Spring Update

Nothing causes rejoicing at Antalya Protestant Church (APK) like when those who were once in the domain of darkness are transferred by faith into Christ’s kingdom of light! We are thrilled to announce that recently a lady by the name of Dilek and a gentleman by the name of Volkan have professed faith in Christ and are attending doctrine classes at APK. We are greatly encouraged by their public profession of faith and involvement in the church, and we are looking forward to their baptism. 

As we mentioned in our last update, Kerem and APK rejoiced in baptizing Kerem’s sister Senem, his brother-in-law Aydin, and his two nephews on February 17, 2019. The Mediterranean was particularly cold that February afternoon, but it couldn’t dampen our joy and excitement in seeing our brothers and sister baptized into Christ’s church. After the baptism, APK and visitors enjoyed a picnic on the beach to celebrate.

Acts 29 held the “Seven” conference in Antalya last month with the help of Pastor Kerem and volunteers from APK. There was a 120 visitors total and eight different nations were represented. Attendees enjoyed teaching by Tony Merida, Phillip Moore, and Lucas Parks from the first three chapters of Revelation. After the main conference, Pastor Kerem led a group on a seven churches tour. The conference also provided attendees interested in doing ministry in a muslim context the opportunity to network and to share experience with one another.

APK felt blessed to have a safe and sweet Easter service last month. Pastor Kerem preached the gospel boldly from 1 Corinthians 15. After the service, members of APK and visitors enjoyed a large fellowship meal with one another.

Pastor Kerem and his family thank all their supporters for their prayers through a difficult season. And although the season was difficult, Kerem, his family, and APK are encouraged by the truth that God uses difficult situations and circumstances to conform his people more into the image of Christ, and cause them to depend more on Him.

Hakan and Seray Güven continue to be an indispensable part of APK. Hakan not only fills the pulpit from time to time, but he also is engaged in much of the member care at APK. He also leads sermon application during Wednesday night studies, and also teaches the doctrine classes that new and prospective members attend. His wife Seray is constantly involved in practical service such as cooking fantastic meals and desserts, meeting with women from the church, and helping with cleaning. Kerem and APK are very thankful for Hakan and Seray’s faithfulness in serving the saints.

Pastor Kerem and his family will be leaving for a long trip to America in order visit friends and partners in ministry. They will begin in Miami FL, making their way north along the eastern side of the country, cutting west at Massachusetts, and heading south from Detroit MI, where they will pass through the Midwest and journey back to Miami for their return flight. The entire trip will be from June 11 to July 30, and Pastor Kerem would love to stop and visit with anyone interested. If you would like to meet with him, please contact him at [email protected] to find out more details about his trip (The map below shows the exact route).   ​

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