Galatians 6:2
So this has been a pretty interesting month. My wife has been gone and that has been pretty hard on me. At the same time, God has been showing his love through some relationships he’s sent to me. There is a Turk here named Oğuz (pronounced Oh-ooz) who is a baptized Christian now after having a dream about Jesus and coming in contact with an American Football coach/friend. Oğuz is a very interesting person and is different from most Turks, mainly because of his openness and the way he goes about relationships. Well Oğuz has been very intentional about practicing what he’s learned at... Read more
Slavery
I seriously wish I could be 100% free. Meaning I wish I didn’t feel like a slave to my circumstances. There are times when I feel like no matter what I do I’m bound for some sort of punishment or disappointment and it makes me angry. My wife is gone for a few weeks and I’m adjusting to being alone. I’ve been alone for about a week and a day and I’ve been pretty sick. This is something I wish I could face and have “joy”, but I can’t say that I have any. Also, there were some expectations put on me that I didn’t meet – and regardless of how much I apologize and ask for forgiveness it... Read more
Stand Firm
***DISCLAIMER*** This is a blog written in July 2013. The letter I received wasn't sent to anyone I know. It it based on several letters sent to persecuted Christians and was sent by an organization that helps support them. It's really hard to stand up for your beliefs. I got this letter in the mail. I looked at it and was like, "oh my gosh, what the heck is this!?" It represented what thousands of Christians face overseas as they live as sacrifices, living sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. If you think God is powerful enough to make a book with His words, wouldn't He be much more... Read more
Hope
A week ago, myself and the other workers I'm here in Turkey with went up to an ancient castle that overlooks the city of Izmir. As we looked down on about 4 millions people, hardly any of whom have heard the Gospel, I started to feel a bit overwhelmed. My desire is to see this city that was once Smyrna return to Jesus, but...4 million people. As we prayed over the city, however, the Lord took away my hopelessness and reminded me that he is in control, and all I have to do is be faithful. He also brought to mind two Turks whom I have had the priviledge in my short time here of seeing... Read more
Football In Turkey
In my last post, I wrote about the calling God has placed on my life and how he brought me to Turkey by combining my love for the unreached with my love for football. I've been in the country nearly five months now, and that I'm able to use both these passions right out of college is still a little bit surreal to me. I thought my football playing days were done, but to have the opportunity to compete again is an incredible blessing and one I am not taking for granted at all. I'm cherishing every moment this time around, and really loving every aspect of being back in the game, even the... Read more
Breaking Bread In The New Year
There’s nothing like the New Year to reveal how messed up you are! By the way, Happy New Year. Many people don’t know this about me, but I can be in my own head a lot. I spent most of 2013 going back into my past: grade school, middle-school/high school, college, “real-world” and remembering all the heartbreaking/embarrassing situations I was in. I would put myself back in those situations and think that I could handle them pretty well if I had another chance. The thought I would end in is “well, I think I have it pretty together now.” I’ve wanted deep, genuine relationships my whole... Read more
Answering the call
Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13b-14 Answering the Lord's call is never easy. It requires us to leave our friends, family and comfortable lives to go and serve people we have never met. I answered the call almost 9 months ago and have been serving on the field for 4 months now. Leaving home was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It required me to give up everything I cared about and potentially give up someone I cared about deeply. But God is... Read more
Günah Yenelim!
Maybe its my warrior mindset. I grew up on Rocky, Karate Kid, Power Rangers, and NFL; now my favorite sport is UFC. But seeing the battle fought is so important to me. And the real enemy in the true battle is Satan. I may not be able to see the actual battle take place, since its invisible to me, but I can see the results. Frustration, impatience, complaining, anger. The battles start extremely subtle but they could have consequences. I’ve gotten in arguments with my wife that have started very simple. One time I asked her to tell me some thoughts and feelings she was going through. But as... Read more
My Story
In Matthew 28, right before Jesus ascends into heaven, he leaves his disciples with the command to "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." As a disciple of Christ, the Lord has brought me to Izmir, Turkey to make disciples in a nation where 99% of the population identifies themselves as Muslim. However, the form by which I am doing this is unique, and one that still makes me shake my head in awe at how the Lord works. I grew up a missionary kid... Read more