heavy hearts and good times
Disappointment is a part of life but rarely something that is put in a prayer letter. I hope that as I share about my disappointments you will join me in prayer for God’s comfort and perseverance.
We were disappointed to find out that Ester, Hakan’s daughter, was rejected for a student visa to attend Arizona Christian University. She was rejected because the interviewer at the consulate in Moldova didn’t think that she would leave the US after finishing her studies. Ester and her parents are in Moldova because her mom was kicked out of Turkey because of Hakan’s ministry. Ester will apply for a visa this coming year. For now she will continue her online studies through Arizona Christian University but it is disappointing to not be able to experience university in person. Please pray for the whole family as they walk faithfully sharing the gospel with Turks in Moldova.
Personally, we are disappointed to find out that our daughter Joy was not admitted to the Naval Academy Prep School. She has worked so hard and waited so long. She will be going to Northern Arizona University with a tuition scholarship, which we are proud of. Please pray for her as she shifts gears to make the most of this opportunity.
Not everything has been disappointing. Kathryn and I just returned from a 2 week trip to Turkey and Moldova. We stayed in homes the whole time and it was a treat to spend time with the families. I was really encouraged by the church in Zonguldak. They have a heart to reach Turks and are working hard to share the gospel clearly and to be hospitable. Suat and Muge in Izmit are settling in to full time ministry. Suat is attending a theological academy and hopes to teach one day. It was great to be Hakan and Luda’s first house guests in their new apartment. It was really hot in Moldova but the fellowship was sweet. Kathryn had a great time walking and talking with Ester and Luda. It was an honor for me to get to preach in Zonguldak, Izmit and the Foundation’s main church in Istanbul.
I’m now working full-time on Barnaba Ministry. Here are a few prayer requests.
Please pray for connections with churches and partners.
Pray for wisdom as I meet with Turks.
Pray for my trip to Turkey this October and November. Logistics and new connections.
Thank you for your support and prayers,
Mark