Turkey 2010 – Day 7 – Monday 16th August

Today’s blog is written by Katie. Wow! What a long day it has been! Travelling all night on a bus from Yalova to Izmir, a few of us managed to get some zzz’s (to the background soundtrack of late-night Turkish radio and the occasional snore). We arrived on the out-skirts of Izmir at 5am where we then discovered we had to get on another bus to get to the centre of the city! By this time, a few of us were a little giddy due to lack of sleep (ok…mainly me…) and we pleased when we finally arrived at an air-conditioned MacDonalds at 6am (the first customers of the day) and were greeted by Jerry- one of the guys from the church in Izmir. Over breakfast we chatted about the church, the city, and what the plan was for this week. Much coffee was consumed.

After meeting our wonderful hosts, Jerry and his wife Terry took us on a whirlwind tour of the city. We started out of the waterfront and made our way into the centre of the city to some key landmarks including the Yali (Konak) Mosque and the Clock Tower. As we walked around, feeling very much like foreigners, we prayed for the Holy Spirit to come and fill the city, and that the Lord would be made famous in every government building, in every workplace, and every household in the city.

We caught a bus up to the top of a huge hill overlooking the city, on which the famous Velvet Castle (Kadifekale) is situated. From here, we could see the whole city of Izmir, stretching out for miles and miles in each direction. It was overwhelming to see the vastness of the city how much poverty there is in many of the districts. There are about 4 million people living in Izmir and out of this it is estimated that there are only about 400 Christians. There is such a need for God in this place! We spent time praying and seeking God whilst on top of this mountain overlooking the city. Although it was quite overwhelming to think about how many lost people there were right before our eyes, we were encouraged and strengthened by the TRUTH that God is sufficient, he is holy, he is glory, he is all powerful and he is mighty to save! As disciples, we are simply his vessels, his tools- all our strength comes from him and we have the almighty God living in us and equipping us to make disciples of all nations! Hallelujah!

The afternoon was spent trying to keep cool (not too successful- it’s 40 degrees here now!) and doing a little but of shopping in the market places. We went out for a lovely Turkish meal in the evening and then ventured down to the waterfront for our daily devotional time. It was a beautiful location for read scripture and pray- the sun was setting over the sea and there was a much appreciated breeze!

As we have been away for a week now and had a very action-packed time, many of us are feeling very tired. The heat is exhausting and a few people have painful heat rash. Your prayers would be appreciated for energy and refreshment for the remainder of our time here. Also for Chris as his knee and foot are painful at the moment. My back has made a remarkable recovery, and although still a bit sore, is much better that it was, so thank-you for your prayers for that! Darren is still suffering with his back so continued prayer for him would be great.

I’ll leave you with some verses from Isaiah 61. As we were praying on the mountain, we were struck by the fact that amongst so many broken down houses and walls there were hundreds of plants growing- beautiful trees, the Lords creation, crying out to praise him! There is hope for this city!

“The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.”
Isaiah 61 v11

Katie and the team x