01 January 2011

Turkish churches packed for Christmas services

I've talked with various friends around Istanbul and other parts of Turkey and all of them said the same thing about their Christmas services this year: "Our church was packed with people!"

Our church, for example, was so full (over 200 people) that I'm told some left because there was no room, and many church members stayed downstairs to make room for the newcomers. Our church leaders said they have never seen our sanctuary so full of people, ever.


For the first time ever we tried having our own church choir, and although many were expecting it to flop, it actually turned out amazingly well, and I'm told they are now getting requests to perform at other churches in Istanbul ;-)


What made it especially amazing was Yusuf (Turkish for Joseph), a young guy in our church who is learning to play the saz (a traditional turkish instrument). Most of us had never heard him perform before (his dad, however, is a saz player and has written several worship songs that are in the Turkish songbook that all the churches use), but were amazed at how well he played for his age.

They lit candles while singing Silent Night (in Turkish of course).
Our kids made up half the children's play. Daniel (he played the part of the little manger!) was the big hit, getting lots of applause when he tried to say his part.

Carlos, one of our church's leaders, gave a wonderful message with a clear gospel invitation, and we hope and pray that the seeds sown will produce eternal fruit.

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