Today was a day without appointments or ministry assignments during the day, so after our daily debriefing in the morning, several of the team went to visit the Antalya Museum which contains all the artifacts from the archeological site at Perga we visited on Tuesday. I chose not to go at this time and spent the afternoon working on my sermon for Sunday and beginning the outline for teaching the Parenting Class next Thursday. After the museum trip, Jehanne took her host and daughter to the beach, and was a delightful time for them.
At Youth Group, I unveiled the two Horseshoe Puzzles I brought with me, and they were a huge hit. The youth were mostly frustrated, though with some help, a few were able to solve it. The biggest fan of the puzzle was one of the pastor, Erkan, who wouldn’t stop until he mastered it, and even was able to solve it blindfolded, which brought cheers from all. In fact, he like the puzzle so much, he asked if he could have one, to which I happily obliged. That was the point after all, for them to enjoy after we leave.
Mike led the meeting and gave a brief talk on the Prodigal Son outside where it was cool, then we went upstairs into the worship center and worshiped together in song. I recognized one tune – Beautiful One – which was fun to sing in Turkish. I’m beginning to recognize the consonant and vowel sounds better and can pronounce words I see for the first time. Many of the youth appeared very engaged in the singing, and several we freely raising their hands. After the singing we showed one of the DVDs that Joe Castillo (our Maundy Thursday SandStory artist) gave me to take to Turkey. We showed the one based on the Prodigal Son. Very powerful.
After youth group we took all the youth (and adults present as well) out for ice cream. It was a surprise announcement, which met with no objections and we all took off down the street into the main commercial area to an ice cream shop. I couldn’t help but compare what we were doing to what we could never do at our church in the states. There is no way we could get away with an impromptu trip away from the church with 15 youth without signed permission slips for everyone. Once they get dropped off at the church – that’s where they stay because that’s were parents assume and expect them to be. But not here. It reminded me of the old days of youth ministry...and just as fun.
Thanks for praying,
Charlie
Several girls attempting to solve the horseshoe puzzle.
Erkan refusing to give up until he masters the puzzle.
Mike teaching on the Prodigal Son while Halil translates.
Worshiping in the church sanctuary with David adding fullness to the sound with his new 12-string guitar.
Ice Cream youth group style in Turkey. They heap several flavors of ice cream on a big plate, pass out the spoons, and away you go! The ice cream is of a different consistency than ours, so it didn't melt like ours does.
