This picture will make sense once your read the blog below.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Day 8 - Our Seond Sunday in Antalya
[by Charlie]
Today was our second Sunday in Turkey. Three members of the team (Bobby, Jehanne and Katie) were responsible for teaching the children’s Sunday School hour, and did a great job. Bobby taught the lesson on Jesus searching for the lost sheep and it was reinforced by Katie leading the children in making sheep out of balloons. Meanwhile, upstairs in the worship service, David was assisting the music with his guitar and I was preaching. Not knowing just what I should preach, I took my cue from what God has been teaching me and doing in my own congregation. I had preached a series of sermons on prayer during Lent, and opted to use one of those, which I shortened considerably due to the extra time translation adds to any sermon here not preached in Turkish. It was well-received and many of the Turkish believers took the time to express their appreciation to me. As my first effort at preaching in a foreign country, it was unfamiliar territory, so I was understandably a bit anxious ahead of time, but not at all once I got started. I enjoyed the experience, felt comfortable in front of the people, and most of all, grateful that God seemed to use it.
After worship we mingled in the patio, this time drinking lemonade instead of yogurt, and then being treated to carrot cake in honor of Suzy’s birthday. She was treated to a round of “Happy Birthday” two times actually – once at the end of the worship service and once in the patio. One treat was to meet a young woman, Heather, who had just flown in from England on Friday. She Googled the internet for Christian churches in Antalya, and the Turkish church was the first one up, so here she was. She ended up accompanying us to lunch after worship.
Because of our long day on the river yesterday, after lunch (which means about 5 o’clock), instead of going to the beach, people spread out doing various activities, including the IMPACT team. I chose to go to the Antalya museum and see the incredible artifacts from the Perge archeological sight on display there. The statues and stonework were amazing. After that I spent some time in the park visiting with my host home couple and another couple from the church, and then it was a short walk back home via and ice cream vendor.
Upon arriving home I felt my exhaustion, and promptly fell asleep in front of my computer. Metin awakened me at 10:30 pm, and now I am writing this entry before falling asleep for good.
Until tomorrow,
Charlie
Katie experimenting with making a lamb out of balloon before Sunday School.
David with the worship music team practicing ahead of time.
Charlie preaching with the aid of translator Hans
Fellowship in the Courtyard after worship.
The birthday girl with hubby and two friends. The carrot cake was obviously quite popular.
Today was our second Sunday in Turkey. Three members of the team (Bobby, Jehanne and Katie) were responsible for teaching the children’s Sunday School hour, and did a great job. Bobby taught the lesson on Jesus searching for the lost sheep and it was reinforced by Katie leading the children in making sheep out of balloons. Meanwhile, upstairs in the worship service, David was assisting the music with his guitar and I was preaching. Not knowing just what I should preach, I took my cue from what God has been teaching me and doing in my own congregation. I had preached a series of sermons on prayer during Lent, and opted to use one of those, which I shortened considerably due to the extra time translation adds to any sermon here not preached in Turkish. It was well-received and many of the Turkish believers took the time to express their appreciation to me. As my first effort at preaching in a foreign country, it was unfamiliar territory, so I was understandably a bit anxious ahead of time, but not at all once I got started. I enjoyed the experience, felt comfortable in front of the people, and most of all, grateful that God seemed to use it.
After worship we mingled in the patio, this time drinking lemonade instead of yogurt, and then being treated to carrot cake in honor of Suzy’s birthday. She was treated to a round of “Happy Birthday” two times actually – once at the end of the worship service and once in the patio. One treat was to meet a young woman, Heather, who had just flown in from England on Friday. She Googled the internet for Christian churches in Antalya, and the Turkish church was the first one up, so here she was. She ended up accompanying us to lunch after worship.
Because of our long day on the river yesterday, after lunch (which means about 5 o’clock), instead of going to the beach, people spread out doing various activities, including the IMPACT team. I chose to go to the Antalya museum and see the incredible artifacts from the Perge archeological sight on display there. The statues and stonework were amazing. After that I spent some time in the park visiting with my host home couple and another couple from the church, and then it was a short walk back home via and ice cream vendor.
Upon arriving home I felt my exhaustion, and promptly fell asleep in front of my computer. Metin awakened me at 10:30 pm, and now I am writing this entry before falling asleep for good.
Until tomorrow,
Charlie
Katie experimenting with making a lamb out of balloon before Sunday School.
David with the worship music team practicing ahead of time.
Charlie preaching with the aid of translator Hans
Fellowship in the Courtyard after worship.
The birthday girl with hubby and two friends. The carrot cake was obviously quite popular.
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