Nate
So we went to the University is Izmire on Friday afternoon, to bring up conversations and hopefully be able to talk about Christ. I had an amazing experience there that I would like to share with you. I was in a group with Paul, Rachel, and Kat. We had not yet talked to anyone or really felt "lead" to go anywhere. One of our friends we made here at the local church named Shefika came up to us and asked us how it was going. We told her we hadn't talked to anyone and she brought us back into the cafe area and told me to go to this guys sitting there. So I went, and through some confusion I was left alone to talk to this guy. Well I wasn't alone, because Christ was with me, and through His watching over the conversation I was able to share with this man the Gospel. I had brought up the subject of Islam and he said that he was a muslim but he respected all religions. He said he read the Koran, but not the Injeel. He explained how it had been "changed" by man. Then he asked me, "Is this true?" I said, "No," haha God totally opened the door for me. So I went through it. I shared with him how the Injeel was still impacting and changing people's life and how it had changed mine. He took it all in and grew really interested when I started explaining what Jesus did on the cross and how He is the only way to heaven. I gave him an Injeel and told him to read John 3:16, he not only did this but he also read the rest of the paragraph!! I was able to then explain what Christ's sacrifice on the cross did for us to forgive us our sins. I didn't just do that once but three times!!!! Because he kept asking questions. God did an amazing thing that day and he kept the Injeel and hopefully will read it and God will get a hold of his heart and he will find Jesus soon!!!!!!
Jenna
The team visited Pergamum on Saturday, from 9 am - about 3 pm. One of the biggest themes from this site was the different gods they used to worship:
- Aclepius, the god of healing who had "living [healing] water"
- Athena, goddess of wisdom [truth]
- Many emperors claimed deity and demanded worship
- Zeus was the king and creator
- Dionysis, god of the vine [wine] and theater
- worship ceremonies involved eating raw meat and getting drunk on wine
- Demiter, goddess of grain/bread
This is just one of many different lessons we've learned while studying on sites in Turkey. Sooooo many stories to tell you guys; this blog is just to wet your appetite, haha! Love you all and fully appreciating your support.
Kendall
So today...we all split up and went to a few different Turkish churches, which was really cool. Worshiping with people in a different language is an amazing experience and very encouraging. We then drove to Selcuk, got mail (thanks to all who sent us notes and packages!), and went swimming. In a pool filled simply by a natural spring. Which means it's freezing cold. AND on top of that, it's plopped right in the middle of an orange grove with beautiful mountains in the background. All of us jumped in the water and screamed, scaring the rest of the people away. Whoops! Or, if you're like me, you're picked up and thrown into the freezing water. Sunbathing on the side of the pool was exactly what we all needed. By the pool was a Turkish plum tree which the entire team soon started admiring. The owner gave us permission kindly to pick all the plums we wanted! So Sieben, Sarah, and Jenna climbed into the tree and dropped plums down to the rest of us who were holding towels to catch them. We had so much fun!! Pide was the meal tonight, which made us all happy :)
PS: More pictures and stuff coming soon!
PPS: Amanda went to a clinic this evening and has been there for a couple hours as test results are coming in--not sure exactly what it is, but please please keep praying for her health and safety.
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