I was so encouraged by my wife and I’s visit with Iranian friends, Babak & Eli, in South Carolina a few weeks ago. It was great to visit our friends, but I was most surprised by the church in South Carolina who had sponsored them to come to the US. The SC church has been supporting the church in Zonguldak, Turkey that we planted together for close to 10 years.

People watching at the pazar is a great cultural experience. People from all social classes and ages are amongst the mob of shoppers. Community is a high value for Turks. While their underlying value of each other may be wrong, the way that they interact by seeing one another, joking, honoring each other, and caring for one another is exemplary. Praise God for Turks’ high value of community! Pray for Turks that their eyes may be opened to the true inherent value we all have as image bearers of God.

Lately, I keep coming face to face with passages in the Bible that really challenge my faith. Enduring injustice is something that feels so wrong. As an American and maybe even more so as an Arizonian standing against injustice is just what we do. But this verse seems to be challenging me to endure injustice.

During my last trip to Turkey I was challenged by the fullness of life I saw in my Iranian friends, who live each day with very difficult circumstances

Being gospel-centered and outward-focused is a great philosophy to live by as a Christian. In this philosophy there is purpose and intentionality.

Cross cultural engagement is a reflection of the incarnation of Jesus. God moved towards us so we move towards others.

Change

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.