Greetings eager blog readers--> James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. This verse is a strong representation of our team's attitude and reflects our conduct as we work and live together. Our prayers cover so many topics from daily activities to life changing events that are occuring in group member's lives. Each day brings forth more of God's amazing capabilities to transform us mentally and spiritually. What would seemingly be a simple conversation or deed can completely knock you off your feet with the realization of God's raw power.
Our afternoons spent at the University have proved fruitful with a lot of new friendships formed. Some team members were a little hesitant to approach the Turkish students but any hint of akwardness was dismissed with the overall willingness for conversation and quality time. many team members found instant connections at the many cafes while others had to search a little harder for communication. the Turkish students are required to take English as a first year course but as we've all experienced some classes are a little more difficult than others. Jamie, Blake, and Danny found a toxicology major who was more than willing to give a tour of his lab, share some of his work and bought all three tea within the first 30 minutes. Some of our ladies met a group of English majors who had just graduated the previous day and have made plans for dinner our last night in Izmir.
Our team returned to Yeni Yasam tonight to meet with some local believers to hang out, encourage, and worship. It was amazing to hear worship songs in Turkish and English simultaneously. I can't describe the feeling of being half way around the world and proclaiming our love and dependance for the same God with a group of people I never thought I would have met. We all enjoyed some snacks, laughs and great conversation. Drew always adds something special to our environment!!! That was a random comment but our trip wouldn't be the same without him!
To all of the moms and dads things are going very well so don't worry, God is in absolute control. The days remain hot but we have an endless supply of clean water and plenty of food each day. This is a brave group and many traditional Turkish meals have been dominated by this team!
And now for a team member bio...
Blake Hereth is a southern gentlemen from Georgia and his hobbies include reading and writing philosophy or questioning every single arguement ever presented and backing it up with 2,000 other documented arguements, it's amazing. A definate highlight of this trip was discussing philosophy with the University's department head. Blake's realization that he doesn't need or depend on so many things at home has been rather liberating, from his pen to this computer, "All I need is God." He freely admits of his slight pang of nervousness and definately out of his comfort zone. Blake 3 word description of this trip is breaking, reconstructive, and difficult. His favorite scripture is Ephesians 2: 1-3 and states that ministry is reflected in all of our thoughts, words, actions and relationships.
Thank you for your comments and prayers!!! Blessings on your night, The Turkey Team
Our afternoons spent at the University have proved fruitful with a lot of new friendships formed. Some team members were a little hesitant to approach the Turkish students but any hint of akwardness was dismissed with the overall willingness for conversation and quality time. many team members found instant connections at the many cafes while others had to search a little harder for communication. the Turkish students are required to take English as a first year course but as we've all experienced some classes are a little more difficult than others. Jamie, Blake, and Danny found a toxicology major who was more than willing to give a tour of his lab, share some of his work and bought all three tea within the first 30 minutes. Some of our ladies met a group of English majors who had just graduated the previous day and have made plans for dinner our last night in Izmir.
Our team returned to Yeni Yasam tonight to meet with some local believers to hang out, encourage, and worship. It was amazing to hear worship songs in Turkish and English simultaneously. I can't describe the feeling of being half way around the world and proclaiming our love and dependance for the same God with a group of people I never thought I would have met. We all enjoyed some snacks, laughs and great conversation. Drew always adds something special to our environment!!! That was a random comment but our trip wouldn't be the same without him!
To all of the moms and dads things are going very well so don't worry, God is in absolute control. The days remain hot but we have an endless supply of clean water and plenty of food each day. This is a brave group and many traditional Turkish meals have been dominated by this team!
And now for a team member bio...
Blake Hereth is a southern gentlemen from Georgia and his hobbies include reading and writing philosophy or questioning every single arguement ever presented and backing it up with 2,000 other documented arguements, it's amazing. A definate highlight of this trip was discussing philosophy with the University's department head. Blake's realization that he doesn't need or depend on so many things at home has been rather liberating, from his pen to this computer, "All I need is God." He freely admits of his slight pang of nervousness and definately out of his comfort zone. Blake 3 word description of this trip is breaking, reconstructive, and difficult. His favorite scripture is Ephesians 2: 1-3 and states that ministry is reflected in all of our thoughts, words, actions and relationships.
Thank you for your comments and prayers!!! Blessings on your night, The Turkey Team
Thank you for the update. It is so fun to read each one. Amy, I want you to know that I am praying especially for you as you juggle attention to the ministry you love and care for your sons. I am sure it is not easy, but I am praying that God would give you strength and peace, and LOTS of extra energy.
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
Twyla Beyers (Emma's Mom)
I can just hear Blake! Many of the girls supporters are looking at the blog. They really enjoy it also.As you are sleeping, hopefully peacefully, we at home are praying for your rest and your day tomorrow.I wish I could hear the singing...imagine what singing will sound like in heaven! Love to all Merry K.
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