This December has been a month to remember! Such an amazing month I know not where to even begin how to describe what all has erupted! For this entire month we have been in Istanbul Turkey, the third largest city in the world, I have never been to New York but everyone says it’s a good replica of what things look like there! We were teamed up with a church here called Greater Grace, headed up by a lifelong missionary Pastor Matti. A great man of God, I cant even begin to imagine all of the work he has done for the Lord throughout his lifetime! Surely there is great crown that awaits him on the other side! Alongside of Pastor Matti we also got the great privilege of working with a young married couple, Roger and Liz, from Baltimore who have given up their lives in America to do the work of the Kingdom here in Turkey. So that’s the cast . Ministry for this month primarily consisted of having the great opportunity of singing in a Christmas Choir! Who would have ever thought they would find themselves in turkey, where it is 99% Muslim, singing in a Christmas Choir! But that’s what we did….and it was amazing! God is Good!
One of the most beautiful things about this church here and the choir was the makeup of all the people! This church is truly what the body of Christ looks like! I believe there is something like 10 nationalities represented at this church on a consistent basis….with people form America, Finland, Russia, Africa, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan! With all of the Lovers of Christ coming together to just bring the Kingdom of God……it was like nothing I have ever seen! But most definitely something I long to see more of! We had the opportunity to sing at four different churches with salvations taking place at each concert, as Pastor never missed an opportunity to present the good news! Along with singing Joy to the World, Silent Night and many other songs both in English and Turkish! We were so blessed to be able to get a little taste of Africa a little early. There were four Nigerian guys who are currently living in Istanbul while trying to get on with a soccer club here! Sam and I got the joy to spend so much time with theses great men of God! We literally spent half of our time becoming best friends with these four guys! Whether we were at their soccer practice in the morning, taking naps together in their one bed room apartment, them cooking African food for us, watching movies, or going to African church services with them…..we were inseparable for this month!
This has been one of the busiest months since we have left the states, there has been absolutely no down time this entire month. I wouldn’t have any other way, the friendships we have made will not soon fade, for I have true intentions of one day setting foot in Nigeria as we will rekindle what has been lit here in Istanbul!
As I try to gather my thoughts for we have one more day here in Turkey til we leave for Kenya (which is the half way point for the year), this is going to be the hardest country to leave so far!! This has been a month of family, friendships, singing, celebrations, and salvations!
God is so Good
