HI All,
We had a great trip yesterday to Perge and Aspendos with Metin, one of the pastors of the Turkish church. We left about 10:00 and were there by 10:45.
It was quite warm; but, such is Turkey. To take a sidebar about the weather...it is always very hot and very humid (during the summer that is). We are moist all of the time which could be annoying but everyone has a good attitude about it. I think that the Turks set a good example of comfort amidst challenging situations and we follow their example. Their kindness is legendary and it seems that they wouldn't dare let something like weather get in the way of hospitality.
Well, back to our trip to Perge and Aspendos...it was really very enjoyable. We visited the ruins of the town of Perge where Paul landed upon arriving in Turkey. It was insightful and heartwarming to imagine where this great leader walked and how the message that he carried with him is the same today for us as back then.
As I type this I am interrupted by the loud and haunting cry of the Imam's call to prayer. This happens five times a day starting at about 4:45 with the last being at about 8:45. This can be heard throughout the town, literally. Sadly, one of the Minarets from where this is blasted for all to hear is directly adjacent the church. So, even at the church, the Turkish Christians are persecuted and reminded of their extreme minority.
Thank you all for following this and praying for us and especially for the Turkish Christians.
Mike
Thank you so much for the blog! It is wonderful to be able to follow your trip and know what to pray for. Your Elmo family prays for you and our Turkish brothers and sisters daily. Love to all of you and to Mu, especially.
ReplyDeleteHi Team: JOY to read your blog and see how COOL y'all look. Especially pleased to see Jehanne's brilliant smile in the first family visit. Thanking Him for your witness and encouragement.
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