Bottling the Wind

Ok, so I'm not sure this is a proverb or an expression officially accepted in the English language but I'm going to try it anyway.

Question:
How was your trip?
Answer:
Can you catch the wind in a bottle?

We arrived home very safe and sound on Sunday, October 2, after about 19 hours of travel. The hilights of our trip include but are not limited to:

Sharing our Hope in God through Isa (Jesus) Messiah
Seeing the Blue Mosque (only temple outside of Mecca with 6 spires)
Visiting the Haggia Sofia (orthodox and muslim spot of worship for the past 1,500 years or so)
Serving David Byle in his ministry
Meeting those who have published Bibles, started churches, and paid a very dear price to do so
Serving the believing community in Turkey
Serving some of the lost and the least
Meeting believers from Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and those of Armenian and Kurdish descent

Hearing their stories
Beginning what we hope to be is a long term relationship with some of our new friends
Serving with Adam and Jim (GEM folks)
Experiencing the rich beauty of Turkey (historical, biblical, and geographical)
and being part of a GEBC Outreach Team

We needed every one of your prayers and God was good to us. Thank you for your support.
OK, so maybe it's lightning in a bottle... but it also felt like wind in a bottle. Either way, we were privileged to serve in such a fashion and look forward to seeing what happens as a result in the future.

Sharon, Bruce, Ken, Jonathan, and John

There and Back Again;

Today our team travelled into the interior of Turkey to the city of Eskisehir. This is the site of an important battle in the battler for independence; the home to three universities, and an indomitable church plant. The city is also home to a large group of Iranian refugees.

We had lunch with the pastor and his wife and heard a powerful and touching story of love, endurance and faithfulness. we were all encouraged by the stories of God's powerful calling of people into his Kingdom.

The internet is becoming an increasingly powerful tool in this country (as it is in the USA), one person spends almost his full time following up, and reaching out to these seekers and unknown citizens of the Kingdom.

Finally, the weakest link of our team broke down and pleaded for supper at McDonalds. When is request was seconded by the comment "I cannot eat another chicken and rice dish for a year!" it was Big Macs for all (almost).

Tomorrow it is back into the Old City and the conclusion of our historical introduction to the fascinating city of Istanbul.

Bruce for the team.

Headline News: Open Doors

Hey Guys,
Today we met some important folks. We understood that it would be just a little conversation with some new friends and a dialogue with some Muslims and Christians. Instead, a group of just under 50 showed up. There were women and men, including the leaders of a local Alevi group. The Alevi are part of Shiite Muslim group with up to 15 million followers in Turkey. After a sweaty walk up a long hill, we were greeted, invited in to their building, and surprised to see a local newspaper alongside of the largest tv station in Turkey (the equivalent of cnn or nbc.

We were treated to Turkish tea and asked to share about our faith and background. They wanted to know why we were in Turkey. When we were done sharing, the Alevi leaders informed us about their history and followers. We were proud of what we shared and that we declared truth while also learning from our gracious hosts. It is a memory we all will cherish.

The population of Christians in Turkey has grown from about 50 in the 70's to several thousand. It has been our privilege to work alongside them and receive their warm welcome. We look forward to our continued work with David. We also look forward to being bold about our faith in Christ whether to a TV audience or an audience of just one person.

Thank you for praying for us.
Team Turkey

Turkey Update

The Conference was incredible! Met most of the key church leaders from all of Turkey. Had lunch with one of the first Christians in the entire country! Ali was one of 5 believers in the entire country when he found Christ 35 years ago. Carlos is the key church leader in the entire country; he is a key spokesman for the entire evangelical church in Turkey.

There is no sheep stealing among these congregations, most are the only church within 100 miles! Say a prayer for these pastors, they work very hard under extremely challenging conditions with little support.

May your will be done in Turkey.

Bruce D

Update #1

We have just completed a worship service with over 70 believers at a church and leadership retreat. Our team has been the baby sitters for the younger children while the parents get a much needed break. We have also met with local pastors, church workers, and now have many new friends.

There are less than 5,000 believers in the entire country of Turkey. One of our friends is pastor to a new church of 20. Their city is over 200,000 strong. The city has only one church. You can do the math on that one... It is good to know that though outnumbered, they are not at all discouraged. They are proud to know that God is at work in so many ways in this place.

The people are very receptive to us and have been gracious hosts. We look forward to strengthening ties and finding ways to partner with the coalition of churches here for further future support. Thanks to you all for helping make this possible.

The computer is almost out of battery and I am needed elsewhere. Please forgive the brief nature of this post. Thank you for your prayer support.

GEBC on the Go

Thank you for your prayer and support of the ongoing ministry of GEBC Global Outreach Teams. We are looking forward to an excellent week. As the situation allows, we may post photos and information. This trip will require more discretion than usual. So, on behalf of the adventurous ones departing 9/23, the families they leave behind, and those we will be serving, blessings to you and keep us in your prayers.