What a crazy week this has been! I have so much to be thankful to the Lord for in all His provisions and blessings even in the hard times. Bri and I have been blissfully (sometimes blissfully uncomfortable) traveling around the Northern Aegean Coast of Turkey, reveling in the sunshine and salt water and ancient history. Ive seen quite a few museums, an incredible amount of really old rocks, some of which are carved into the shapes of people and animals, and have met more neat people. Absolutely wonderful! My apologies for not updating this site more frequently, and I will do my best to give you the best rundown possible on the last few weeks events. My time in the previous city will have to wait to be shared in its entirety, but I will do my best here. :)
So Bri and I returned with our team to Istanbul after an incredible amount of time serving the Turkish people, being served by them, and building relationships. I have been incredibly blessed by the people I met there and our whole team is dedicated to praying for them from now on. As I was listening to many of the workers share their insights and experiences, it was continually impressed upon me the intensity of the Holy Spirits work here and the imperative need for this country to respond to Him. The King of Kings is returning for His people and Turkey plays a very interesting role in the end times. Workers here have seen evidence and believe the Lord is bringing events to pass even in this land as we speak. It is incredibly exciting but sobering as well when I realized how many unreached areas there are here. Word is penetrating, but there are so many who have never heard. Please pray for the workers here, for their encouragement and support, as well as the work they have ahead of them. We spent a good majority of our time interceding in prayer every day, which was both a blessing and eye opening for me.
The Lord specifically, quickly and lavishly answered our prayers in ways that still blow my mind! Someone I have been praying for since I came to Turkey has come to Christ and the difference in him over our time there was so special to see. Others came as well and our team experienced an emotion similar to guilt as we saw the fruits of others' labors for many years. Work here is slow and requires so much of those here and it is SO incredible to be able to witness the fruits of the Holy Spirit's work! Praise our Lord! Please pray for the growth of these people into leaders of the work here.
Since that trip Bri and I said our goodbyes to our team and spent a night or two in Istanbul. Adding to our "firsts", we bought a plane ticket to Izmir less than 24 hours before we were to leave! A note to my parents; the following may cause you some stress post event. :) We had absolutely no idea where we were going to stay or what we were really going to do once we got to wherever we decided to go. We had a few destinations in mind but other than that the week was a blank slate! Sorry Mom and Dad - but no worries, we were very safe and under the blessing of an elderly couple who outfitted us with a cell phone and some directions to places they had been to before.
The day we left for the airport Bri became super sick again, throwing up on the plane and generally feeling terrible for about 24 hours. We found a hotel and recouperated before heading out again. It has been absolutely crazy how the Lord has provided us with places to stay (people have literally come running to us offering us crazy deals, even for Turkey, to have us stay in very comfortable places), free meals, very hospitable and nice people to help us find a bus, a taxi, a restaurant, how to get to the ferry, how to pay for the ferry, and so many other countless blessings that have made our trip easier and more enjoyable. I am SO SO grateful! We leave tomorrow back to Istanbul relaxed and rejuvenated. We will spend a few days with friends, resting from our relaxation, and seeing a few last sights. I fly out in a few days for the states and Bri is off to more traveling adventures!
Thank you SO SO SO much for all of your prayers - they truly have blessed me and I have clearly seen the Lord providing in innumerable ways. I have learned in the last three weeks the very specific and powerful nature of prayer and would encourage you all to continute seeking the Lord in this way. He delights in blessing His children and is already working to build His Kingdom. My time has run out but I will continue my report about Ephesus the next time I can. Again, thank you so much for taking time to read this and pray for the people here. It really changes hearts by the power of the Spirit. Blessings!
Istanbul
Istanbul Skyline
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Made it back...and off again!
Hello everyone! Bri and I made it back safe and sound to Istanbul, and are off on another adventure! Thank you for your prayers as this trip was incredible and the Lord really moved. I will write more when I can but internet access is limited and very brief. We are praising the Lord for what He has done but also exhausted emotionally and physically. If you can, please pray that the Lord will sustain and provide for us in the next few days of travel.
For those of you I have not been able to get back to - have no fear for I will write again! The trip is wrapping up in the next ten days and I have much to tell. I am grateful for you all!
For those of you I have not been able to get back to - have no fear for I will write again! The trip is wrapping up in the next ten days and I have much to tell. I am grateful for you all!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Moving On
We leave for the next city tomorrow morning. The team met today to pray for the people and the place and the work, asking the Lord to specifically move in the work we are doing there. I would appreciate your prayers in this as we go.
Basically we are doing an outreach that will involve various elements, physical and relational. We will be ministering mostly to the women and are praying for the Lord to work outside of language barriers. We will be gone until the end of the week, three of those days dedicated to city service especially. As we are mainly women our focus is going to be seeking out and striking up conversation with the women of the area. I ask for prayers specifically for this are of our week as the women are largely the most difficult to reach for various reasons. Please pray for wisdom to know what to say and spiritual discernment to know how to seek out these women. The heat is also difficult to deal with and I would appreciate prayer for my health and fighting fatigue. Thirdly, for our team to be united together and with the Holy Spirit.
I wish I could give more details but it is extremely important for the people here that we be very vague. I trust the Lord is leading hearts to prayer and that He will do marvelous things. The team is a neat group and I am excited to get to know them further. I will update when I can and when internet is available. Thank you all!
Basically we are doing an outreach that will involve various elements, physical and relational. We will be ministering mostly to the women and are praying for the Lord to work outside of language barriers. We will be gone until the end of the week, three of those days dedicated to city service especially. As we are mainly women our focus is going to be seeking out and striking up conversation with the women of the area. I ask for prayers specifically for this are of our week as the women are largely the most difficult to reach for various reasons. Please pray for wisdom to know what to say and spiritual discernment to know how to seek out these women. The heat is also difficult to deal with and I would appreciate prayer for my health and fighting fatigue. Thirdly, for our team to be united together and with the Holy Spirit.
I wish I could give more details but it is extremely important for the people here that we be very vague. I trust the Lord is leading hearts to prayer and that He will do marvelous things. The team is a neat group and I am excited to get to know them further. I will update when I can and when internet is available. Thank you all!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
American Tourister
...is what I have been for the last 48 hours! Bri arrived safely yetserday (thank you for praying!) although she lost her bag (prayers are appreciated!) and we have been going nonstop since she got here. It has been an incredible experience to see the "leftovers" of ancient people that lived here long before we did. Remnants of Byzantium, Constantinople, and the Ottoman Empire are everywhere, some of which are much better off than remnants. I have had a very strange, but deep desire to see, if not stand on and acqueduct from ancient times and today.....I did! Silly, I know but I was way stoked! I will upload pictures when I have the capability. It has been such a blessing to have Bri here and to connect with a close friend again. She had an incredible time in Jerusalem and we are looking forward to the Lord working here as well.
We have seen quite a bit of the city as tourists with our guide Greg and have another day of it tomorrow with the rest of the team from San Diego. Im really looking forward to connecting with these girls as we will be serving with them for the next ten days. We leave for the next city on saturday after orientation friday. We will be doing a service project for the area, picking up garbage, etc. which they definitely need. Please pray for opportunities as we truly long to reach their hearts with the truth. Pray that the language barrier will not be a hindrance to the Lord working. His Spirit is powerful and actively pursuing these people before we even get there. The team is still growing, which is a blessing in so many ways including language as a few of them are mostly fluent in the language. We will have contact with all ages of people, young and old so it will be really neat to meet people our own age from a different culture. I admit to being rather nervous, however, and pray that the Lord will calm my heart with His promise that HE is the one doing the change, not me! I must only rely on His Spirit to lead and have the courage to merely follow. Thank you SO much for praying for the whole team in this. Humility, grace, and truth. We pray to go forward with these and the God of the universe at our side!
Again, thank you so much for your support...you all mean so much to me and you are most definitely impacting me while Im over here by your prayers and thoughts. Thanks as well for taking the time out of your day to read this blog. :) I know days are full and evenings even more so. Blessings!
We have seen quite a bit of the city as tourists with our guide Greg and have another day of it tomorrow with the rest of the team from San Diego. Im really looking forward to connecting with these girls as we will be serving with them for the next ten days. We leave for the next city on saturday after orientation friday. We will be doing a service project for the area, picking up garbage, etc. which they definitely need. Please pray for opportunities as we truly long to reach their hearts with the truth. Pray that the language barrier will not be a hindrance to the Lord working. His Spirit is powerful and actively pursuing these people before we even get there. The team is still growing, which is a blessing in so many ways including language as a few of them are mostly fluent in the language. We will have contact with all ages of people, young and old so it will be really neat to meet people our own age from a different culture. I admit to being rather nervous, however, and pray that the Lord will calm my heart with His promise that HE is the one doing the change, not me! I must only rely on His Spirit to lead and have the courage to merely follow. Thank you SO much for praying for the whole team in this. Humility, grace, and truth. We pray to go forward with these and the God of the universe at our side!
Again, thank you so much for your support...you all mean so much to me and you are most definitely impacting me while Im over here by your prayers and thoughts. Thanks as well for taking the time out of your day to read this blog. :) I know days are full and evenings even more so. Blessings!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Revelations
...that is what the pastor(s) spoke on today in church. And that is what I thought of as I looked upon the expanse of the city and sea and lights off the balcony tonight. The message and fellowship were wonderful today as I was so blessed to be in the presence of OUR family worshipping OUR Lord and Savior. In two different langues, I might add! :)
After a busy, tiring week a lovely, relaxing sunday was a blessing. My host parents and I were invited over to a family's house for dinner, slushies (yay for ice in hot weather! We take lots of things for granted...) a funny movie and uplifting conversation, I found myself reflecting on our balcony. The view is gorgeous, looking over the bright blue sea, and so many lights you couldnt believe it. Below me the buses still went zipping about like ants, men and women alike walked under the street lights on the still too hot streets, and God spoke something to me.
People are people are people. And they are all in need of HIM. 17 million people live their lives out in this city alone. 17 million! And the Lord knows each of them by name and loves them enough to give up His life for them. Not a revolutionary thought, I know, but when you are looking over the expanse of such a city the concept hits you a lot harder.
The following thought that struck me is difficult to explain, but I will try to convey what went through my mind and heart. Upon my arrival in Istanbul I was completely astounded at the immensity of the city. I have never before experienced such a man-made metropolis that possessed such life - everywhere you look something is moving, alive with color and change. Organization does not exist here. Twelve story apartment buildings soar into the sky, coexisting with businesses below them at street level. Few shops are identifiable to the inexperienced as a Target or Albertsons, or just a general supermarket. Each place is its own identity with a local owner and workers. Attempt to picture such an environment stacked upon itself with vibrant colors EVERYWHERE, thousands of people covering the streets, then multiply it by 17 million. That is Istanbul.
(Keep tracking with me...the thought I mentioned above is coming...)
My host of the first week spoke something simple, yet profound to me that whacked the proverbial nail on the head in my mind. While discussing how some people are called to serve overseas she stated earnestly, "Unless you are 100 percent sure of the calling from the Lord to go, dont. If you are a teacher, teach. If you are an engineer, design. But do what you do to serve the Lord, not just because it is what you do. Serve our Lord."
This woman has lived in Istanbul for over fifteen years giving her life to service. Yet she does this through everyday means, using the gifts God has given her. She knows this is where she is to be. Others back home in the states know they are to be doing exactly what they are doing at the time. Others (like myself) are not so sure at the moment what we are called to, but we still must focus all of our energy on honoring our God who put us in this state of uncertainty, with certainty! Wake up, thank God for another day to breathe, and start looking around throughout your day for ways to share the faith that changed you.
Teach the children in your class the principles your Lord teaches. Show your coworkers the love He gave you that has allowed you to be a different person, a person of faith. When someone walks into your restaurant with a scowl, or your kids come running into the house with mud all over their feet, show them Christ in whatever way you are gifted.
Serve our Lord.
Jesus doesnt want just more people to pack up and leave their hometown. If He asks you to, DO IT. But if He asks you to stay, STAY. Jesus wants His people to be faithful exactly where He has them right now.
Serve our Lord.
After a busy, tiring week a lovely, relaxing sunday was a blessing. My host parents and I were invited over to a family's house for dinner, slushies (yay for ice in hot weather! We take lots of things for granted...) a funny movie and uplifting conversation, I found myself reflecting on our balcony. The view is gorgeous, looking over the bright blue sea, and so many lights you couldnt believe it. Below me the buses still went zipping about like ants, men and women alike walked under the street lights on the still too hot streets, and God spoke something to me.
People are people are people. And they are all in need of HIM. 17 million people live their lives out in this city alone. 17 million! And the Lord knows each of them by name and loves them enough to give up His life for them. Not a revolutionary thought, I know, but when you are looking over the expanse of such a city the concept hits you a lot harder.
The following thought that struck me is difficult to explain, but I will try to convey what went through my mind and heart. Upon my arrival in Istanbul I was completely astounded at the immensity of the city. I have never before experienced such a man-made metropolis that possessed such life - everywhere you look something is moving, alive with color and change. Organization does not exist here. Twelve story apartment buildings soar into the sky, coexisting with businesses below them at street level. Few shops are identifiable to the inexperienced as a Target or Albertsons, or just a general supermarket. Each place is its own identity with a local owner and workers. Attempt to picture such an environment stacked upon itself with vibrant colors EVERYWHERE, thousands of people covering the streets, then multiply it by 17 million. That is Istanbul.
(Keep tracking with me...the thought I mentioned above is coming...)
My host of the first week spoke something simple, yet profound to me that whacked the proverbial nail on the head in my mind. While discussing how some people are called to serve overseas she stated earnestly, "Unless you are 100 percent sure of the calling from the Lord to go, dont. If you are a teacher, teach. If you are an engineer, design. But do what you do to serve the Lord, not just because it is what you do. Serve our Lord."
This woman has lived in Istanbul for over fifteen years giving her life to service. Yet she does this through everyday means, using the gifts God has given her. She knows this is where she is to be. Others back home in the states know they are to be doing exactly what they are doing at the time. Others (like myself) are not so sure at the moment what we are called to, but we still must focus all of our energy on honoring our God who put us in this state of uncertainty, with certainty! Wake up, thank God for another day to breathe, and start looking around throughout your day for ways to share the faith that changed you.
Teach the children in your class the principles your Lord teaches. Show your coworkers the love He gave you that has allowed you to be a different person, a person of faith. When someone walks into your restaurant with a scowl, or your kids come running into the house with mud all over their feet, show them Christ in whatever way you are gifted.
Serve our Lord.
Jesus doesnt want just more people to pack up and leave their hometown. If He asks you to, DO IT. But if He asks you to stay, STAY. Jesus wants His people to be faithful exactly where He has them right now.
Serve our Lord.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Changes
Hey hey everyone! I am now both geographically (on a minor scale) and personally relocated! I am again able to use the internet so I wanted to give a brief update. I am doing extremely well and so very blessed by the people I am staying with. I was with one lady for the first week and have now moved to another part of the city with another couple just in from outside of the country. Funny situation, actually as I met them outside of their new apartment even before they had got into it! They had been flying for over 30 hours and still welcomed me into their lives for the week! The Lord has really been providing for my personal needs and I have been much encouraged the last couple of days. As some of you know, it is a spiritually oppressive country and can be very wearing to those trying to work for the kingdom here. The language barrier is also alienating as communication is almost zero. My spirits were very lifted by being able to connect with other believers here and I am so grateful.
Our outreach is coming up soon and I covet your prayers as Bri arrives and we finish the last few details. Much of what we are going to be doing outside of the service project is unknown and dependent upon those we will be serving. It is actually a very high profile effort that could be both good and bad depending on how the Lord chooses to work. We spent a good amount of time in prayer as a group, asking the Lord to humble us, and give us wisdom as we go minister to people we dont know at all. The rest of our team arrives from the states a few days after Bri so please pray for team unity as well. The couple leading us is really neat and have five boys I have enjoyed getting to know. A lot like my family, actually. :)
I want to sincerely thank you all for your prayers - it means so much to know that you are thinking of me and the effort over here so many miles and hours away. Thank you for taking time out of your day and your thoughts to lift us up and to support me in what the Lord is leading me to do. I am SO grateful for the chance to be here and to learn. I have already been touched by the Lord in some specific areas and pray that my heart continues to soften before Him. He is faithful. I want to be, too. In His love,
Kimberly
Our outreach is coming up soon and I covet your prayers as Bri arrives and we finish the last few details. Much of what we are going to be doing outside of the service project is unknown and dependent upon those we will be serving. It is actually a very high profile effort that could be both good and bad depending on how the Lord chooses to work. We spent a good amount of time in prayer as a group, asking the Lord to humble us, and give us wisdom as we go minister to people we dont know at all. The rest of our team arrives from the states a few days after Bri so please pray for team unity as well. The couple leading us is really neat and have five boys I have enjoyed getting to know. A lot like my family, actually. :)
I want to sincerely thank you all for your prayers - it means so much to know that you are thinking of me and the effort over here so many miles and hours away. Thank you for taking time out of your day and your thoughts to lift us up and to support me in what the Lord is leading me to do. I am SO grateful for the chance to be here and to learn. I have already been touched by the Lord in some specific areas and pray that my heart continues to soften before Him. He is faithful. I want to be, too. In His love,
Kimberly
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