If you know for that which you were created for let absolutely nothing deter you. Do not let uncertainty and fear dissuade you. Do not let people and choices distract you. Do not allow shortcomings and mistakes to define you. Do not admit defeat. Is not the one who created you greater than all these things?
Stories from a Sojourner
The thing I pray for is that God will work in me and use me, despite me.
Some of the English Conversation Club
Women’s Turkish Breakfast with Elif, Candace, Gerry, Chinelle, Tulay, Lisa, Seren, and Joelle
Learning How To Make Sarma
Tulay and I at Ephesus
Drained…
This Sunday I found myself drained spiritually, emotionally, physically… It was the end of a very, very long week filled with so many different things. I think we were all feeling it. I went for a run to clear my mind and just be alone with God. To be honest, one of my greatest mistakes was choosing not to run while I was here. I need that time alone with God, to rid myself of everything else but him. I couldn’t run all the time here just because of how busy my schedule is but I should have been running when I could. Then Michelle, Steve, and I got together and had our weekly devotional and went over the last chapter that we had read of “Don’t Waster Your Life” by John Piper. Afterwards we went out on the porch and watched a lightning storm while singing worship songs. Honestly, it was the most refreshing, beautiful ending to an exhausting, but just as beautiful week. I think I was just running myself into the ground this week because I wanted to fit in as much as possible and I didn’t have the heart to say no when people asked me if I could do things with them and add more to my already out of control list. Do not get me wrong it was a wonderful, God praising week, but even Jesus needed alone time with his Father away from the crowd and that is what I was missing this week. Today is Tuesday and it is my day to focus on God and kind of bring myself back together so I can spend as much time as possible the next week with the people I have met here. Please pray that this last week I will remain focused on being here and not the fact that I am going home. Part of me is excited to go home but the other part does not want to leave. I love these people. I only wish I knew more Turkish so I could converse with them more.
He knows what he is doing with me, and when he has tested me, I will come forth as pure gold.
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
I personally have never ceased to rejoice that God has entrusted me with His service. People talk a lot about the sacrifice of devoting my life to Africa. But can this be called a sacrifice at all if we give back to a God a ‘little of what we owe Him?’ And we owe Him so much that we should never be able to pay off our debt. Can this be called sacrifice which gives us the deepest satisfaction, which develops our best powers, and gives us the greatest hopes and expectations? Away with this word. It is anything but a sacrifice. Rather, call it a ‘privilege.’
Prayer Requests
Well the past week has been interesting and has brought up some things I would like it if you all could pray for. This Monday I will be teaching an english class for seven-year-olds with help from their normal teacher. I am a little nervous but am very excited for this opportunity. Also this Saturday I will be going to Ephesus again with some local believers and non-believers. If you could please pray that this trip would be God-exalting that would be wonderful. Last, but certainly not least, please pray for my family, especially my mom. Yesterday at 6:00 p.m. she received a foreign call from a man in Turkey saying that I was trying to get a hold of her and she has been very worried. I had no idea that someone had called but all day today I felt like I needed to get a hold of her but the internet was down. Finally when it came up I found out what had happened. I don’t know who it was that called her and kept calling her but it really scared her and my family. I was able to talk to her and tell her that I am fine. I am slightly upset that someone would play this kind of a joke on her but it did give me an opportunity to talk to her. Whoever it was, I hold no ill-will against him. One, such as myself, who has been forgiven much can do nothing less than forgive another. So, please keep my family in your prayers and if you see my mom, please give her a big hug. She needs it.
