Life in Turkey

A few thoughts for a Monday afternoon. The following is an e-mail regarding the local church that I attend here. There was an incident last Monday. The Pope's comments last week spurred some people to take action. Honestly though, I really feel safe here, but it is a reminder of the persucution of the Church worldwide.

Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 18:54:56
This afternoon there was an incident at the church building that will probably be covered by the local and international news. A man came to the building with what turned out to be a gun loaded with blanks. He told the young man who was there that he had a bomb, but this proved to be a lie. The young man ran upstairs, wisely locked the door from the outside and called the police. The police were able to apprehend the intruder and he is now in police custody and under interrogation. The police have told us only where the man was from but have given us no indication of his motives.

There were rumors around the neighborhood that there was a bomb in the church building. Elders spoke with numerous reporters who were eager to create a sensational story. We have tried to calm the situation and report only what we know to be true. The police have consistently referred reporters to the Terror Division which is conducting a fuller investigation.

We praise the Lord that no one was hurt in this incident and we are very proud of the young man (whose name I don’t want to reveal in the email) who responded with such wisdom.
This is a reminder of our need for care and prudence in our security. The police responded extremely well and that is an encouragement. At this time we do not see any reason for a radical response. Let us be in prayer together for the man who perpetrated this attack. Let us also be in prayer for the safety of our congregation and ask the Lord that the publicity surrounding this incident will be for His glory and that it will not be used to incite further tensions here or elsewhere.

The Church is not pressing charges, instead they are praying for him. Ramazan has started. It is a clear reminder that we are in a Muslim world. Most Turks will be fasting from sunrsise to sunset every day now till October 23rd. That includes many of my students. It's said to watch the energy drain from them as the month progresses.

On a lighter note, if you send me a package, please put my name under the name of the school (Attn: Crystal DeLong). This contradicts what I said previsouly. The reason is because we are now being charged the transportation cost of our caretaker having to go pick up the package. I think that is a very reasonable request, however I can go pick up the package myself for a much cheaper cost, because I take the bus over a taxi. I do love mail of all sorts. For less than a dollar you can bring a huge smile to my face! Ideas for little treats include: kool-aid packets, ranch packets, italian dressing packets, instant oatmel, any American candy, etc. Below is my address.

Oasis International School
Attn: Crystal DeLong
25. Cadde, 362. Sokak No. 5
Balgat/Çiğdem Mahallesi
Ankara, TURKEY 06530