Terrorists, ISIS, Suicide Bombers, Military Coup, dark Islamic influence. The media paint an unattractive picture of Turkey at present. Is it safe to visit? What about those who are visiting or working there? What about the church?
Living and ministering in Fethiye on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, we really wouldn’t be aware of anything untoward happening if it were not for TV or Social Media – and, of course, that the usual stream of European tourists has become a trickle, causing tourist resorts to struggle financially and individuals to ask: ‘Why don’t they come? It’s safe. There are no bombs or terrorists here.’
Whatever the political situation, life continues and we see opportunities due to the fears and uncertainties of those around us. We stand firmly on our faith in Jesus Christ and, as people see this, they too want to feel secure and to have a hope for tomorrow. The fields are white for harvest, but the workers are few. So we pray.
Spiritual attack
The church prays weekly for the authorities in Turkey, that God will use them and lead them to rule with justice and mercy for the benefit of the people. We believe that the church is under spiritual attack in these days and although the skies are blue, the weather hot and sunny, the views stunningly beautiful, despite all of this we know that we live in a land of spiritual darkness. We fight not against flesh and blood and we see attacks against relationships, health and finances. Nothing new, but often effective until recognised as an attack.
We feel no fear at this time and we continue to share our faith with those around us. Recently we were asked to visit a young woman in hospital to pray, as her baby looked as though he may come two months early and at a low weight. Families ask us to visit them to pray for work for the men as there is no Social Security system here. No work means no money, which means no food or electricity and eventually eviction from rented homes. People are asking for work in the café we run and they come for encouragement, support and prayer.
So God is at work in Turkey. We see restoration work being carried out on ancient church sites, such as Ephesus, Laodicea and others, as a sign in the physical of what God is doing in the spiritual – and when the Lord rebuilds, when he restores, then he doesn’t build almost as good, nor just as good, he builds better than before. We see this and seek to participate with what he is doing here in Fethiye.
Reaching Syrian refugees
His heart has always been for the poor, the lost, the broken, the marginalised, and so we too reach out where we are able, not only to Turks and expats but to the Syrian refugee population in our area too. Large families are the norm and a group of mostly foreign women are helping approximately 100 children to learn Turkish through play, giving them some joy once again in their sad lives. We hope to help them use craft skills to earn a little money making cards or other simple items. Although we have also provided food, fridges, washing machines, etc., this is only a short-term solution and we are praying for the Lord to show us what he would have us do longer term. We have ideas, but may his will be done, not ours. While we do this, we demonstrate the love of Christ to Muslim families in deep need.
It is harder to recognise poor Turks as they are absorbed into family groups and are far less noticeable, but there nonetheless. How can we touch lives with love and compassion? Only by living humbly and loving those we meet, sharing what we have. We long to do more. In practical ways we help two students by paying university fees, for others covering urgent health costs and by providing work where possible. God continually challenges us and the answers are rarely simple.
Christian café
The café, which is known as a Christian café, offers amazing potential to reach out and demonstrate the Kingdom of God in practical ways. It is a place of prayer and healing as well as a place for great coffee and food, a place to meet or to rest (one man came in every afternoon to just sit and sleep).
So, do come to Turkey, come to see, to pray and to meet a wonderful people who mostly do not know our amazing God. It is safe, it is beautiful and it is the land of much of the New Testament. You won’t regret it!
