Small group dinner at Victor and Marina's condo...More and more of our Russian friends are arriving in Istanbul daily...
My second day in Turkey began with what they laughingly yet somewhat prophetically called the first Prayer Breakfast in Istanbul! We have had hours every meal to talk about Jesus and the tremendous challenges in transition for those who have decided to stay in Turkey instead of returning to Russia!
I spent the rest of the daytime with the Lord preparing for my time in Ukraine. There have been many requests to share God's Word in a variety of situations and I am moving ahead in all of this with the fear of the Lord! I am much more concerned about representing Christ and His Gospel faithfully than any bombs that I have experienced in our earlier trip!
After the day with the Spirit of Jesus, we had a second dinner! It is such a joy to be with these young believers who have put everything on the line! It was also very difficult to hear about the reality of life in Russia since the War began! The description I have heard most often is, "fear and panic". People have no idea what might happen next! Families and churches have been torn apart, because often there is complete disagreement about the War. Some having an ultra- nationalist view feel like if you don't sign up to fight you're a "coward" and a "traitor"- words used by parents and close friends alike, who think an objectors actions are so onerous they would rather have them die! Two of the friends in this picture had a thriving business, so much so that when we were together a year ago, their work had produced so much revenue that their 10 year financial goals were reached in three months! But because their customers were largely Internationals who no longer do business with Russians, their business and personal wealth has lost 90% of its value! Now they are refugees here in Turkey just trying to survive and start their lives all over again! This story is repeated 100,000's of times as people all over the Country are fleeing from the most recent mandatory draft and wartime policies. These stories may be of some interest to people in general but personally, these are brothers and sisters we have known and walked with for years! As one dear business woman put it last night, "I act strong and cheerful in the morning but come back to our apt. in the evening and can't stop crying..."
The evening closed on a high note though, by God's grace, because they started to pick up on the previous night's topic of confidence in Christ and living personally and as a community with purpose, obedience and love!
Thank each of you who are doing battle faithfully for each of these precious lives that are in turn changing lives around them, by the power of God!
6 Comments
Jerry
This war has been so hard on these people. They have lost businesses. Praying for safe homes in Turkey. Praying for mercy in time of their need. So blessed you could be with them.
Asking for God's intervention
In this situation. Jerry, Praying for favor and wisdom and protection. That he will give you the desires of your heart.Love and blessings. You are loved by all of us. Marilyn
How comforting it is to know the Lord is directing your footsteps. I do not cease to pray that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Let me know if you see any of those angels encamped around you,
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I feel awful for these people who have lost trust and unity within their homeland. Yes, our true home is in heaven, but the lands we grow up in are special to us. Hopefully they somehow sense my/our prayers -- that the war might end by noon, and we might see a miracle occur in Mr. Putin's heart. I pray that they could soon safely return to their homes in Russia. I also ask for Pastor Jerry's travels and connections to be safe and easy, and that relationships flourish.