Team Report – #470S
| Location: | Turkey (Black Sea Region) |
| Date: | Oct 9-Oct 22 2005 |
| Sending Partner: | STEM SHARE, Bemidji, MN |
1st CLASS HOSPITALITY: The friendliness and hospitality of the Turks and other ethnic groups never ceases to amaze us. We were always welcomed with open arms and hearts. This is a very different side of Turkey than you see portrayed in the international media. At times we were relatively near to neighboring countries who are daily in the headlines. For all the reputation of hostility, it was good to be ambassadors of the Reconciler.
A GREAT TEAM: This team was defined by prayer and worship. We were so blessed by each team member that the Lord placed on this Prayer Team. Coming from 5 different states, at the pre-field training they immediatley bonded for the task to which they were called. They were always ready and willing to be on the front lines of praying for the nation and inviting the presence of God into many cities and villages that have long been without any Christian witness. We traveled many hundreds of miles up and down mountains to be able to pray on-site for people in villages and cities who are part of this large unreached nation. We asked the Lord to send laborers to these places, and that the church would be planted.
RAMADAN: Our entire time there was during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset in an effort to gain favor and reach out to Allah. We had to be a little creative and sensitive in our own meals, since food is not served during that time, and its offensive to be seen eating. Still, it was a good time to be onsite praying for them, especially for those who are truly seeking God.
JOINING WITH THE PRAYERS OF MANY: We learned prior to arriving in Turkey that leaders in the small Turkish Church had designated October as a month when they would try to send prayer journey teams to each province of Turkey. Although we were unable to physically meet up with any local intercessors (we did try), we were thrilled to know that we were praying in unity with many believing Turks at that time.
BELIEVERS: The team was able to meet with a few Turkish believers who led us in worship. It was a precious time of fellowship, and also a heart-breaking time of hearing about their struggle to serve Christ in a place where Christians are constantly pressured and harassed. Please continue to pray for them.
DIVINE APPOINTMENTS: Too numerous to cover! We gave rides to some locals and sang worship songs while they were in the van. Almost certainly it was the first time for them to be in that atmosphere. We met a young Afghani in the market and were able to pray for him in Jesus name as he was entering the Turkish military. After praying, he was at a loss for words as he told us "You are the first ones to ever..."
