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The latest from Turkey
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SUMMER 2015

Whittaker's Wanderings

 

Hoş Geldiniz Türkiye!
Welcome to Turkey! It is exactly four months today (6th July 2015) that we arrived, and we collected Di’s resident permit (Ikamet) this afternoon – praise God!
We now both have our permits, but oddly Di’s is only for 9 months and Vic’s is for twelve. Don’t ask, we have no idea why, other than the rather erratic nature of the bureaucratic systems here! We will have to re-apply next year to stay for another year, but it’s wonderful to have the stability and reassurance that the Ikamet brings!
 
Where to begin?
So much has happened in four short months it’s difficult to know where to begin. We have settled into our new home in Turunç Apartman No. 7,1425 Sokak here in Antalya. We have furnished it almost completely, including our guest room, which now has two very comfortable, large single beds. There is just the wardrobe to fit and then we are complete. 

We had mosquito screens fitted to the windows recently after Di was badly bitten, and they seem to have done the trick – no more nasty bites!
We have become members of our local church, the St Paul Union International Church, located in the Old Town (Kale İçi), about a twenty minute walk or a five minute ride on the Old Tram, whose terminus is just across the road from our apartment.

We have led a Conversational English Class for local Turks, Vic has led a Bible Study class, Di supports a ‘Ladies Coffee Morning’, and an ex-pat ladies group (all non-believers), we have been asked to provide pastoral support for members of the church during the Summer, we are providing financial support to some Iranian refugees, and Vic is helping to disciple a young Iranian refugee who is a new believer… It didn’t take long to get involved!
Amazing People

We have met so many amazing people since we arrived - it is one of the real blessings of being here. The International Church has a core membership of about 50-60 people from a range of nations, but we also have visitors from all over the world every week. Some of these are Christians on holiday in Turkey, but others are Christian workers from all over the Middle East, many resting and recuperating from difficult conditions. There is a counselling centre in Antalya that ministers to them – wonderful work! The stories of these incredible workers for the Kingdom are so encouraging and uplifting. Their adventures are truly inspiring. 

We have also made some wonderful friends amongst our Turkish neighbours and those we see regularly in our neighbourhood as we go shopping, on our excursions to different places, and in travelling to and from the Church.
The photo below shows the meeting room of the St Paul’s Church (it’s an ‘Upper Room’ in the building) during a recent service of the International fellowship, with the Senior Pastor, Dennis Massaro, at the pulpit, and Vic sharing from the front.
There are three fellowships that meet in the St Paul building:
  • The International church we attend
  • A Turkish church led by a Turkish pastor
  • An Iranian church led by an Iranian pastor
Rhythm of Prayer 
We have developed a rhythm of prayer that works well for us. The local Mosques kindly broadcast a call to prayer five times a day, so we use these prompts to remind us that it’s time to pray – very helpful of them, although perhaps a little loud! Our main prayer time is the Dawn Call, approximately 04:30 at the moment, when we pray for about an hour, and then shorter times throughout the day, depending on our circumstances. At the very least we will pray the Lord’s Prayer quietly together, and sometimes other Christians join us if we happen to be in company at the time of the call. It’s wonderful to hear this prayer prayed simultaneously in different languages.
Ramazan
It is Ramazan (Ramadan) here as we write, so our devout Muslim neighbours are suffering in the heat as they fast from food and water throughout daylight hours – it’s in the mid to high 30s every day, mid 20s at night, and rising.
The photos below show the entrance to the Park where the feasting takes place at the end of the day, and the Pazar area with stalls and cafes – full of life!
The facilities provided by the local council are amazing. They installed the Pazar, a ‘mainstage’ area for musicians and bands and a huge dining area where they laid on free food for believers every evening during the 30-day fast.
Prayer Points
For those of you who have asked for our prayer points, we list a few below we would be grateful for inclusion in your prayer times…
  1. Continued progress in learning the Turkish language – not the easiest language!
  2. The volatile political situation in Turkey. If you want to know more there is an online English-language newspaper, Today’s Zaman, which could provide useful information about the current situation.
  3. The pressing needs of the refugees.
  4. For developing relationships with our Turkish friends and neighbours, and the members of the local churches.
  5. For unity in and between the local churches. So far we are aware of seven: the three mentioned above that meet in our building, a Russian Orthodox church next door, a German Catholic church, an African student church (RCCG), and a Turkish church, which sadly is a split from the Turkish church in our building.
  6. For Di’s health – her body reacts very badly to mosquito bites
  7. For the next step in the vision we have for an International Prayer Community here in Turkey.

Love and Blessings,
Vic & Di
xx
 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. - Ephesians 1:3
 

Please note our new address:

Demircikara Mah. Burhanettin Onat Cd. 1425 Sk. TurunÇ Apt. 7 Daire 8, Antalya, TÜrkiye.
Turkish Mobile: +90 536 587 48 03
Email: vic@openkingdom.co.uk, diane@openkingdom.co.uk
Website: www.openkingdom.co.uk
Copyright © 2015 Open Kingdom, All rights reserved.


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