Izmir and the 7 Churches of Revelation

Today is Saturday, December 19th.  On Thursday, we went to the sites of two of the 7 churches - the sites of the cities, that is.  In the early days of the church,there weren't any church buildings. In fact, there were only home churches.  It wasn't until around the 3rd century that the Christians began to use a building to meet in.  They actually bought old basilicas - which were used for worship of Greek or Roman gods, and converted them to places where they met.  Cool info, huh?  Anyway, we went to Pergamum and Thyatira.  It was pretty incredible.  Even though there was false idol worship in these cities, they are the very same cities where Paul walked, and where Christianity spread to the Gentiles.  Tomorrow, we go to Smyrna and Ephesus.  Even as I am writing this, I am hearing the Muslim call to prayer.  It's really loud, but it still can't drown out Jesus in my heart, and in my spirit!  We are having an incredible time.
     This morning, we had an opportunity to worship, during a 24 hour prayer time, with some of the frontline workers here.  We also prayed for them, and shared words of the Lord that we felt for them.  It seemed to really bless and encourage them.  We go to three more cities of the 7 churches on Tuesday, ending in Laodicea, and then going on to Antalya where we will spend Christmas at a retreat house.  We have been so blessed in all we have put our hands to here.  Thank you for your continuing prayers!

Thoughts to consider

Here are a few thoughts to consider:
   We are in Izmir, which has a beautiful coastline and is very close to Smyrna.  A hundred years ago, 80% of the people were Christian.  Why should it be so difficult for them to believe in Jesus now?  Well, it seems that the ruler a hundred years ago, Attaturk, sent all the Christians away to Greece and other places, and traded them for Muslims.  There was a massive move of people after the first World War.  Of course, there's more to it, but we are walking on true Holy Ground, only the people here don't know it.  It seems surreal on many levels, and I am still trying to wrap my brain around all of it. I can picture Paul traveling through here and being stuck by its beauty.  We certainly are.  Anyway, just something for you to look up when you have time - - Attaturk, Turkey ruler, Christian exchange.  ???  Hopefully, we will have an update in a few days.  All here are doing well, and in His hands.

Izmir

We took a bus last night from Istanbul to Izmir.  We left around 10:30 in the evening and arrived this morning around 7:30.  It was a very nice bus, but the seats were terribly uncomfortable.  We crossed the sea by ferry on the bus - a new experience!  This is a really beautiful city.  About 100 years ago, it was 80% Christian, even though now the entire country is less than 1% Christian.  We met with our contact here, and then arrived at our hotel just in time for a typical breakfast.  Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives - oh, the olives are so good! - bread, honey and butter, with tea.  Everyone took a short nap, and then met in time to leave and go to a house of prayer and pray for several hours.  It was an incredible experience, but we are tired.  Tomorrow is orientation, lunch and then church.  Monday, we will have our first day off.  Please pray that the Lord will bring revival to this nation.  The people and the country are so beautiful!

We made it!

We are here!  What a beautiful country, and gracious people!  Not much time to fill you in, but we arrived with all luggage and no missed connections, despite many delays.  Thank you for staying in with us!  Pls reply and encourage when you can...

We made it to the airport!

Well, we made it to the airport.  I know that sounds like no big deal, but it began to snow last night and it's about 14 degrees outside.  At least two cars spun out in front of us, and ended up coming towards us on the interstate.  With 19 people, two vans and a trailer, it was treacherous.  But, we are sitting in the airport waiting to go now.  Woohoo!  Adventure, here we come!

Wow! Here we go!

We leave tomorrow on this adventure, and we are so excited!  We will be in Istanbul for the first 4 days, and then will head to Izmir!  Thank you for your prayers, and for following us as we go!

Word of the Lord

     So, we had a word of the Lord from one of our leaders for the team.  I wrote it in my journal so that I would not forget.  Acts 4:32 & 33.  "They were of one heart, in tune with one another, going the same way.  They were of one mind (soul) breathing spiritually together.  They had all things in common, they witnessed with great power, and grace was upon them."
     A brief word a bout Turkiye.  I have wanted to go to Turkiye since I did my SOIP in 2006.  We had an amazing time of prayer that lasted about 4 hours, and during that time God really gave me His heart for this nation.  The very idea that the 7 churches in Revelations don't even exist any longer really breaks my heart.  Not only that, the country is so heavily Muslim that it's difficult to believe that this was once such a Christian nation.  So, we are really thrilled to be going and leading this team.

    The team consists of three students from the DTS (Discipleship Training School), 4 from the SOSM (School of Strategic Missions), and 14 from the SOIP (School of Intercessory Prayer).  We have 5 leaders going with the team, but David and I are the main leaders.  I was greatly encouraged by this word, as we have a lot to tackle as far as team dynamics.  Please keep our unity in your prayers, as well as praying that we don't fall under the spirits of the land.  Because Turkiye is 99.9% Muslim, the women have a hard time relating to what they're feeling from the men, and the men sometimes begin to look down on the women....I am talking about team dynamics, not the Muslims in the country.  We need to be unified, and to treat the women with great respect. 

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

     In an effort to enable those of you who are journeying with us in spirit to be a part of it all, I am creating a blog.  I am thrilled at the prospect of heading out to a place where we have never been, and a little insecure at the same time.  I know that it's difficult for anyone to see me that way, but it's true. I ask that you would all lift us up as we travel, and continue to check in as we begin our trip. 
     I am going to give permission to only some people because of the nature of our path, and ask that you share verbally and not in writing with others.  This blog will be part musings, part general content, and all prayer projects for you.  I plan to share our dreams, hopes, struggles, and triumphs along the way.  We are so grateful to have you walk this journey with us.  Thank you for being in our lives.
     Our plane leaves for Istanbul on December 6 at 5:35 out of Denver, and we arrive on the 7th.  As we prepare, we are excited and eager to see what the Lord has for us there.