Romans 13:11-12
11And do this, understanding the present time.
The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber,
because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.
So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Hey everyone!
I know I just sent a message the other day, but I want to update you on Kenan's health. He id doing great! This morning he went to the hospital to get his staples and stitches removed and the cuts are looking so much better! He has been giving all the glory to God telling people how Christ had healed him, not only physically, but spiritually. Many of his friends are starting to ask questions and understand his point of view! Pray for them that they would come to know the King of the universe. Pray also that God would really begin to break through the darkness here and that many people would see the light and come to know Him.
Guys, this place that I am staying in they called Sodom for a reason. This is one of Satan's strongholds. Everyone you meet has never met a Christian before nor have they ever heard the Gospel. This place is very oppressive and I have not felt right ever since I got here. I was told it is the same for every believer who comes here. I would like to ask you for your prayers for my spiritual health. I feel stunted and have not been able to feel God's presence for days now. I know He is stronger than the darkness, but I need your help with your prayers for myself as well as E. and Kenan.
I am really starting to enjoy the idea of teaching these people. They came over today to visit Kenan and see how he is doing and stayed a very long time and we were able to talk (by which I mean play charades). I am beginning to feel more comfortable with the whole being-in-front-of-people thing. We start classes again on Monday and I have been studying more English than I ever remember learning. I am wishing I had paid attention in English class now...
I have three months to teach them and I hope to be able to share a little more than just my knowledge of English with them. Keep these people in prayer!
Very close to being done with the Qur'an and have finished several of J's books. A long way more to go though. Keep praying for my focus. I tend to lose it eas-hey! have you ever wondered what the difference is from a house fly and a regular fly? ;D
Anyway, I really appreciate those of you who have taken time to pray for me, to send support, and to send encouraging letters.
Here is how you can pray specifically for me and the area here:
Pray that God would raise good godly leaders in His churches here.
Pray for Kenan's speedy recovery and new unemployment.
Pray that God will use the English class as a platform for sharing the Gospel.
Pray that God would reclaim this land for His own!
Pray for much discernment for me as well as the other workers here for many decisions that need to be made.
Pray that if that is God's will, He will open the doors to get me to the right college with the right classes.
Pray that the Lord would open my mind to learn what He would have me to learn and to give me a humble and obedient heart.
Pray that God will continue to guide my conversations and give me the words to speak and the courage to speak.
Please pray that God would reach His lost sheep here and bring them out of the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of Light.
And always remember to pray for your brothers and sisters who are in prison and who are suffering. (Heb 13:3)
Thanks for all the prayers everyone! They truly are a blessing!
____________________________________________________________
If you feel led to support my training here, you can send donations to: New Horizons Foundation Inc. (Check Memo: Gateway Missions/Zurafa) Send to: New Horizons Foundation, Inc. 4570 Hilton Parkway, Suite 203 Colorado Springs, CO 80907 This will help pay for things like my Turkish classes, rent, and food. You can also give online at New Horizons. If you do decide to give online, you will need to send me an email sayıng how much you sent because there ıs only one account for GES. Zurafa108@gmail.com. or you can send an email to J of GES at gatewayeducationalservices@hotmail.com. Also for those of you who go to Victory Baptist Church, Grace Road Church, or Wheatland Community Church, you can put your donations in the offering box/plate and it will find its way to me. (I hope) Thank you everyone who decides to pray or give financially!
You can now see more constant updates on my Facebook account: Zurafa Turk
(Picture of a Turkish Stop Sign [I thought it was pretty funny;])
--
Zurafa
It is well with my soul,
It is well with yours?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
News from Zurafa
Hey Everyone! Merry Christmas! I hope you guys are having a great day full of worship and praise to the Saviour of our souls!
I have an urgent prayer request: Yesterday Kenan got into a terrible car crash involving his Taxi and a minibus. He was lying in the street covered in blood and almost unrecognizable. He was rushed to the hospital where there they took many X-rays and CAT scans. He was conscious and coherent while they were wheeling him down the crowded hallway. When I got there he looked at me and said "Zurafa..... How are you...?" (never loses his sense of humor). He lost a lot of blood and had many cuts and bruises on his face and head and legs. A few were really bad. Thankfully he did not break any bones or have any internal bleeding! After spending the night in the hospital he was evaluated again and released to go home. Right now he is sleeping on the couch and E., Kenan's mother, and I are watching over him. He is going to need a lot of time to recover and he will always have a big scar on his face. It really is a miracle that he survived. God is not done with him yet!
J put it on Facebook and Twitter and had people praying all over the world! Hundreds if not thousands of our family were praying for Kenan! And the prayers were not unheard! He has made such a fast recovery! Almost miraculous! His face is less swollen and his bruises are looking a little better. It still hurts for him to move too much, but he is being a trooper and is up and about entertaining the zillion guests who have come to see him today. Keep him in your prayers! He is exhausted. And so am I and E.
I began teaching English here three days ago in Sodom. We have seven students and I am trying to learn how to teach. I hate being in front of people and teaching is that much worse. Hopefully though I will get used to it and we can effectively use this as a means of sharing the Gospel. Already shared with them the meaning of this strange holiday we are celebrating and even sang them a hymn in English (All Heaven Declares). They said the melody touched their hearts. Hopefully we are looking at our future brothers and sisters in Christ! Pray for them and their salvation as well as that of this entire country.
God keeps putting different things on my heart that I want to do. I feel as if I am being pulled apart and don't know where God wants me. I don't know the first step to take. I can't do it all, that is a fact. Please pray for God to guide me where He wants me, to do what He wants me to do. I am going to really start pushing my studying tomorrow. I want to finish the Qur'an and several of the books/articles J gave me tomorrow. And by the end of the week, all the books he gave me. I also hope to start a research evangelism this week. I'll keep you posted how I am doing with all of this. Thanks for reading!
Here is how you can pray specifically for me and the area here:
Pray that God would raise good godly leaders in His churches here.
Pray for Kenan's speedy recovery and new unemployment.
Pray that God will use the English class as a platform for sharing the Gospel.
Pray for much discernment for me as well as the other workers here for many decisions that need to be made.
Pray that if that is God's will, He will open the doors to get me to the right college with the right classes.
Pray that the Lord would open my mind to learn what He would have me to learn and to give me a humble and obedient heart.
Pray that God will continue to guide my conversations and give me the words to speak and the courage to speak.
Please pray that God would reach His lost sheep here and bring them out of the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of Light.
And always remember to pray for your brothers and sisters who are in prison and who are suffering. (Heb 13:3)
Thanks for all the prayers everyone! They truly are a blessing!
____________________________________________________________
If you feel led to support my training here, you can send donations to: New Horizons Foundation Inc. (Check Memo: Gateway Missions/Zurafa) Send to: New Horizons Foundation, Inc. 4570 Hilton Parkway, Suite 203 Colorado Springs, CO 80907 This will help pay for things like my Turkish classes, rent, and food. Any extra money will be used for projects here in Turkey. You can also give online at New Horizons. If you do decide to give online, you will need to send me an email sayıng how much you sent because there ıs only one account for GES. Zurafa108@gmail.com. or you can send an email to J of GES at gatewayeducationalservices@hotmail.com. Also for those of you who go to Victory Baptist Church, Grace Road Church, or Wheatland Community Church, you can put your donations in the offering box/plate and it will find its way to me. (I hope) Thank you everyone who decides to pray or give financially!
You can now see more constant updates on my Facebook account: Zurafa Turk
(Picture of a Turkish Stop Sign [I thought it was pretty funny;])
--
Zurafa
It is well with my soul,
It is well with yours?
I have an urgent prayer request: Yesterday Kenan got into a terrible car crash involving his Taxi and a minibus. He was lying in the street covered in blood and almost unrecognizable. He was rushed to the hospital where there they took many X-rays and CAT scans. He was conscious and coherent while they were wheeling him down the crowded hallway. When I got there he looked at me and said "Zurafa..... How are you...?" (never loses his sense of humor). He lost a lot of blood and had many cuts and bruises on his face and head and legs. A few were really bad. Thankfully he did not break any bones or have any internal bleeding! After spending the night in the hospital he was evaluated again and released to go home. Right now he is sleeping on the couch and E., Kenan's mother, and I are watching over him. He is going to need a lot of time to recover and he will always have a big scar on his face. It really is a miracle that he survived. God is not done with him yet!
J put it on Facebook and Twitter and had people praying all over the world! Hundreds if not thousands of our family were praying for Kenan! And the prayers were not unheard! He has made such a fast recovery! Almost miraculous! His face is less swollen and his bruises are looking a little better. It still hurts for him to move too much, but he is being a trooper and is up and about entertaining the zillion guests who have come to see him today. Keep him in your prayers! He is exhausted. And so am I and E.
I began teaching English here three days ago in Sodom. We have seven students and I am trying to learn how to teach. I hate being in front of people and teaching is that much worse. Hopefully though I will get used to it and we can effectively use this as a means of sharing the Gospel. Already shared with them the meaning of this strange holiday we are celebrating and even sang them a hymn in English (All Heaven Declares). They said the melody touched their hearts. Hopefully we are looking at our future brothers and sisters in Christ! Pray for them and their salvation as well as that of this entire country.
God keeps putting different things on my heart that I want to do. I feel as if I am being pulled apart and don't know where God wants me. I don't know the first step to take. I can't do it all, that is a fact. Please pray for God to guide me where He wants me, to do what He wants me to do. I am going to really start pushing my studying tomorrow. I want to finish the Qur'an and several of the books/articles J gave me tomorrow. And by the end of the week, all the books he gave me. I also hope to start a research evangelism this week. I'll keep you posted how I am doing with all of this. Thanks for reading!
Here is how you can pray specifically for me and the area here:
Pray that God would raise good godly leaders in His churches here.
Pray for Kenan's speedy recovery and new unemployment.
Pray that God will use the English class as a platform for sharing the Gospel.
Pray for much discernment for me as well as the other workers here for many decisions that need to be made.
Pray that if that is God's will, He will open the doors to get me to the right college with the right classes.
Pray that the Lord would open my mind to learn what He would have me to learn and to give me a humble and obedient heart.
Pray that God will continue to guide my conversations and give me the words to speak and the courage to speak.
Please pray that God would reach His lost sheep here and bring them out of the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of Light.
And always remember to pray for your brothers and sisters who are in prison and who are suffering. (Heb 13:3)
Thanks for all the prayers everyone! They truly are a blessing!
____________________________________________________________
If you feel led to support my training here, you can send donations to: New Horizons Foundation Inc. (Check Memo: Gateway Missions/Zurafa) Send to: New Horizons Foundation, Inc. 4570 Hilton Parkway, Suite 203 Colorado Springs, CO 80907 This will help pay for things like my Turkish classes, rent, and food. Any extra money will be used for projects here in Turkey. You can also give online at New Horizons. If you do decide to give online, you will need to send me an email sayıng how much you sent because there ıs only one account for GES. Zurafa108@gmail.com. or you can send an email to J of GES at gatewayeducationalservices@hotmail.com. Also for those of you who go to Victory Baptist Church, Grace Road Church, or Wheatland Community Church, you can put your donations in the offering box/plate and it will find its way to me. (I hope) Thank you everyone who decides to pray or give financially!
You can now see more constant updates on my Facebook account: Zurafa Turk
(Picture of a Turkish Stop Sign [I thought it was pretty funny;])
--
Zurafa
It is well with my soul,
It is well with yours?
Kenan’s miracle story continued
Kenan’s miracle story continued: December 25, 2009
The doctors, Kenan’s family and all of Kenan’s friends are in shock! They cannot understand how Kenan came from death back to life! Last night when Kenan was taken to the hospital I let E. know that thousands were praying for Kenan’s life. E. then let Kenan’s family know this, Kenan’s mother said, “When the Christians prayed that we would have customers to sell my house, immediately I had customers, so maybe God will hear their prayers for Kenan this time too.” Your prayers were heard! Kenan is able to walk and is sitting and drinking tea and has had guests in his home all day! They are coming to see the man that came back from the dead! It is in the name of Jesus Christ that we prayed and the Lord heard. There is going to be much more to this story! When I spoke with Kenan just a few minutes ago he told me, “May the Lord be praised a thousand times upon a thousand times! I have not stopped thanking and praising the Lord since I have been awake.” Right now E. and Kenan can use this testimony of the people of God, the church all over the world and how the church acts together as a body and prays for its members to the Lord Jesus Christ. And how it is through Christ that one can be saved! Continue to pray that Kenan’s family and friends and those who are witnesses to this will come to a knowledge of salvation and commit their lives to the true and living God through Christ Jesus! Pray for E. also as has not slept for over 24 hours and is exhausted. Ersin said to me, “This is truly a miracle”. Thank you again for your prayers! May the Lord have all Glory and Honor and Praise!
J. of G.E.S. from Istanbul.
The doctors, Kenan’s family and all of Kenan’s friends are in shock! They cannot understand how Kenan came from death back to life! Last night when Kenan was taken to the hospital I let E. know that thousands were praying for Kenan’s life. E. then let Kenan’s family know this, Kenan’s mother said, “When the Christians prayed that we would have customers to sell my house, immediately I had customers, so maybe God will hear their prayers for Kenan this time too.” Your prayers were heard! Kenan is able to walk and is sitting and drinking tea and has had guests in his home all day! They are coming to see the man that came back from the dead! It is in the name of Jesus Christ that we prayed and the Lord heard. There is going to be much more to this story! When I spoke with Kenan just a few minutes ago he told me, “May the Lord be praised a thousand times upon a thousand times! I have not stopped thanking and praising the Lord since I have been awake.” Right now E. and Kenan can use this testimony of the people of God, the church all over the world and how the church acts together as a body and prays for its members to the Lord Jesus Christ. And how it is through Christ that one can be saved! Continue to pray that Kenan’s family and friends and those who are witnesses to this will come to a knowledge of salvation and commit their lives to the true and living God through Christ Jesus! Pray for E. also as has not slept for over 24 hours and is exhausted. Ersin said to me, “This is truly a miracle”. Thank you again for your prayers! May the Lord have all Glory and Honor and Praise!
J. of G.E.S. from Istanbul.
Gateway Christmas Update from Turkey
Gateway Christmas Update from Turkey:
December 25, 2009
(See update on Kenan’s condition below)
MERRY CHRISTMAS! Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In Turkish when celebrating one’s birthday, one does not say, “Happy Birthday”, the proper reference to the person is “It is good that you were born.” This day we say, “It is good that Jesus the Messiah was born!”, because “He will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) J. of G.E.S.
Letter from E. to you all: (see the original in Turkish below)
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today when I looked at my Christmas tree, it came to my mind again that the largest family in the world is that of the people of Christ. Just as the evergreen tree reminds us of the eternal life we possess and at the same time the trunk of the tree is the body of Christ. The branches of the tree are coming from the trunk and the many colors of the decorations on the tree represent different races, different colors and different cultures all coming together in the body of Christ. Each one a member of the body of Christ! Although I am in this amoral, dark city, experiencing loneliness, being a part of the Body of Christ and celebrating the “Birth Holiday” (What Christians in Turkey call Christmas) gives me, your brother, great hope and encouragement.
I am thanking the Lord for providing this hope and also thanking my brothers and sisters who are also members of this same hope. Thank you for your prayers and for your support. But most important of all I want to say Happy Birthday, to the Lord of us all, this day of our Lord’s birth, to the One who has given to us his Body, the privilege of celebrating His Holy Majesty’s birthday. I am celebrating this Christmas with the hope, love and peace that the Lord has given to me.
I wish you all, Happy Birth Holiday, the reason for this day and Merry Christmas!
From Sodom (Beytel East)
E. of G.E.S.
Update on Kenan: Yesterday (Dec. 24) Kenan was in a car accident around 6 p.m. E. received a phone call and the person on the other line said, “Your friend Kenan was in a car wreck and I am sorry, we just lost Kenan.”. E. and Zurafa (our intern) thought Kenan had passed away. The scene of the accident was in walking distance from their home. Kenan as lying in the street covered in blood from head to toe and was unrecognizable. His taxi destroyed, he was hit head on by a school bus. The other driver was in a similar condition. When they pulled Kenan out of the car he was not breathing and everyone thought he was dead. They put him in an ambulance and E. rode with him to the hospital. He had a pulse and was still alive! Zurafa called me and immediately I sent messages and tweets and facebooked the situation for folks to pray. We had prayer meetings all over the world going on for Kenan’s life. Kenan had every examination and x-ray one could think of. He had huge gashes in his head and legs, which were stitched. He also was examined for internal bleeding. This morning he was released from the hospital and is talking and resting at home! He will have a large scar on his face the rest of his life. His biggest concern when he began to speak was concerning his eye-glasses that were purchased for him to have treatments so he would not go blind, (the money for these was donated from churches), he also has a great concern for the taxi, as this was his livelihood and as he is still making payments on it. Praise the Lord for his mercy and for the miracle of such a quick recovery! Thank you all who were on your knees Christmas Eve for Kenan!
J. of G.E.S.
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gatewayeducationalservices?ref=profile
Follow us on Twitter: “E.” and “J.” will be giving daily updates via twitter.
After you create a twitter account http://twitter.com/ Follow us, our name is: gatewayedu
Website: www.gatewayeducation.org
Thank you all for your support and prayers!
J. of G.E.S.
If you feel led to support Gateway’s ministries please send your donations to:
Donations can be made online through New Horizons Foundation: http://newhorizonsfoundation.net/index.php?option=com_dtdonate&Itemid=5
More detailed information about EFT transfers:
EFT Bank transfer Credit/Debit Card Donations. The 15th of every month donations to Gateway can be electronically withdrawn. One can decide in giving if their electronic gift will be a one time gift or monthly. The transaction date for monthly gifts is on the 15th of every month. What is needed is the credit/debit card information (Name, Expiration date, Card Number). If the transfer will be made from a Bank account; a routing number and account number will be needed. Remember the project of the donation is Gateway Missions.
Checks can be made out to:
New Horizons Foundation Inc. (FBO Gateway Missions)
Send to:
New Horizons Foundation, Inc.4570 Hilton Parkway, Suite 203Colorado Springs, CO 80907
-To check out the latest pictures and info please go to our Face book page.-
Face book: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1376664116&ref=profile
Website: www.gatewayeducation.org
Twitter: @gatewayedu
Mesihte kardeşlerim Bugün noel ağacına baktığımda aklıma yine dünyanın en büyük ailesi olan meshin halkı geldi. Tıpkı sonsuzluğu(sonsuz yaşamı) simgeleyen çam ağacı gibi sonsuz yaşamda mutlu,huzurlu ve gövdeye yani mesihin bedenine sımsıkı bağlı yeşil dallar gibi yaşamak,üzerindeki rengarenk süsler gibi, farklı ırk,renk ve kültürlerden gelerek tek bir gövdenin (mesihin) bedeninin bir üyesi olmak bu yalnızlık, karanlık ve ahlaksızlık dolu şehirde doğuş bayramını kutlayacak olan bana kardeşinize umut ve teşvik verdi.
Bu umutu sağlayan Rabbe ve bu umudun üyeleri olan siz kardeşlerime teşekkür ediyorum. Dualarınız ve destekleriniz için teşekkürler.Herşeyden önce Bizleri efendisinin doğum gününü, Rabbinin doğum gününü kutlama ayrıcalığına sahip olan tek halkın üyeleri kılan Yüce majestelerine Happy birthday diyerek hepinizin Noel Bayramını Rabbin içimde sağladığı, umut, sevgi ve esenlik hisleriyle kutluyorum. KUTLU DOĞUŞ BAYRAMINIZI KUTLAR SİZLERE GÜNÜN AMACINA UYGUN MUTLU NOELLER DİLERİM. FROM SODOM E.
No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 9.0.722 / Virus Database: 270.14.119/2585 - Release Date: 12/24/09 03:11:00
December 25, 2009
(See update on Kenan’s condition below)
MERRY CHRISTMAS! Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In Turkish when celebrating one’s birthday, one does not say, “Happy Birthday”, the proper reference to the person is “It is good that you were born.” This day we say, “It is good that Jesus the Messiah was born!”, because “He will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) J. of G.E.S.
Letter from E. to you all: (see the original in Turkish below)
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today when I looked at my Christmas tree, it came to my mind again that the largest family in the world is that of the people of Christ. Just as the evergreen tree reminds us of the eternal life we possess and at the same time the trunk of the tree is the body of Christ. The branches of the tree are coming from the trunk and the many colors of the decorations on the tree represent different races, different colors and different cultures all coming together in the body of Christ. Each one a member of the body of Christ! Although I am in this amoral, dark city, experiencing loneliness, being a part of the Body of Christ and celebrating the “Birth Holiday” (What Christians in Turkey call Christmas) gives me, your brother, great hope and encouragement.
I am thanking the Lord for providing this hope and also thanking my brothers and sisters who are also members of this same hope. Thank you for your prayers and for your support. But most important of all I want to say Happy Birthday, to the Lord of us all, this day of our Lord’s birth, to the One who has given to us his Body, the privilege of celebrating His Holy Majesty’s birthday. I am celebrating this Christmas with the hope, love and peace that the Lord has given to me.
I wish you all, Happy Birth Holiday, the reason for this day and Merry Christmas!
From Sodom (Beytel East)
E. of G.E.S.
Update on Kenan: Yesterday (Dec. 24) Kenan was in a car accident around 6 p.m. E. received a phone call and the person on the other line said, “Your friend Kenan was in a car wreck and I am sorry, we just lost Kenan.”. E. and Zurafa (our intern) thought Kenan had passed away. The scene of the accident was in walking distance from their home. Kenan as lying in the street covered in blood from head to toe and was unrecognizable. His taxi destroyed, he was hit head on by a school bus. The other driver was in a similar condition. When they pulled Kenan out of the car he was not breathing and everyone thought he was dead. They put him in an ambulance and E. rode with him to the hospital. He had a pulse and was still alive! Zurafa called me and immediately I sent messages and tweets and facebooked the situation for folks to pray. We had prayer meetings all over the world going on for Kenan’s life. Kenan had every examination and x-ray one could think of. He had huge gashes in his head and legs, which were stitched. He also was examined for internal bleeding. This morning he was released from the hospital and is talking and resting at home! He will have a large scar on his face the rest of his life. His biggest concern when he began to speak was concerning his eye-glasses that were purchased for him to have treatments so he would not go blind, (the money for these was donated from churches), he also has a great concern for the taxi, as this was his livelihood and as he is still making payments on it. Praise the Lord for his mercy and for the miracle of such a quick recovery! Thank you all who were on your knees Christmas Eve for Kenan!
J. of G.E.S.
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gatewayeducationalservices?ref=profile
Follow us on Twitter: “E.” and “J.” will be giving daily updates via twitter.
After you create a twitter account http://twitter.com/ Follow us, our name is: gatewayedu
Website: www.gatewayeducation.org
Thank you all for your support and prayers!
J. of G.E.S.
If you feel led to support Gateway’s ministries please send your donations to:
Donations can be made online through New Horizons Foundation: http://newhorizonsfoundation.net/index.php?option=com_dtdonate&Itemid=5
More detailed information about EFT transfers:
EFT Bank transfer Credit/Debit Card Donations. The 15th of every month donations to Gateway can be electronically withdrawn. One can decide in giving if their electronic gift will be a one time gift or monthly. The transaction date for monthly gifts is on the 15th of every month. What is needed is the credit/debit card information (Name, Expiration date, Card Number). If the transfer will be made from a Bank account; a routing number and account number will be needed. Remember the project of the donation is Gateway Missions.
Checks can be made out to:
New Horizons Foundation Inc. (FBO Gateway Missions)
Send to:
New Horizons Foundation, Inc.4570 Hilton Parkway, Suite 203Colorado Springs, CO 80907
-To check out the latest pictures and info please go to our Face book page.-
Face book: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1376664116&ref=profile
Website: www.gatewayeducation.org
Twitter: @gatewayedu
Mesihte kardeşlerim Bugün noel ağacına baktığımda aklıma yine dünyanın en büyük ailesi olan meshin halkı geldi. Tıpkı sonsuzluğu(sonsuz yaşamı) simgeleyen çam ağacı gibi sonsuz yaşamda mutlu,huzurlu ve gövdeye yani mesihin bedenine sımsıkı bağlı yeşil dallar gibi yaşamak,üzerindeki rengarenk süsler gibi, farklı ırk,renk ve kültürlerden gelerek tek bir gövdenin (mesihin) bedeninin bir üyesi olmak bu yalnızlık, karanlık ve ahlaksızlık dolu şehirde doğuş bayramını kutlayacak olan bana kardeşinize umut ve teşvik verdi.
Bu umutu sağlayan Rabbe ve bu umudun üyeleri olan siz kardeşlerime teşekkür ediyorum. Dualarınız ve destekleriniz için teşekkürler.Herşeyden önce Bizleri efendisinin doğum gününü, Rabbinin doğum gününü kutlama ayrıcalığına sahip olan tek halkın üyeleri kılan Yüce majestelerine Happy birthday diyerek hepinizin Noel Bayramını Rabbin içimde sağladığı, umut, sevgi ve esenlik hisleriyle kutluyorum. KUTLU DOĞUŞ BAYRAMINIZI KUTLAR SİZLERE GÜNÜN AMACINA UYGUN MUTLU NOELLER DİLERİM. FROM SODOM E.
No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 9.0.722 / Virus Database: 270.14.119/2585 - Release Date: 12/24/09 03:11:00
Monday, December 14, 2009
Merhaba From Turkey!
Hey Guys!
I just made my move to Sodom two days ago. On the way here we spent a day in Cappadocia to see how our brothers and sister lived in times of Roman oppression. They carved out tunnels and caves to live in for safety while people sought them to kill them. It really touched my emotions when I saw how our brothers and sisters had to live because they were Christians. Unfortunately, things don't change with the times. Christians today are still being beating, imprisoned, tortured, and killed simply because they will not turn from the truth (just two years ago three men were beaten and killed here in Turkey). This has been a great reminder to me of what can and might be lost when you follow Christ. But it also reminds me of what will be gained. Namely: eternal life with the Creator of the Universe. Here in Sodom I will be teaching English at a K. cultural center where E. also teaches Russian. I also picked up a basketball in Istanbul and will be playing ball here to make some friends. I can see the court from my window :)
My brothers and sisters, please be reminded always to be thankful for what you have. God has given us who are in America so much and we can be so ungrateful at times. I know when I go back I will be so thankful for drinkable tap-water, grass, clean air, and freedom to worship my God when and where I want and that don't have to hide who I am and my purpose for being! (and a ton more!!)
My brothers and my sisters, we are one family under one Father! Let us be united in that if nothing else. Pray for the unity of the church! Pray that people would look past their differences and truly become the family of Christ. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share with you guys! I love you and miss you all and can't wait to see you again someday.
Here is how you can pray specifically for me and the area here:
· Pray that God would raise good godly leaders in His churches here.
· Pray that I will be a good English teacher and will be able to use the class as a platform for sharing the Gospel.
· Pray for much discernment for me as well as the other workers here for many decisions that need to be made.
· Pray that if that is God's will, He will open the doors to get me to the right college with the right classes.
· Pray that the Lord would open my mind to learn what He would have me to learn and to give me a humble and obedient heart.
· Pray that God will continue to guide my conversations and gıve me the words to speak and the courage to speak.
· Please pray that God would reach His lost sheep here and bring them out of the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of Light.
· And always remember to pray for your brothers and sisters who are in prison and who are suffering. (Heb 13:3)
Thanks for all the prayers everyone! They truly are a blessing!
____________________________________________________________
If you feel led to support my training here, you can send donations to: New Horizons Foundation Inc. (Check Memo: Gateway Missions/Zurafa)Send to:New Horizons Foundation, Inc.4570 Hilton Parkway, Suite 203
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
This will help pay for things like my Turkish classes, rent, and food. Any extra money will be used for projects here in Turkey. You can also give online at New Horizons. If you do decide to give online, you will need to send me an email sayıng how much you sent because there ıs only one account for GES. Zurafa108@gmail.com. or you can send an email to J of GES at gatewayeducationalservices@hotmail.com.
Also for those of you who go to Victory Baptist Church, Grace Road Church, or Wheatland Community Church, you can put your donations in the offering box/plate labeled accordingly and it will find its way to me.
Thank you everyone who decides to pray or give financially!
-- Your brother in Christ,
~Zurafa~
It is well with my soul,
Is it well with yours?
I just made my move to Sodom two days ago. On the way here we spent a day in Cappadocia to see how our brothers and sister lived in times of Roman oppression. They carved out tunnels and caves to live in for safety while people sought them to kill them. It really touched my emotions when I saw how our brothers and sisters had to live because they were Christians. Unfortunately, things don't change with the times. Christians today are still being beating, imprisoned, tortured, and killed simply because they will not turn from the truth (just two years ago three men were beaten and killed here in Turkey). This has been a great reminder to me of what can and might be lost when you follow Christ. But it also reminds me of what will be gained. Namely: eternal life with the Creator of the Universe. Here in Sodom I will be teaching English at a K. cultural center where E. also teaches Russian. I also picked up a basketball in Istanbul and will be playing ball here to make some friends. I can see the court from my window :)
My brothers and sisters, please be reminded always to be thankful for what you have. God has given us who are in America so much and we can be so ungrateful at times. I know when I go back I will be so thankful for drinkable tap-water, grass, clean air, and freedom to worship my God when and where I want and that don't have to hide who I am and my purpose for being! (and a ton more!!)
My brothers and my sisters, we are one family under one Father! Let us be united in that if nothing else. Pray for the unity of the church! Pray that people would look past their differences and truly become the family of Christ. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share with you guys! I love you and miss you all and can't wait to see you again someday.
Here is how you can pray specifically for me and the area here:
· Pray that God would raise good godly leaders in His churches here.
· Pray that I will be a good English teacher and will be able to use the class as a platform for sharing the Gospel.
· Pray for much discernment for me as well as the other workers here for many decisions that need to be made.
· Pray that if that is God's will, He will open the doors to get me to the right college with the right classes.
· Pray that the Lord would open my mind to learn what He would have me to learn and to give me a humble and obedient heart.
· Pray that God will continue to guide my conversations and gıve me the words to speak and the courage to speak.
· Please pray that God would reach His lost sheep here and bring them out of the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of Light.
· And always remember to pray for your brothers and sisters who are in prison and who are suffering. (Heb 13:3)
Thanks for all the prayers everyone! They truly are a blessing!
____________________________________________________________
If you feel led to support my training here, you can send donations to: New Horizons Foundation Inc. (Check Memo: Gateway Missions/Zurafa)Send to:New Horizons Foundation, Inc.4570 Hilton Parkway, Suite 203
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
This will help pay for things like my Turkish classes, rent, and food. Any extra money will be used for projects here in Turkey. You can also give online at New Horizons. If you do decide to give online, you will need to send me an email sayıng how much you sent because there ıs only one account for GES. Zurafa108@gmail.com. or you can send an email to J of GES at gatewayeducationalservices@hotmail.com.
Also for those of you who go to Victory Baptist Church, Grace Road Church, or Wheatland Community Church, you can put your donations in the offering box/plate labeled accordingly and it will find its way to me.
Thank you everyone who decides to pray or give financially!
-- Your brother in Christ,
~Zurafa~
It is well with my soul,
Is it well with yours?
Friday, December 11, 2009
News from Turkey
Gateway Newsletter: December 11, 2009
Beytel West Update: Last night (Thursday), as usual we had our weekly Bible study at Beytel West. Every week a good number of followers of Christ gather to hear “K.” teach from the book Romans. This time on Thursdays is important for those at Beytel West because most of them are the only believers in their families and at their work place. This is the only time besides Sunday that they are able to be with fellow believers. We just finished Romans chapter 3. Last night a new believer “S”. brought up a very common question about the reliability of the New Testament and a question concerning if there are several “New Testaments”. After answering the questions to these subjects we all went home our separate ways. However one man Er. (recently baptized and just out of prison) the brother of Erol, began to doubt the Bible and had many questions. Today J. and Dr. Dow Pursley of G.E.S. went to visit Er. and Erol to encourage them as Erol is being groomed to be a pastor of a new church plant. Erol’s brother Er., could not wait to tell us what happened to him last night. He said I went to bed still with many doubts about the Bible after the study last night, I went to sleep with a Bible next to my bed and I was awaked last night by a man standing at my bed, the man said, “Don’t be afraid, read My Book, and He pointed at the Bible, the man said, I am with you always.”. Er. told me at first he thought it was Erol his brother then he realized whom it was that was talking to him! Praise the Lord for how He confirms and encourages our faith!
Beytel West prayer request: “S.” who I mentioned above just wrote me a prayer request that I wish to share with you all. She will be baptized soon and is a new believer, however every night she is experiencing spiritual attacks (demonic) and wishes to be delivered from this. I will be counseling her from the Scriptures on Sunday about how to combat demons. Also she is a secret believer and her brother and parents are Muslims and would not take kindly to hearing that she is now a follower of Christ. Pray for her spiritual growth and for her protection.
Beytel East (Sodom): Kenan is now seeing much better because of the eye treatments that he is been receiving. The doctor as of 4 days ago said that he is seeing a total of 70% better than what he was before starting the treatments! He still has around 4 months more of treatments to go. Thanks to those who supported this man so he would not go blind! Pray also for his spiritual growth as he lives in a very dark and difficult area.
NUT School: Zurafa ended his stay with J. in Istanbul and studied in the areas of Folk Islam, Proper Islam, Life of Muhammad, Qur’an, Hadiths, Turkish and Kurdish Culture, Research Evangelism, Apologetics, and Turkish language. He is now with E. in Sodom applying all he has learned among the Kurds. He will be teaching English at a cultural center and doing much evangelism while he is there in Sodom with all whom he meets with. Pray for Zurafa’s encouragement and safety while he is there. Zurafa will also help in encouraging E. and Kenan while he is there.
Baptism at Beytel West: Praise the Lord for the latest baptism of one sister “Y.” and one brother “Er.” (Erol’s brother)! This took place 2 weeks ago! Pray for their spiritual growth, protection and courage.
Thank you all for your prayers and support,
J. of G.E.S.
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EFT Bank transfer Credit/Debit Card Donations. The 15th of every month donations to Gateway can be electronically withdrawn. One can decide in giving if their electronic gift will be a one time gift or monthly. The transaction date for monthly gifts is on the 15th of every month. What is needed is the credit/debit card information (Name, Expiration date, Card Number). If the transfer will be made from a Bank account; a routing number and account number will be needed. Remember the project of the donation is Gateway Missions.
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009
News from Mexico
Dear Pastors and Friends,
We are thankful to the Lord for each and every one of you---churches that support us and pastors who encourage us. We felt so welcome and well received by all of you. We are thankful for the time you spent with us fellowshipping and eating together. We also thank those of you who took the time to take us to see sights like apple orchards, the Amish country, wood shops, etc... We appreciate the hospitality you afforded us, the generous love offerings you gave us, and the gifts you gave us---the beautiful handmade quilt, the books, the Gospel tracts and New Testaments, the Sunday School materials, etc... Our video has been well received. Remember, it shows what the Lord has allowed us all to do together and we praise His name!
Our daughter, Stephanie, came through her surgery just fine and with Martha's help is back on her feet fulfilling her duties as mother and wife.
We are in the process of packing our belongings to return to Guadalajara. By the time most of you receive this letter, we will be back on the field getting ready for all the Christmas activities in the churches there.
Once again, we are thankful of all you do and we wish you a Christ centered Christmas and a new year blessed by our wonderful Savior!
'Til Jesus Comes,
Lonnie C. Smith, Jr.
We are thankful to the Lord for each and every one of you---churches that support us and pastors who encourage us. We felt so welcome and well received by all of you. We are thankful for the time you spent with us fellowshipping and eating together. We also thank those of you who took the time to take us to see sights like apple orchards, the Amish country, wood shops, etc... We appreciate the hospitality you afforded us, the generous love offerings you gave us, and the gifts you gave us---the beautiful handmade quilt, the books, the Gospel tracts and New Testaments, the Sunday School materials, etc... Our video has been well received. Remember, it shows what the Lord has allowed us all to do together and we praise His name!
Our daughter, Stephanie, came through her surgery just fine and with Martha's help is back on her feet fulfilling her duties as mother and wife.
We are in the process of packing our belongings to return to Guadalajara. By the time most of you receive this letter, we will be back on the field getting ready for all the Christmas activities in the churches there.
Once again, we are thankful of all you do and we wish you a Christ centered Christmas and a new year blessed by our wonderful Savior!
'Til Jesus Comes,
Lonnie C. Smith, Jr.
News from the Bonners
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the name of our Blessed Savior! Hope this note finds all well this Holiday Season. Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. Keeping our eyes, heart and mind on the Reason for the Season, which is indeed our wonderful Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be all the glory.
Thank you for the many prayers that are still going up on our behalf. I believe the only reason I am still here is because someone is praying. Thank you for sticking close to us during this time of testing and rehabilitation. Thank you for your support for IAM and the work going on each day in Africa. Please pray for Dick and Eve Jarvis as they work with the Deaf in Zambia. They are running the Deaf Orphanage and are teaching the children sign language so they can eventually hear the Gospel. We need only $400 a month to run the operation of housing and feeding the children. Please pray about this need. The Jarvis's also need about $6000 to buy a van for the transportation of the children. They have raised half of it and are asking churches and individuals to pray about matching this so they can purchase this much needed vehicle. Please pray!!!!!
The work with our Pastor/Church planters is going well. Village after village are being reached with Bible studies going on almost every day, teaching and training others in the Word. I am currently finishing the Pastor Curriculum which will be used hopefully around the globe to help train pastors so they can train others and reach their people with the Gospel, and disciple others so they can reproduce themselves with the Message of Hope. Jesus is the Blessed Hope that they need.
Please continue to pray for my rehab. It's going too slow for me. The Lord is teaching me some patience and a bunch of humility, which I am sure each of you know I need. We love you all and are indeed thankful, humbled, and grateful for all of your prayers and support. I am praying that my schedule for 2010 will fill up with meetings so we can indeed report to our churches here and get into new churches so that we can find partners for IAM, to reach this world with the Gospel, and plant churches around this world.
In Jesus Name,
Bobby and Becky Bonner
IAM Ministries
Greetings in the name of our Blessed Savior! Hope this note finds all well this Holiday Season. Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. Keeping our eyes, heart and mind on the Reason for the Season, which is indeed our wonderful Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be all the glory.
Thank you for the many prayers that are still going up on our behalf. I believe the only reason I am still here is because someone is praying. Thank you for sticking close to us during this time of testing and rehabilitation. Thank you for your support for IAM and the work going on each day in Africa. Please pray for Dick and Eve Jarvis as they work with the Deaf in Zambia. They are running the Deaf Orphanage and are teaching the children sign language so they can eventually hear the Gospel. We need only $400 a month to run the operation of housing and feeding the children. Please pray about this need. The Jarvis's also need about $6000 to buy a van for the transportation of the children. They have raised half of it and are asking churches and individuals to pray about matching this so they can purchase this much needed vehicle. Please pray!!!!!
The work with our Pastor/Church planters is going well. Village after village are being reached with Bible studies going on almost every day, teaching and training others in the Word. I am currently finishing the Pastor Curriculum which will be used hopefully around the globe to help train pastors so they can train others and reach their people with the Gospel, and disciple others so they can reproduce themselves with the Message of Hope. Jesus is the Blessed Hope that they need.
Please continue to pray for my rehab. It's going too slow for me. The Lord is teaching me some patience and a bunch of humility, which I am sure each of you know I need. We love you all and are indeed thankful, humbled, and grateful for all of your prayers and support. I am praying that my schedule for 2010 will fill up with meetings so we can indeed report to our churches here and get into new churches so that we can find partners for IAM, to reach this world with the Gospel, and plant churches around this world.
In Jesus Name,
Bobby and Becky Bonner
IAM Ministries
Monday, December 7, 2009
News from Mexico
December 2009
Dear Friends in Christ,
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
How wonderful is the reason for this season. Celebrating Christmas in the Mexican churches is a very great time to worship and to serve the Lord. The children of the churches present a special program concerning the birth of our Lord. New parents come to see their children perform and many thereby have found Christ as their personal Savior.
Last month, the BBF of Mexico celebrated their annual fellowship meeting in Celaya, GTO. There were over 600 out of town messengers from the churches present for this occasion. The night services were even larger and there were over 750 present each night. The host church attended the visitors with splendor. The preaching was great and for the first time the services were broadcast on the Internet to those who could not attend. The next two meetings, in April and next November, will be conducted at the Rawlings Camp near Cuernavaca. All are invited to attend.
The "Filidelfia" Bible Baptist Church of Reynosa, Dr. Angel Zapata pastor, was a church host for a regional Youth meeting of the Border BBF churches of Mexico. The attendance was great for this all day Saturday meeting. Many of the young people dedicated their life anew to the Lord. All enjoyed a great time of fun and fellowship. Ten churches participated.
Beloved, we are so thankful for your faithfulness in prayer and support for our ministry. Our prayers are with you during these difficult economy times.
Yours for souls in Mexico,
Lonnie and Margie Smith
Dear Friends in Christ,
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
How wonderful is the reason for this season. Celebrating Christmas in the Mexican churches is a very great time to worship and to serve the Lord. The children of the churches present a special program concerning the birth of our Lord. New parents come to see their children perform and many thereby have found Christ as their personal Savior.
Last month, the BBF of Mexico celebrated their annual fellowship meeting in Celaya, GTO. There were over 600 out of town messengers from the churches present for this occasion. The night services were even larger and there were over 750 present each night. The host church attended the visitors with splendor. The preaching was great and for the first time the services were broadcast on the Internet to those who could not attend. The next two meetings, in April and next November, will be conducted at the Rawlings Camp near Cuernavaca. All are invited to attend.
The "Filidelfia" Bible Baptist Church of Reynosa, Dr. Angel Zapata pastor, was a church host for a regional Youth meeting of the Border BBF churches of Mexico. The attendance was great for this all day Saturday meeting. Many of the young people dedicated their life anew to the Lord. All enjoyed a great time of fun and fellowship. Ten churches participated.
Beloved, we are so thankful for your faithfulness in prayer and support for our ministry. Our prayers are with you during these difficult economy times.
Yours for souls in Mexico,
Lonnie and Margie Smith
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