On November 3rd, our flight from London landed in Larnaca, Cyprus, on the south side of the island. There, we split up and two of our four teams (including mine) headed north.
Situated within shouting distance of mainland Middle East, this beautiful Mediterranean island has seen its fair share of invaders, settlers, immigrants and governmental power grabs. These would include some well-known historical empires like the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, British and Turks. Now, examining Cyprus’ current situation, the most recent attempted invasion took place in 1974 when the Turkish military landed on the northern coast and captured 37% of the island, and, as a result of failed peace talks, the island remains divided to this day. Diplomatically, the now denoted “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (where we are) is a country that technically does not exist. The entire international community (except for Turkey) instead considers it an “occupied territory.” Super fun stuff.
Okay enough of the short history lesson. (I know all of you love history…. alright maybe not.)
We have hosts this month. And boy do they have a story. (For security purposes, I will not mention their names.)
There are two of them, both of which are American and have spent most of their time planting churches and disciple-making in Turkey. Both have raised their families in Turkey. Both have started businesses and refugee learning centers for the purpose of reaching the unreached and sharing the gospel of Jesus in various Turkish communities. Both them and their families speak fluent Turkish. Both have labored tirelessly over the past decade and beyond to serve and love the people of Turkey and point them to the Lord.
I know you might be wondering this by now…. “What are they doing in Cyprus?”
Have you ever been in a season where it seemed as if life couldn’t get any better? A season where everything was falling your way for some reason? And then out of nowhere, something completely unexpected brings that season to a screeching, painful halt?
Well that’s just about what happened. Our hosts were never discreet about their faith throughout their time in Turkey, and they never intended to be. Speaking boldly and knowing their mission, they built fruitful, long-lasting, discipleship-driven relationships in the communities of Ankara andIstanbul, as well as others. Around three years ago, one of them was deemed an “enemy of the state” and given a lifetime ban by the Turkish government. He and his family had to leave. And last year, after the failed coup d’tat attempt, the second host and his family were given the same fate: leave immediately.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” — James 1:2-4
Count it all joy? Seriously? What does that even mean???…
Sometimes I don’t realize the full weight of this instruction that James is not merely suggesting, but ordering. He’s saying when you are tested (because remaining untested is not an option for a follower of Jesus) you should not only endure it, but it should bring joy to your soul, knowing that purification only happens when you go through the fire and resilience will follow.
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” — 1 Peter 4:12
As a physical representation of these two passages, and even though the circumstances surrounding their exile was saddening and unjustified, our hosts took it in stride. You may recall in the short history lesson at the beginning of this post that we are in the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.” The official language is Turkish. Even though it’s in the “country’s” name, Turkey is doing everything in its political and financial power to detach itself from TRNC, which allowed the door to fling wide open for our hosts… and the rest is history.
Their businesses and ministries in Turkey are still thriving, by the way.
Thank you all so much for reading! Our time here has been incredible. Higher education is one of Cyprus’ most valuable commodities, so I’ve been able to have sweet conversations with college students from all around the Middle East! I’ve met students from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, Jordan, Syria, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Wow. How are they all in one place?! What luck..or the Lord.
Love you all! Be blessed.
-Bradley
