Hey everyone!
It has been a while since my last report. Sorry about that. First, I want to thank all of you who have been praying for my trip here and for safety and so forth. I know many of those prayers have been answered in MANY ways! I also want to give thanks to God for everything He has done! I have seen God working here and in my life since I came here. Please continue to pray for my learning of the culture, language, and other related topics.
Right now I am working on a research paper. The topic is who Jesus is according to the Qur'an. Once I finish that part, I will follow up with a comparison of who Jesus is according to the Bible and then with J's help, how to implement that knowledge when witnessing to a Muslim. Going through the Qur'an a third time right now more slowly to catch everything and to make comparisons with other prophets mentioned in the Qur'an.
I have decided to remain in Turkey for another three months to study more Turkish and to help with a couple things that will be happening here. This coming month I will be involved with helping a college student learn what a M's life is like and the following month I hope to enrol in another month of language school. Shortly after I plan on returning home to attend university. While I am there (in Rochester), it is my plan to begin a new ministry among the Turks there, as there are about 20,000 of them living in Rochester. I will be holding classes to help teach how to effectively witness to Turkish Muslims and a lot about Islam itself. If you or anyone you know would like to participate or would be able or willing to help (like if you already do this somewhere or speak Turkish and live in Rochester) please contact me; Especially if you know a great deal about Islam. I realize that only five months of study leaves me greatly inadequate to teach on the subject as it is a very large and confounding subject.
I am happy to report that I have already been able to find the support of a man who is already doing this same work in NJ and said he would be willing to help in any way he can. I have also met people in many states and countries who work with Turks who said they would be willing to help me with any questions or ideas. Praise God for His provision!
Here is how you can pray specifically the work in Turkey:
· Pray that God would raise good godly leaders in His churches here.
· Pray for the work that will start in Rochester.
· Pray for much discernment for me as well as the other workers here for many decisions that need to be made.
· Pray that I will be accepted into the college I applied to and will get into the right pre-med 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
· 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 our 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 the work here, please contact J of GES for more info on donating. You can email him at gatewayeducationalservices@hotmail.com You can now see more constant updates and pictures on my Facebook account: Zurafa Turk
-- It is well with my soul, Is it well with yours?
~Zurafa Turk
Showing posts with label Zurafa--Missionary to Turkey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zurafa--Missionary to Turkey. Show all posts
Friday, March 5, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
News from Zurafa
Hey everyone! I hope you are all well and finding yourself in daily prayer and scripture reading!
God is good and I have been the recipient of great blessings! I was told by the pastor of a church in Rochester that he would help me with the ministry I am planning on starting when I come back, I have had several people tell me how they are doing this in their countries, and now there is a man in NJ that wants to support me in any way he can with this ministry! He is working with the Turks in NJ very close to NYC and I will get to meet him in a few months in Istanbul. Can't wait to see how God works everything out. Praising Him!
Kenan is doing phenomenally well! It is almost as if he was never in an accident! He is still going to have a scar on his head and face for the rest of his life, but he is otherwise pretty much back to normal. Last week he told his family that he is now a Christian and that he will always be a Christian until the day he dies. Please keep him in your prayers as his family can react in a number of ways. They may kick him out of their family and never speak to him again, they may beat him, or they may hire hit-men to kill him. E is in more danger than Kenan because he is the one who "Stole their son away." Please pray that they will be safe and that the family will come to Christ!
J and E have been working here together for eight years now and they say they have not seen much going on in the way of people on fire for Christ and trying to serve the church, but people more trying to see how the church can help them in their problems. But just the other day J was talking to some young believers and they are on fire for Christ and trying to serve the church without asking for anything in return and a few showed an interest in working with the Kurds! Please pray that this country would be filled with national Christians who have this kind of fire!
Next month J and E are heading to the US for a few weeks to talk at a few churches about the work taking place here. Please pray for a productive trip and safe travels.
Our students are learning English very quickly and we are very happy to have the opportunity to share with them. They now know that all of us are Christians and not just the Westerner. They asked a lot of questions about why E was a Christian even though he was Turkish and he had read the Qur'an. Much discussion followed. Pray that we will be able to witness to them more and that God will lead them to the Truth.
Thanks for praying everyone! I have now been in Turkey for four months! Praise God I have had this opportunity to serve Him here! Stay in the world and keep serving the King wherever you are!
I love this Quote from Tales of the Kingdom:
"How goes the world?"
"The world goes not well, but the Kingdom comes!"
Isn't that the truth! Look around at this world and you will see how corrupt and poisonous it is, but we know that the final battle has already been won and we have a home- a kingdom- that we will be spending eternity in! All because we are children and servants of the King of kings! Amen?
Here is how you can pray specifically the work in Turkey:
· Pray that God would raise good godly leaders in His churches here.
· Pray for Kenan and E's safety with their family.
· 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 I will be accepted into the college I applied to and will get into the right pre-med 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
· 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 the work here or wish to help Kenan in his time of need, please contact J of GES for more info on donating.
The money given to Kenan will be a loan that he has to pay off, not a gift, thus making him lazy. The money will then be used for someone else in need, and so on.
You can now see more constant updates and pictures on my Facebook account: Zurafa Turk
--
It is well with my soul,
Is it well with yours?
~Zurafa Turk
God is good and I have been the recipient of great blessings! I was told by the pastor of a church in Rochester that he would help me with the ministry I am planning on starting when I come back, I have had several people tell me how they are doing this in their countries, and now there is a man in NJ that wants to support me in any way he can with this ministry! He is working with the Turks in NJ very close to NYC and I will get to meet him in a few months in Istanbul. Can't wait to see how God works everything out. Praising Him!
Kenan is doing phenomenally well! It is almost as if he was never in an accident! He is still going to have a scar on his head and face for the rest of his life, but he is otherwise pretty much back to normal. Last week he told his family that he is now a Christian and that he will always be a Christian until the day he dies. Please keep him in your prayers as his family can react in a number of ways. They may kick him out of their family and never speak to him again, they may beat him, or they may hire hit-men to kill him. E is in more danger than Kenan because he is the one who "Stole their son away." Please pray that they will be safe and that the family will come to Christ!
J and E have been working here together for eight years now and they say they have not seen much going on in the way of people on fire for Christ and trying to serve the church, but people more trying to see how the church can help them in their problems. But just the other day J was talking to some young believers and they are on fire for Christ and trying to serve the church without asking for anything in return and a few showed an interest in working with the Kurds! Please pray that this country would be filled with national Christians who have this kind of fire!
Next month J and E are heading to the US for a few weeks to talk at a few churches about the work taking place here. Please pray for a productive trip and safe travels.
Our students are learning English very quickly and we are very happy to have the opportunity to share with them. They now know that all of us are Christians and not just the Westerner. They asked a lot of questions about why E was a Christian even though he was Turkish and he had read the Qur'an. Much discussion followed. Pray that we will be able to witness to them more and that God will lead them to the Truth.
Thanks for praying everyone! I have now been in Turkey for four months! Praise God I have had this opportunity to serve Him here! Stay in the world and keep serving the King wherever you are!
I love this Quote from Tales of the Kingdom:
"How goes the world?"
"The world goes not well, but the Kingdom comes!"
Isn't that the truth! Look around at this world and you will see how corrupt and poisonous it is, but we know that the final battle has already been won and we have a home- a kingdom- that we will be spending eternity in! All because we are children and servants of the King of kings! Amen?
Here is how you can pray specifically the work in Turkey:
· Pray that God would raise good godly leaders in His churches here.
· Pray for Kenan and E's safety with their family.
· 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 I will be accepted into the college I applied to and will get into the right pre-med 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
· 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 the work here or wish to help Kenan in his time of need, please contact J of GES for more info on donating.
The money given to Kenan will be a loan that he has to pay off, not a gift, thus making him lazy. The money will then be used for someone else in need, and so on.
You can now see more constant updates and pictures on my Facebook account: Zurafa Turk
--
It is well with my soul,
Is it well with yours?
~Zurafa Turk
Friday, January 8, 2010
News from Zurafa
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?
No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 9.0.722 / Virus Database: 270.14.119/2586 - Release Date: 12/29/09 02:47:00
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?
No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 9.0.722 / Virus Database: 270.14.119/2586 - Release Date: 12/29/09 02:47:00
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
News from Zurafa
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?
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?
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?
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?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Merhaba From Turkey!
Hey Everyone!
Its been two months now since I first step foot in Turkey. I have been learning so much with J! Language, culture, religions, apologetics, and a ton more. All the while building relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as those that are outside of the Kingdom of Light.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to share my faith and answer questions with many of the people I have met. I was able to speak with one guy for 45 minutes and another girl for an hour just answering questions about the Bible and who God is. Some seem very interested and some have told me "I think you are completely wrong, but I think you will live a very happy life." I really hope they come to know Christ.
I was blessed two weeks ago to witness the baptism of "W". It is always an amazing and greatly motivating thing for me to witness someone's public proclamation of their newfound relationship with Christ. I hope to see many more people come to know Christ.
In one month I will be heading to "Sodom" to learn from E. I was able to spend a few days with him here and really enjoyed my time with him. I can't wait to learn from him. Please also pray for wisdom and guidance in my decision for my future here. Right now I am leaning towards training to be a medical doctor. I have always loved the medical scene and this would give me a great freedom to go to many places and open doors for other workers. That would involve about 7-8 years of studying (or more). For those of you I told I would be gone for 4-6 months, we are leaning more towards 6-8. This way I can have a really good base in the Turkish language so that when I go back to Rochester, NY I can begin to reach the 15-20 thousand Turkish Muslims there. Currently there is no one that we know of that is working wth them.
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 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 are really helping! And thanks to everyone who has given to help me get here!
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 (like buying a church) and will be given to J of GES to decide what to do with. You can 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.
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 give financially or to pray!
-- Your brother in Christ,
~Zurafa~
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Merhaba From Turkey!
This is the first newsletter from a young man in our church that went to help our missionaries to Turkey (J & L) for a few months. He plans to eventually become a full-time missionary.
God is good and He has definitely opened the doors for me to be here right now. He has removed all barriers and put very generous people in my life. Thanks again everyone who gave. I would not be here without you.
I left my house at 3:30 am with my dad and Josiah. We arrived at the airport and I said goodbye. The plane left at 6 am and we flew to JFK by 7am where I waited 9.5 hours before I could board the next plane. I sat in coach in the very middle aisle between two Turks. They were very nice, but it was very cramped and I found it impossible to sleep. 12 hours later we arrived in Istanbul, Turkey.
I got my visa and my passport stamped, got my luggage and went to meet with J at Starbucks. Yeah, those are all over the place in Turkey. Along with Burger King and Pizza Hut and McDonald's. We hopped on a bus and went to his apartment where L was waiting. J took me on a three hour tour of the city where I saw huge mosques, palaces, fortresses, the Bosphorous Straight, brides, buses, ferries, trolleybuses, and so much more. I had my first meal in Turkey (a kebop) and a pepper that would make most grown men cry. It hurt. The next day I got to meet the other believers at Beytel. I was able to play guitar with another believer for the worship service. One of the things I will be doing while I am here is training him to play guitar more comfortably for the worship service. Most of the songs we played were recognizable as they had been translated from English. I did lose my place once because I was thinking it in English, hearing it in Turkish, and reading it in Dutch. Not an easy thing to do when you don't know the latter languages...
Together we broke bread and had a great time of fellowship. I was able to play with some English speaking children there who moved to Turkey from N. Carolina. I am staying with J and L for a few days or weeks and then I will be staying in their office building.
Pray for the hearts of the Muslims that we will meet that they will be able to discern the truth from the lies and also for the believers who live here. Pray they will stay strong in the faith and have courage to live their lives for Christ. Pray for our continued safety and for opportunities to be shown to us. Thanks for the prayers everyone! Stay strong in the Lord and courageous! Stay in the Word and pray without ceasing!
Love you guys! See you soon!
--Zurafa
God is good and He has definitely opened the doors for me to be here right now. He has removed all barriers and put very generous people in my life. Thanks again everyone who gave. I would not be here without you.
I left my house at 3:30 am with my dad and Josiah. We arrived at the airport and I said goodbye. The plane left at 6 am and we flew to JFK by 7am where I waited 9.5 hours before I could board the next plane. I sat in coach in the very middle aisle between two Turks. They were very nice, but it was very cramped and I found it impossible to sleep. 12 hours later we arrived in Istanbul, Turkey.
I got my visa and my passport stamped, got my luggage and went to meet with J at Starbucks. Yeah, those are all over the place in Turkey. Along with Burger King and Pizza Hut and McDonald's. We hopped on a bus and went to his apartment where L was waiting. J took me on a three hour tour of the city where I saw huge mosques, palaces, fortresses, the Bosphorous Straight, brides, buses, ferries, trolleybuses, and so much more. I had my first meal in Turkey (a kebop) and a pepper that would make most grown men cry. It hurt. The next day I got to meet the other believers at Beytel. I was able to play guitar with another believer for the worship service. One of the things I will be doing while I am here is training him to play guitar more comfortably for the worship service. Most of the songs we played were recognizable as they had been translated from English. I did lose my place once because I was thinking it in English, hearing it in Turkish, and reading it in Dutch. Not an easy thing to do when you don't know the latter languages...
Together we broke bread and had a great time of fellowship. I was able to play with some English speaking children there who moved to Turkey from N. Carolina. I am staying with J and L for a few days or weeks and then I will be staying in their office building.
Pray for the hearts of the Muslims that we will meet that they will be able to discern the truth from the lies and also for the believers who live here. Pray they will stay strong in the faith and have courage to live their lives for Christ. Pray for our continued safety and for opportunities to be shown to us. Thanks for the prayers everyone! Stay strong in the Lord and courageous! Stay in the Word and pray without ceasing!
Love you guys! See you soon!
--Zurafa
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