back on Islam and convert to Christianity and how persecuted they are, and their families as well," he said.

"When that comes to mind, my mission here becomes more emboldened."

As he prepares for the final stages of his journey to the Holy Land, he expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he has received: "Carry on with the prayers please. Don't stop now."

To support Andrew's fundraiser click here: Cycle4hopetojerusalem