Turkey Trip Reflections
Thank you so much for praying for Derek and me during our trip to Turkey. This letter won’t give justice in explaining how good everything was, but I will do my best to summarize it.
The goal of the trip was to connect with 6 churches (in the PKV foundation) that I didn’t already have a close relationship with. We were able to connect with each of the churches and it was sweet to see God establish connections of fellowship.
God used Derek’s presence to open doors of connection. Because of Derek’s earache, the wife of a Turkish pastor we were staying with really opened up as her mothering instincts kicked in trying to care for Derek. She is normally very shy and reserved but we were able to listen to her experiences and fellowship together. In another city, Derek was asked about his involvement at our church. When he explained about his leadership in helping men grow in their identity in Christ and freedom from sexual and/or other additions, the church leaders’ interest was peaked and that led to deeper connection. I originally told Derek to be ready to listen, pray and support me but God clearly had more for him on the trip. I’m so glad he was able to accompany me on this trip.
Stories were a big part of this trip. At the PKV foundation’s retreat we got to hear 6 people’s testimonies and see them be baptized. It is always encouraging to hear how people come to faith. In Turkey, coming to faith always includes opposition from somewhere and yet people are enduring the cost because Jesus is better. Listening to stories of how couples came together was a highlight of the trip. One story was particularly surprising; a sweet, quiet, unassuming couple has curses, guns, potions, and alcoholism as part of their story. I never get tired of hearing how God has worked and is working in people’s lives, it is such an honor to get to listen to these dear brothers and sisters.
Music was also a theme of this trip. It was great to worship together at the retreat. Derek really enjoyed getting to sing along because it allowed him to sing in Turkish. He spent a lot of time before the trip trying to learn Turkish. I love singing in Turkish so it was great to share that together. In Eskisehir, I was able to lead worship for the Turkish and Persian services. Playing the guitar is a gift from God for me. So any time I get to lead others in worship, it is so much fun! Then in Bursa, I got to show a sister how to play the piano in a basic way for worship, she was excited. May God bless her and use her.
After leaving each place we visited I was affirmed more and more of the importance of coming alongside these churches. There are so many needs and there are so many opportunities to partner with these servants who are trying to be a witness in such a dark place. One of the cities we visited only has 3 known Christians and a population of 75,000 people, that is 0.00004% Christian.
Please pray for those who are ministering in Turkey to be empowered, encouraged and faithful.
Please pray that God would bring his salvation to the people of Turkey.
Pray for support for church building projects.
Please pray for me to have wisdom to faithfully steward what God has given for me to do
Thank you for your prayers and support.
