Turkey 2010 – Day 9 – Wednesday 18th August

Today’s blog is written by Ella. Watching another sunset over Turkey, as we travel through Izmir and are wowed yet again by how vast and beautiful this city is, we are all aware of how our time here is coming to a close.

A city or a country is understood not merely by its buildings, politics, belief systems and history but by its people. Although we’ve been in Izmir for only 3 days, it really does feel like these days have stretched out against the rule of time as Izmir stretches along and inland from the Aegean coast. I know for me, as I’m sure it is for the rest of the team, it has been the people we have met here that have made our trip so precious.

Yesterday we had the chance to go out ‘treasure hunting’ in Izmir. The group I was with were led to a lovely couple. He was wearing white branded trainers similar to the ones that Neil had seen when he was praying. The most amazing thing was that, out of the 4 million people that we could have met, she had visited the church here before! She also spoke some English, so we were able to share with them how much God loves them, and share a New Testament with them.

Later in the day most of the team set off with some of the Life groups, carrying bags, boxes and bottles in tow for what promised to be a fun picnic. I have been staying with a Turkish host here, and it was good to be able to spend some more time with them and meet other friends, and of course to eat more Turkish food!

In the evening yesterday I was able to pray alongside a few others from the church with someone as they made a commitment to Jesus- it is so exciting to be there with a new believer! Although I couldn’t translate what others were praying, and had to ask what was being said, I could see the beauty and excitement in her face! Through a volunteer translating I was able to share a bible verse and a word I felt I had for her, and to hear another being shared. How awesome is God!

This morning’s devotion was focussed on the resurrection of Jesus in the gospel of John. How yet again he fulfilled the needs of the old covenant in order to bring the new. How yet again he challenged the expectations of the disciples and the Pharisees, this time by first appearing to a woman. How yet again he has given us authority in his name and has commissioned us, so that we know both freedom and forgiveness and the responsibility to share this with others that this brings. Katie also reminded us that ‘our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).’ Please pray for us against spiritual opposition as we see God move.

Our morning was spent getting very dusty and sweaty by helping to clear out and order a storage area owned by the church. Animal puppets, angel wings and a T-Rex were found alongside a library of kitap (books), office equipment, and a fridge. We obviously were not at all distracted by any of the more fun items. Obviously. By that I mean that, yeah, we may have played hunt-the-thimble with the plastic T-Rex, and the occasional moment of dress-up with bits of Christmas costumes…. But we did work hard as well! Our evening meal was in an old Greek style house, where I was able to learn from another life story, this time from our host, as I helped to prepare the salad. Yemek çok lezzetliydi (the meal was delicious).

It’s the people who have made our time here. (As well as the food, the gorgeous landscape and sunny skies!) This evening we were welcomed into the home of a Kurdish family to share çay (Turkish tea) and biscuits with them. Was brilliant to hear how they discovered Isa! Even though it was sıcak (hot) (I know we shouldn’t complain about the sun…) we had a great time chatting and being taught clapping games (I wasn’t very good!). Has been amazing to be invited in and welcomed by so many people.

Tomorrow is our day trip to Ephesus! We’re really expectant to experience more of an understanding of the context in which the bible was written… I am sure we’ll describe in detail and with copious pictures exactly what it’s like! But for now, görüsürüz (see you),

Ella and the Team.