Sorry this newsletter has reached you so late. The editor has unfortunately had a number of technical problems to contend with recently.
Remember that you can contact AJ either directly through email to [email protected], or indirectly through mail to 52 Park Ave., Roseville 2069.
Over to AJ...
Jason J
INTRO
Wow, how the weather has warmed up here recently. I had the chance to take a short camping trip a while back as you can see in the photos to come. Well, a lot has happened, and more is going to happen! So, don't let me keep you, read on...
DIGGING UP THAT FALLOW GROUND!
I have been spending a lot of time with my friends from the Agriculture department. Last week, two GCTC workers (national believers training to join Staff) joined us on campus. I brought one of them to come and meet my friends. I had been having some good conversations with my Agriculture friends earlier in the day, so when I brought some of my Christian friends along, the discussion grew in size, with more people coming to join the group. Eventually about fifteen people took part in the conversation at one time or another! There was a lot of interest developed, a number of them expressing an interest to come along to our campus bible study group.We have been praying that the students would not be inhibited to investigate Christianity in fear of what their friends will think. We have been praying that they would come to realize their friends have the same interests. May more situations like last week occur!
TRAINING WEEKEND
A few weeks back we held a training weekend for the Christian students to teach them some of the basics of living the Christian faith and how to share with friends. Tamer, a convert from the Summer Project group attended. Tamer has shown much enthusiasm to learn all he can about Jesus and is even sharing now with his friends.NEW LIFE MEETING
I have taken over the running of our weekly public meeting for Turkish seekers. Things are going to be hectic with ALL the permanent staff leaving for the summer (that's winter for you southern hemisphere folks). While quality will probably drop as there are not enough of us to carry the load, I prefer to see it as a wonderful opportunity to encourage the local believers to help out. Getting them more involved in the ministry is a good way to get them to consider joining as full time workers for the gospel! So perhaps this summer will be a great opportunity for discipleship and "vision impartation"."WE'RE ALL MUSLIM HERE.... JUST DON'T BE TOO MUSLIM!"
I spotted the boy being berated by an elder man. The boy must have been only about eighteen years old, wearing full muslim robes, a head turban, baggy pants and slippers in Ottoman style. I couldn't work out what conversation was taking place, the exchange being brief and sharp. Everyone glared at the boy, his excessive muslim dress attracting unwanted attention. Eventually he sidled behind the bus shelter to avoid the critical stares.What a paradox this country is! Believing to be a muslim is part of the national identity and then frowning on any who take the religion too seriously. Not to dissimilar to the Western view on Christians I suppose...
BELIEVERS HAVING TROUBLE
A few months ago, an old believer was caught in dishonesty by stealing. On being challenged for his actions, he threatened to go to the police and tell them everything he knew about local mission work and the national believers. He made good his threat and has now left the region. There have been two cases so far I have heard, of believers being harassed by police as a result of this information. There is no illegality in being a Christian, but still, given the chance, the police will try to scare believers by calling their parents and warning them to keep their children away from future Christian activities.Please pray for this situation that nothing more happens and things blow over. One of our most active and faithful believers "Sema" has been scared into not being involved any more in our outreach activities. Please pray for the courage and wisdom she will need, and that she will at least continue in fellowship with other Christians.
I have no anger towards the traitor, I only fear what the wrath from God will be upon his life. How can he deliberately set out to bring strife to so many who were not even involved in the dispute?
FESTIVAL OF SACRIFICE
The festival of sacrifice, a practice involving the slaughter of sheep across the entire muslim world took place in April. A practice originating from the Jews as a symbol for the payment of our sins and need for forgiveness, the Muslims have lost all understanding of its meaning, preferring to rather believe that forgiveness can be sought only through personal piety and not in a substitutionary death.With Easter taking place at the same time, we had many opportunities to share the true message of the sacrifice.
SUBJECT: RE: RE: FWD:
[Email Questions]
Does anyone know the email addrs of Chris Jones, Aston Kwok, Anna Eftekhar, Chong Wei Ong or Rob Aroney? If any of you have contact with them, I'd appreciate your feedback on[email protected]
PRAISE / PRAYER POINTS
[Cut out along the dotted lines to insert this summary in the back of your day planner or bible]Praise:
Training and maturing taking place amongst believersGod's faithfulness in bringing seeking people to us
Prayer:
Friends from Agriculture, particularly for "Hakan".God's protection from police harassment, that it leads to believers maturing
Evan, remember him? I am still meeting with him. Other friends you could pray for are Ersin and Halil.