Hello friends!
It has been a while since I have posted a blog. For that I apologize. I used the excuse that people won’t read it with the password requirement. Well, here we go…
Turkey to me was culture shock. I at first felt like I had to change who I was. With it being a more quiet culture (unless there is a fight on the street) I needed to be careful with how loud I laughed, how much eye contact I kept with the opposite gender, how I dressed, and felt like I had to monitor what types of conversations I had. As time progressed we came into a rhythm as a team. We now are getting the rhythm and are being bold with our faith.
Let me explain some of the culture here so you can understand it a little more. Turkish people love Americans, but with Hollywood, with all of it‘s sexuality represents all Americans. We have come into the culture with clear boundaries in that area (obviously) but also bold with our faith with our friends that we make along the way. Some more of the culture is that the younger, college students have started searching for other things to believe in than just the religion they grew up with (really amazing opportunities). I have almost daily given people the Gospel since being in Ankara (a college town). It amazes me that almost all of them have never heard it before. Turkey is also a very hospitable country, full of love and wanting to serve their new friends.
Some really amazing opportunities have been meeting up with friends in Istanbul that were fellow believers. They helped us to understand the culture. In Ankara where we are currently we have had so much opportunity to make friends in the hostal we are staying in. Also with people we meet at the park, or even the college that we visited. So many people have been prayed for and been given the Gospel for the first time, like ever. Friends, listen to me! So many people in the Middle East need to hear the Gospel. They haven’t heard! Yes, the Lord reaches them in many ways, including dreams. But please pray for there to be more workers here, and pray for the Lord to continue to speak to the people! We need people in the 10/40 window!
Prayer…
Praise:
The Lord is continuing to give me patience and strength with some physical ailments such as stomach pain, back pain and ear problems
That people are hearing the Gospel for the first time
Request:
That more people will work in the 10/40 window
That I would continue learning how to slow down and follow the voice of the Lord
Password for blog… Jesuslovesme
